Ferguson takes Grammys center stage

The protest movement around the killing of black men by police made its way onto the stage at Los Angeles’s Staples Center Sunday night, as musicians incorporated its gestures and slogans into Grammys performances. 

The presence on music’s biggest stage is an indication that the movement continues even after grand jury decisions not to indict police officers in Ferguson, Mo., and Staten Island. 

Pharrell Williams incorporated the “Hands up, don’t shoot” gesture, famous from Ferguson, into the performance of his hit song “Happy.”

Pharrell, Common and Beyoncé show support for #BlackLivesMatter at #GRAMMYs http://t.co/jFS7xH8nt4 pic.twitter.com/QxEBaORzPO

— XXL Magazine (@XXL) February 9, 2015

Prince used the message “Black lives matter” into his speech presenting the award for album of the year. “Albums still matter,” Prince said. “Like books and black lives, albums still matter.”

Common and John Legend won the best original song award for “Glory,” featured in the film Selma about the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.  

“I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand, but instead was given a bullet,” Common said. “I am the two fallen police officers murdered in the line of duty. Selma has awakened my humanity.”

He also raised his hands in the “don’t shoot” gesture.

‘That’s why Rosa sat on the bus. That’s why we walk through #Ferguson with our hands up.’ @common #grammys pic.twitter.com/dTxrUaTLDj

— Staci D Kramer (@sdkstl) February 9, 2015

In another connection to King, Beyonce sang “Take My Hand Precious Lord,” which was sung at King’s funeral, and connected it to the movement of today with hands up in the background. 

Grammys 2015: Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, Prince Pay Tribute to Black Lives Matter Movement:… http://t.co/Gh8U5j0RBw pic.twitter.com/CxlXJqSrI1

— DJ Mista Xclusive™ (@DJMistaXclusive) February 9, 2015