Actor/singer Jamie Foxx is known for wearing his political statements on his sleeve. Foxx attended several awards shows wearing T-shirts with images of Trayvon Martin across the chest section.
Now, Foxx is imploring his fellow celebrities to “renew” Martin Luther King, Jr.’s mission on the 50th anniversary of the civil rights icon’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Foxx addressed today’s March on Washington tribute in D.C., telling both the crowd and his fellow stars about their new mission in 2013 and beyond.
“All the entertainers, it is time for us to stand up now and renew this dream,” even naming Will Smith, Jay Z, Kerry Washington, Kanye West and others as actors and performers who should lead a call to action. Diverting from his prepared remarks, Foxx cited the Trayvon Martin case as well as the Newtown massacre as giving him inspiration to speak out.
The irony is obvious.
Hollywood has a horrible track record regarding minorities. Few people of color are nominated or win Oscars each year. Positions of power are typically held by white executives. While American movie audiences embrace black stars like Will Smith and Denzel Washington without reservation, the film industry continues to lag behind regarding minority advancement across the board.