Pearl Jam on racism: "We don't want white voices overtaking the narrative"

Pearl Jam have made a statement on discrimination in the aftermath of George Floyd's homicide, stressing the need to "do better" in terms of dismantling systemic racism worldwide.

46-year-old black security guard Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody last week, which sparked global protests and rioting.

Officer Derek Chauvin pinned his knee on Floyd's neck for nine minutes, causing cardiac arrest when access to air was denied - despite the victim telling Chauvin that he couldn't breathe.

Chauvin has since been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter, and three other police officers who were present have also been arrested for aiding and abetting manslaughter.

“Pearl Jam was started with a love for music and social justice," the band wrote to their Twitter followers after the music industry engaged in a media blackout on Tuesday.

"Our organisation has been reflecting on where unconscious racism is still showing up in our own lives and how we can do better.

“While we continue to dig in, we do not want to contribute to white voices overtaking the narrative that the Black community is sharing. It is the responsibility of each of us to listen and educate ourselves on how to be better humans sharing this planet.”

The band shared a link to a blog titled 'Performative Allyship Is Deadly' - detailing the most effective forms of allyship and support for the black community.

Pearl Jam will also participate in the All in WA: A Concert for COVID-19 Relief, which has been rescheduled from June 10 to June 24.

Read the band's full post on Black Lives Matter below:

Pearl Jam was started with a love for music and social justice. Our organization has been reflecting on where unconscious racism is still showing up in our own lives and how we can do better. pic.twitter.com/GSCFsAQ9m2

— Pearl Jam 🇺🇦 (@PearlJam) June 3, 2020