Vic Mensa and why it is important to have LGBTQI advocates in hip-hop Mensa talks Orlando, drops LGBTQI anthem, shares his personal experience of LGBTQI rights
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Two years ago, almost to the day, 17-year-old Laquan McDonald was shot 16 times by Chicago police. Dash-cam recordings were subsequently released, showing the scene of McDonald’s shooting. This ultimately played a major role in the protest against police brutality. Two years later, the very same footage has been used in Vic Mensa‘s new ’16 Shots’ video, which is a direct result of the tragic incident. The result is pretty powerful.
“This record is like self-defence,” Vic said. “Because to me, Laquan McDonald represents Emmett Till, which represents every name down the line and since then a lot of things have changed, but one main thing hasn’t changed is that our lives are not respected.”
On this day in 2014 Laquan McDonald was murdered by the Chicago Police. We have not forgotten & will continue to fight for justice #16Shots
— vino (@VicMensa) October 21, 2016
The video, directed by Ace Norton, was released at the ‘Justice for Laquan Rally’ in Chicago recently. Check out the intense visual imagery in the video below. While you’re there, take a look at Bey‘s, Kendrick’s, Daye Jack’s, and John Legend’s own influential contributions to the #BlackLivesMatter movement. You’re sure to get empowered after this. Keep fighting the good fight.
