Diplo and Dillon Francis join growing list of artists calling for New York's repeal of 50-A

by Jake Williams · June 10, 2020

by: Jessica Mao Jun 10, 2020

Diplo and Dillon Francis join a growing list of artists who have called for New York to repeal the 50-A provision. The longstanding New York law, which was officially repealed on June 9, had been intact for 44 years and served to shield police officer’s disciplinary records from the public, blocking records of misconduct and complaints. The Black Lives Matter movement has inspired a new surge of protests to collectively pressure politicians to make legislative changes in both the wake of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s deaths at the hands of law enforcement and the police brutality experienced by numerous frontline protestors nationwide.

Other prolific music influencers who showed their support for the repeal included Ariana Grande, Miguel, and Mariah Carey. As of Tuesday, June 9, the New York Senate has voted to repeal 50-A by 40-22. Republican members unanimously voted against the repeal. Governor Andrew Cuomo has stated his commitment to signing the bill. The repeal will hold New York police accountable, shedding light on disciplinary hearings for the first time in nearly five decades.

many things have to to change.. this has been brought to my attention as something we can do to make real change happen immediately. repealing 50-a in New York is a step in the right direction. we have to act now: https://t.co/kkhQR1YaOs #Repeal50A pic.twitter.com/Hx7juRrrYp
— Thomas Wesley (@diplo) June 8, 2020

New York law immunizes police wrongdoing by hiding records of misconduct, complaints, and abuse. To end the violence and hold bad cops accountable, let this evidence see the light of day. Take Action Now: https://t.co/qpx0sz0cEu #Repeal50A pic.twitter.com/1R5wgVWjWX
— dillonfrancis (@DillonFrancis) June 8, 2020

new yorkers ! please support the repeal of 50 A, a new york law that blocks crucial information in the search for law enforcement accountability: https://t.co/hMm9nQPEq7 🖤 #repeal50a @nygovcuomo @andreascousins @carlheastie
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) June 8, 2020

Click on the link below to take action #Repeal50A @NYGovCuomo, @AndreaSCousins, @CarlHeastie https://t.co/fActEW3cWK pic.twitter.com/9S3IBRlNmW
— Miguel (@Miguel) June 10, 2020

Please help #Repeal50A, a New York law that shields police wrongdoing by hiding records of misconduct, complaints, and abuse. Help end the violence by taking action now: https://t.co/d9r0X4HMyO @NYGovCuomo @AndreaSCousins @CarlHeastie pic.twitter.com/xVP33NMHLU
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) June 8, 2020

Make no mistake—dance music is born from black culture. Without black creators, innovators, selectors, and communities, the electronic dance music we hold so dear would simply not exist. In short, dance music is deeply indebted to the global black community and we need to be doing more. Black artists and artists of color have played a profound role in shaping the sound and culture of dance music and now more than ever, it is necessary for everyone in the music community to stand up for the people that have given us so much. Dancing Astronaut pledges to make every effort to be a better ally, a stronger resource, and a more accountable member of the global dance music community. Black Lives Matter—get involved here:

Black Lives Matter

My Block My Hood My City

National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program

Black Visions Collective

Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Legal Defense Initiative

The Bail Project

The Next Level Boys Academy

Color of Change

Committee to Protect Journalists

H/T: Billboard

Featured Image: Rukes