Michael B. Jordan Shows Support for Black Lives Matter
Michael B. Jordan may have portrayed a villain in the fictitious world of Wakanda, but he’s a hero to Black youth in America.
Jordan, 33, marched with protestors in Los Angeles this past weekend. Aside from his own experiences as a Black man living in America, Jordan has a professional attachment to the Black Lives Matter movement. In 2013, Jordan rose to prominence through his harrowing portrayal of Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station. Grant, a 22-year-old unarmed Black man, was shot and killed by transit police on New Years of 2009. Grant’s death was a landmark case of police brutality that sparked nationwide protests, years before Black Lives Matter formally began.
At this weekend’s Los Angeles protest, Jordan delivered an electrifying speech about addressing the lack of diversity in Hollywood.
Approximately two years ago, Jordan became the first major Hollywood actor to adopt an inclusion rider. Jordan’s rider mandates racial and gender diversity within that the casts and crews of his films. Many actors followed in suit, including Brie Larson and John Boyega. However, Jordan feels that there is still much to be done in terms of Black representation in film.
Lest you think he is just another “out-of-touch” movie star, Jordan’s speech did not only call for change in Hollywood. It also addressed a large-scale societal need for equal racial and gender representation, particularly in positions of power and influence. In emphasizing this need, Jordan stated, “You committed to a 50/50 gender parity in 2020. Where is the challenge to commit to black hiring? Black content led by black executives, black consultants. Are you policing our storytelling, as well?”
We appreciate the effort by the many stars who continue using their voices and platforms to seek justice for the Black Lives Matter movement
