#Black Celeb Activists Who Used Their Fame To Fight for a Better Black America

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Harry Belafonte, wearing a striped shirt, in an recording studio, circa 1957.

In light of the concurrent WGA Writer’s and SAG-AFTRA actor’s strike happening in Hollywood, we felt it fitting to take a look back at a handful of celebs and influential figures who’ve never shied away of speaking up and speaking out for a cause.

It’s only right that we start with one of the giants of the past, civil rights leader and entertainer Harry Belafonte. Though he passed earlier this year, his legacy will undoubtedly live on through many generations as those with pivotal platforms decide to use for the betterment of society.

Kendrick Sampson speaks during the Alight Align Arise: Advancing the Movement for Repair National Conference on June 09, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Not only does Insecure and How to Get Away With Murder star Kendrick Sampson talk the talk, he actively walks the walk with his non-profit BLD PWR. Sampson regularly champions important causes such as intersectional mental health justice, the criminal legal system, immigration, #SchoolsNotPrisons, Standing Rock, and Black Lives Matter.

Sidney Poitier, looking straight ahead with his hand wrapped around his chin, circa March 1966.

There’s a reason why the late legendary actor and activist Sidney Poitier will go down in the history books. Thanks to his barrier-breaking roles in film and television, the iconic actor often used his platform to amplify messages for the civil rights movement alongside good friend Harry Belafonte.

Jesse Williams attends as Anna Wintour hosts Special Screening of “Living” at Crosby Hotel on December 05, 2022 in New York City.

If you didn’t know Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams was about that activism life, then his iconic speech at the 2016 BET awards while receiving its Humanitarian award definitely should have clued you in. Even before that and still after that date, he continues to highlight important issues facing Black Americans today through a myriad of ventures such as Question Bridge: Black Males and more.

Taraji P. Henson attends the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ on June 30, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Actress Taraji P. Henson is one of our faves for more reasons than one. Not only does she entertain the masses onscreen, but offscreen she advocates for better mental health resources for people of color through her Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and better access to education and opportunities through her work with the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Muhammad Ali at a press conference on March 10, 1976, presenting his new autobiographical book ‘The Greatest: My Own Story’ held at The Savoy Hotel in London, UK.

Late legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali may float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, but he also knocked down the evils of society as one of the most unashamed and outspoken figures in the civil rights movement. “Shoot them for what?” ring a bell. Yeah, we thought so.

John Legend attends the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference at The Beverly Hilton on May 01, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California.

Whether he’s making music to further the cause or giving of his time and resources, singer and activist John Legend continues to play his role when it comes pushing conversations around prison reform, racial inequality and the fight against injustices.

Billie Holiday records her penultimate album ‘Lady in Satin’ at the Columbia Records studio in December 1957 in New York City, New York.

I only have two words for you that should assure you of legendary singer Billie Holiday’s determination for the fight for fairness and equal rights in the U.S.: “Strange Fruit.” If you don’t know the history behind that song, what all it took to record/perform it, and what happened in the aftermath because of it—might I suggest it this weekend.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade attend the reopening of The Landmark at Tiffany & Co 5th Avenue on April 27, 2023 in New York City.

Not only do couple Gabrielle Union and NBA superstar Dwyane Wade constantly speak up for the rights on LGBTQIA+ folks, they also use their platforms to raise awareness for other causes such as women’s rights, violence against women and how to put an end to it, gun violence and more.

Nina Simone (born Eunice Waymon) sits at a table in the Regency Hyatt Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, August 9 through 13, 1967.

With a voice that was equal parts haunting and enthralling, late singer Nina Simone was one of the foremost entertainers in the 60s who were intentional about using their platform to highlight racial injustice, violence against Black folks and the struggle for freedom. Her songs and messages are still used as an underlying force to this day.

Kerry Washington speaks onstage during Variety’s TV FYC Fest on June 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

I can’t think of a more visible celeb when it comes to voting and women’s rights than Scandal and Unprisoned star Kerry Washington. Whether she’s speaking at a Women’s March or making TikToks about the fight for voting rights, one thing’s for certain—Washington is and has been about that life.

James Baldwin in Paris in 1975.

Whether you found yourself deeply engrossed in one of his many books examining the mistreatment of Black folks in America or doing a deep dive into some of his past interviews, late author and activist James Baldwin never minced words and was always able to eloquently express the ways in which the U.S. ought to do better by its citizens. And for that we thank him.

Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at MetLife Stadium on July 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Yes, Bey technically does a lot of philanthropy through her BeyGOOD foundation, but just like a handful of her musical predecessors, outside of that, she also uses her music to send positive and pivotal messages to the masses whether it’s around police brutality, injustice, or simply taking pride in our skin and in our Blackness.

Kendrick Lamar attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City

Staying on the music tip, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention rapper Kendrick Lamar. His music has become a battle cry and often an anthem to keep folks going in the fight for equity and equality. The struggle may be real and the task daunting, but just like Kung-Fu Kenny said: “we gon’ be alright.”

Michael B. Jordan attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 12, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California.

It would seem Black Panther and Creed star Michael B. Jordan’s involvement in activism was already engrained in him thanks to his childhood rearing, but the actor-turned-director didn’t abandon those ideals as he aged. Whether he’s donating his time and resources for LupusLA or marching in the streets in L.A. in support of numerous Black men and women who’ve lost their lives to police brutality—or even portraying one of those men onscreen—one thing’s for certain: MBJ is just ad dedicated to the cause as he is his professional ascent.