Anthony McGill is the principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic — that orchestra’s first African-American principal player. In addition to orchestral, chamber, solo performances and teaching, his other passion is bringing music to all the schools and all of the children in America. Something he says is "morally imperative."

On July 6, 2020, Anthony shared a video of himself playing “America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)” while on his knees. This performance was his most recent bearing his call-to-action hashtag: #TakeTwoKnees.

“I spent the Fourth of July thinking about what America should stand for,” wrote McGill in the video’s Facebook post. “In that spirit, I want to present another social media challenge as the second phase of our #TakeTwoKnees call for equality and justice.” 

He followed with a pledge, a $5,000 donation to the Equal Justice Initiative, (a nonprofit that prioritizes criminal justice reform, racial justice, and public education), and a public call to action: McGill would contribute an additional $50 for each #TakeTwoKnees tribute he sees, up to $10,000, through his birthday on July 17. 

“Please post something meaningful to you with the hashtag #TakeTwoKnees,” McGill wrote. “This movement is about action and inclusivity.” 

McGill’s challenge has already been answered by notable musicians, including operatic tenor Lawrence Brownlee, flutist Allison Loggins-Hull, and violinist Nancy Zhou. But the support he’s received from thousands more amateur and professional musicians has been steadfast since he berthed the #TakeTwoKnees movement, well before the donation pledge.