BTS’s Initial Donation
To support the cause, BTS, under their label Big Hit Entertainment, initially donated $1 million to BLM in early June 2020. Shortly thereafter, a fundraising platform confirmed that BTS’s dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY (an acronym for Adorable Representative MC for Youth), had successfully matched this donation. The group publicly declared their stance against racism and violence via Twitter, utilizing the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, stating, “We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I, and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.” This message resonated widely, prompting fans to mobilize under the hashtag #MatchAMillion.
Fan-Led Initiatives
Within just 24 hours, a fan-led organization called One In An ARMY (OIAA) announced they had raised $817,000. Ultimately, contributions exceeded the $1 million mark, with OIAA expressing pride in the ARMY’s ability to effect meaningful change in combating anti-Black racism. They emphasized their solidarity with Black members of the ARMY and the broader Black community, asserting that their voices deserve recognition.
Responses from Black Lives Matter
Kailee Scales, the managing director of Black Lives Matter, responded to the band’s efforts, stating, “We are moved by the generosity of BTS and allies all over the world who stand in solidarity in the fight for Black lives.” The weekend following these developments also saw notable contributions from other celebrities, including Kanye West’s $2 million pledge to support the families of victims of racial violence, and Michael Jordan’s commitment of $100 million to organizations advocating for racial equality.
Related Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, BTS and their devoted ARMY have demonstrated the profound impact that celebrity influence can have on social movements, successfully raising significant funds for Black Lives Matter while fostering a sense of community and solidarity.