"Celebrities Helping Make Black Lives Matter"

Say what you want about the 'Black Lives Matter' movement but in the wake of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre's newly released movie "Straight Outta Compton", 'Black Live Matter' has fueled a new awakening among black entertainers and athletes who have been advocating for equal justice, and lending their financial support and advice to black youths striving to make a difference in their communities.

"Hands up don't shoot" was the call to action that gave black entertainers and athletes who were outraged by the killings of unarmed black men and women, an opportunity to get involved and demonstrate their support for Michael Brown and the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Though entertainers have always been a part of the civil rights movement, the trend is no different today than it was when civil rights leader MLK led the march on Washington to help end segregation in the 60's.

"Many entertainers who identify with having grown up in impoverished and economically distressed communities are becoming more socially conscience about the growing number of unarmed black youths being killed by police officers and are starting to do something about it."

Celebrities like Nelly, Common, Janelle Monae, Lebron James, Nas, John Legend, Kendrick Lamar, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are using their platforms to speak out against these atrocities by condemning the actions of racist law enforcement officers, but also helping to make a difference in other ways by encouraging youths to stay in school and offering scholarships to help combat racial disparities and injustice.