Children’s television network Nickelodeon went f-air for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the same amount time it took Derek Chauvin to kill George Floyd.
It took Derek Chauvin 8 minutes and 46 seconds to end the life George Floyd by forcefully pinning his knee against the man’s neck and back. In order to tribute the life Floyd and all the countless others that have lost their lives to police violence and racism, children’s television network Nickelodeon went dark for the same amount time last night.
Several networks, including BET, Comedy Central, VH1, and more, all stopped their regular programming for 8 minutes and 46 seconds on Monday evening. Nickelodeon issued a statement as to why they were participating.
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“Nickelodeon is going f the air for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in support justice, equality, and human rights,” wrote the children’s television channel on social media. They went f-air and showed their “Declaration Kids’ Rights” on the screen.
“You have the right to be seen, heard, and respected as a citizen the world,” read the text. “You have the right to a world that is peaceful. You have the right to be treated with equality, regardless the color your skin. You have the right to be protected from harm, injustice, and hatred. You have the right to an education that prepares you to run the world. You have the right to your opinions and feelings, even if others don’t agree with them.”
The move has been celebrated and criticized by parents, with some suggesting that it was inappropriate for a children’s station to do. Others are applauding Nickelodeon for taking such a loud stance against racial inequality during this time need.