As members of the Buffalo community, as well as members of the general media pool, we work hard every day to remain an impartial, unbiased source of entertainment and news. However, there is a thin line between being impartial and being complicit.

Today, Tuesday, June 2nd, the music industry is taking part in the #TheShowMustBePaused blackout, in response to the recent death of George Floyd — a 46-year-old black man in Minneapolis who died at the hands of a white police officer named Derek Chauvin — and larger patterns of racial injustice throughout the country and here at home.

Numerous record labels, along with public relations firms and other companies within the industry, are participating. Here at Townsquare Buffalo, we are, too.

In cases of racism, prejudice, and bigotry — blatant hate — there is no impartiality to be had. For cultural gatekeepers to remain silent when our music industry peers, and our fellow human beings in general, call on us to act, is to be complicit.

Today's statement isn't just a one-time initiative. As we move forward, our entire Townsquare Buffalo staff, from WBLK, The Breeze, WYRK, and Jack FM, promise to continue to provide you with the soundtrack to your life that you've come to expect, while also working to make a difference in this fight.

We also suggest visiting TheShowMustBePaused.com, where you'll find a list of resources for getting involved and being an ally.

So today, we are breaking from our regular routine to stand in solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement. So many music genres owe so much of their foundation and history to African American slaves, black Americans and other people of color. Today, we will amplify the voices of those within the music community who are speaking out against and standing up to hate. We ask you to stand with us. To think about what they're saying. Use their words and your thoughts to engage your own community.

In solidarity with #TheShowMustBePaused blackout, we will now pause for a minute of silence to reflect and to think. We ask you to pause and stand with us.

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