jamie-foxx-mlk-speech

 

This week marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s historical march on Washington, DC.  Many American’s participated in the day of festivities, speeches, and reflection. President Barack Obama, the King Family, and various other civil rights leaders and supporters were all in attendance to express their gratitude for one of America’s greatest leaders for civil rights. Amongst the group, comedian/actor/singer Jamie Foxx spoke briefly about Dr. King’s legacy and a recent discussion held with civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte.

 

Foxx told the huge crowd that at recent dinner, in which him and his 19 year old daughter were seated with the legendary actor, Belafonte said that he had just returned from the war when he started as an activist. Belafonte explained that he was only about 19 when he made the decision to march alongside Dr. King and others.  It was this point in their discussion that Foxx realized that as young people, it was time for him and his peers to step up and continue on the legacy.

 

“Everybody my age, and all the entertainers, it’s time for us to stand up now and renew this dream,” Foxx told the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial. “That’s what we gotta do.”

 

Foxx understands that, as an mega star, the influence and ability to help change injustices in America is possible. But, Foxx can not walk alone. It will take some of his peers to speak out as well in order to make sure Dr. King’s legacy lives on.

 

What we need to do now is the young folks pick it up now, so that when we’re 87 years old, talking to the young folks, we can say it was me, Will Smith, Jay Z, Kanye, Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington, the list goes on and on,” Foxx said.

 

 

Listen to Jamie Foxx’s speech during the 50th Anniversary commemoration program:

 

 

We should all applaud Foxx for being one of the only entertainers who normally step out on the forefront of injustices we see in America. Foxx has been a big supporter of the Trayvon Martin situation, Jena 6, Sandy Hook, and other causes.  A lot of the top entertainers stood up and campaigned for President Barack Obama to make sure he was elected. Why can’t that same energy and enthusiasm be used to help fight against present-day civil rights issues?  Sometimes it take a village of people to make a difference. In order to get Stand Your Ground laws and other laws changed, for instance, people with influence, power, and money will have to stand up.

 

So, Jamie Foxx did a great job by calling out entertainers like Will Smith, Kanye West, and Jay-Z.  These are some of the biggest African-American stars in the U.S. and the world.  As much as you they want us to support their music and movies, it is only right for them to support the movement entirely (not only when it’s convenient).

 

 

What are your thoughts?