‘Little Fires Everywhere’ Fan Favorite Lexi Underwood Delivers a Moving Speech at Black Lives Matter Protest
The Little Fires Everywhere star has fueled the fires of resistance and emboldened Black Lives Matter with her piercing, powerful words.
The 16-year-old aspiring actress and activist delivered an impassioned, illuminating, and immensely impactful impromptu speech regarding Black Lives Matter at a recent demonstration in downtown Los Angeles. Her remarkably raw, resolute, reflective, and resilient words come at a much needed time, a time when we need to empower black voices and challenge this culture of contempt.
used my voice today at the #BLM march in downtown LA. It wasn’t planned and I’m not going to lie, I was nervous ; but I’m so glad I did. #BlackLivesMatter ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/oa95vY4Iw0
— Lexi Underwood (@LexiCUnderwood) June 4, 2020
The young actress opened up about her experience as a Black woman existing in a predominantly white space. She highlighted the challenges Black females face as they navigate Hollywood, a chiefly white industry that often buries black voices and fails to represent/capture black struggles. She highlights the all-consuming atmosphere of anxiety and the strained relationship between Black Americans and law enforcement, “All we’re asking is to be treated with the same respect as our white counterparts. That’s it.” It is appalling that Lexi even has to utter these words, to beg people with badges and big titles to do their job and protect her…or at least not to deliberately hurt her.
I said what I said. The trauma is real. https://t.co/8t6WHQJhiU
— Lexi Underwood (@LexiCUnderwood) June 2, 2020
Wise words by young Black women in the entertainment industry.
To young black women in hollywood/the industry or who want to be, pic.twitter.com/eW1zEBPN3B
— RD (@RyanDestiny) June 4, 2020
Lexi concluded her speech by exclaiming, “…I don’t know if I am next. I don’t know if my mother is next. I don’t know if my friends are next. I don’t know if my cousins are next.”
She boldly and bravely addresses this blatant bigotry and perpetual pattern of police brutality. Her razor-sharp, refreshingly relevant words rouse us to action and inspire us to do more, to actively search for new ways to further this meaningful movement.
I am a plucky Sophomore at Wesleyan University with a passion for writing, fashion, running, and extremely strong coffee—so strong that it would make a 6’5’’ WWE wrestler weep. I am a small person with a big personality, only intensified by the coffee, that seeps into both my bold street and writing style. I am currently based in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area and am excited to work for such an empowering, female-focused publication. During this trying time in history it is more important than ever for women to continue lifting each other up and spreading positive energy!
