Michael B. Jordan urges Hollywood to hire black: 'Let us bring our darkness to the light'
Michael B. Jordan wants Hollywood to walk the walk.
The "Black Panther" actor attended a protest in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles on Saturday and gave a passionate speech urging the entertainment industry to implement change.
"I want us to invest in black staff," the 33-year-old said in a video captured by a fellow protester. "I'm proud to have an inclusion rider and all that good stuff, and I use my power to demand diversity, but it's time the studios and agencies and all these buildings we stand in front of to do the same."
The protest was organized by talent agencies CAA, UTA, WME and ICM Partners. In addition, he asked if the entertainment industry was willing to help those "working to solve" the problems they "created."
"You committed to a 50/50 gender parity in 2020," he said. "Where is the challenge to commit to black hiring? Black content led by black executives, black consultants. Are you policing our storytelling as well?"
"Let us bring our darkness to the light," Jordan added. "Black culture: the sneakers, sports, comedic culture that you guys love so much. We've dealt with discrimination at every turn. Can you help fund black brands, companies, cultural leaders, black organizations?"
While stressing the need for people to get out and vote, the "Fruitvale Station" actor said the simple act "has never been more important than it is today."
