With #BlackLivesMatter protests being held in various cities across the US, in response to the death of George Floyd, social media platforms have also been adding their support to the cause. While protests took place on the streets, Twitter has also been a hub for debate and activism online - with people taking to the platform to share their thoughts and experiences of racism and inequality. To mark the anniversary of the emancipation of slavery (19 June), on billboards across 8 US cities, Twitter has broadcast a handpicked selection of the millions of tweets that have appeared on the platform since the Black Lives Matter protests broke out in May.

By selecting cities that staged the most impactful protests in May (Atlanta, Chicago, Louisville, Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Philadelphia) the campaign aims to talk directly to the communities actively seeking change. While the protests have died down, the issues raised continue. The campaign, therefore, works to keep that momentum alive through the voices of those most affected.

For those unable to encounter the billboards in person, the campaign was shared online via the Blackbirds Twitter profile (its employee resource group for African-Americans).

Once again Twitter has demonstrated that it's most effective ads come from its rich library of tweets for everyday users. While many brands have released statements in support of Black Lives Matter, few have gone out of their way to advertise directly to the communities where protesters have been rallying for the movement.

 Twitter has provided a range of resources and tips to help people get a better understanding of the situation, and the part that they can play in making a change (tap through on this tweet for the full thread). Twitter has also updated its main profile to reflect its support for the protests. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has also allocated several new grants via his #StartSmall initiative to programs designed to address racial inequality. Twitter has also published a guide to ally ship which outlines how people can learn more about racial injustice, and what they can do to improve the situation.

Source- The Drum