CELEBRITIES SPEAK UP ON HPFA’s LACK OF DIVERSITY
Celebrities like Sterling K. Brown, Ellen Pompeo, and others spoke up about the lack of diversity in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s ranks, that the organization does not currently have a single Black member.
Time’s Up, the foundation created out of the #MeToo movement, called for reform in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association just days before the Golden Globe Awards over the lack of diversity among deciding members. The organization launched the #TIMESUPGlobes campaign Friday. They took to social media with a graphic that read, ”Hollywood Foreign Press Association: Not a Single Black Member Out of 87.”
A cosmetic fix isn’t enough. #TIMESUPGlobes #TIMESUP pic.twitter.com/L9tzILjt3i
— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) February 26, 2021
The campaign stemmed from a recent investigation by the LA Times that revealed the lack of diversity within the HFPA. HFPA board chair Meher Tatna responded to the criticism that the organization of international journalists has not had any Black members in at least 20 years.
Kerry Washington, Jurnee Smollett, Amy Schumer, Simon Pegg, DeVon Franklin, Mark Duplass, Courtney Kemp, Tom Verica, Busy Phillips, Laura Dern, and Alyssa Milano were among the celebs to repost the image and caption.
Viola Davis, Golden Globe nominee shared a quote from author Shannon L. Adler in her post: “Telling the world you’re trying is not doing.”
“The journey of a Black artist is littered with obstacles in creating, developing and being acknowledged for our work,” Davis wrote. “If we continue to keep silent, the younger generation of artists will have the exact same load to carry. No more excuses.”
It’s not uncommon for award winners to get political in their speeches, but this year many presenters and winners thre shots at the Golden Globes, calling out the HFPA for not having a single Black member in its ranks.
