Scandal actor, Kerry Washington, is the latest star to speak on diversity in Hollywood. Washington stopped by The Sequel podcast, hosed by John HornJohn, to discuss the work that needed to be done in Hollywood.
The episode discussed the most recent deaths around the world, and Washington spoke on the work that still needs to be done in Hollywood.
“When we say that we’re committed to diversity — it’s diverse from what? We’re still centering whiteness as the most important thing and inviting diversity around that or when we talk about inclusivity, there’s still an in and an out,” she stated. “We’re still centering certain kinds of people and maybe in tiny fractions allowing other people to the table.”
Washington also applauded the fight for change across the world. She expresses her gratitude for the different ways people are contributing to black lives.
“This is not a moment of revelation, but I’m watching the revelation around me for people, and I’m grateful that the world is showing up for black lives in a different way, but this is what has been the reality — this level of danger and anger and fear. Maybe trauma and lack of safety — this has been the reality of Black Americans since there were Black Americans.”
She points out that a lot of work still needs to be done. The scandal star believes Hollywood can be better by creating “a more radical acceptance of anti-racist society, policies and culture.”
Lastly, she stresses the importance of “that desire to come from a deep understanding that we all deserve full rights of humanity.”
“Yes, all lives matter, but accepting to be in an anti-racist society, we affirm that Black lives matter. I think people are finally understanding that and our institutions need to understand that – not just interpersonal relationships,” she explains. “It’s important we’re having these conversations at our dinner tables, in our classrooms and in our highest systems of government.”
You can check out the full podcast here.
