Michael B. Jordan and Color of Change Partner to #ChangeHollywood
Kim Anthony • July 30, 2020
Color Of Change and Michael B. Jordan launched the #ChangeHollywood initiative to answer calls for action across the industry with infrastructure that will create concrete, measurable solutions towards racial justice.
The collaboration between an actor-producer on the inside and racial justice advocates on the outside begins with a roadmap for change that lays out tangible ways to invest in anti-racist content and authentic Black stories, invest in Black talent, and reinvest police funds to support Black communities.
Throughout the initiative, companies, executive leadership, staff and talent will be provided with recommendations as well as forthcoming resources to support follow through, including directories, templates, analysis, taskforce convenings, writers’ rooms, consulting sessions, and emerging ideas.
Key aspects of the roadmap include:
Investing in Anti-Racist Content & Authentic Black Stories through educational materials, resource lists and content creation support.
Investing in Black Talent & Careers with advancements in recruitment, hiring practices, trainings and transparent disclosures.
Shifting Investment in Police towards Investment in Black Communities including advocating for independent security, support for Black owned businesses, financial support of community-led programing and new streams of communication between the industry and Black communities.
“The legacy of racism in Hollywood is long and unforgivable: excluding Black talent, silencing Black voices, derailing Black careers, and using the economic power of the industry to prop up police who target and enact violence on Black communities,” said Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change. “We know from our advocacy that the industry won’t change on it’s own, so we’re building off our current work to hold Hollywood accountable to offer these resources and a roadmap toward enacting racial justice. From the writers’ rooms to the streets, we are energized and ready to help Hollywood follow through on their statements that Black lives matter.”
“This roadmap is just the beginning of the journey to racial justice. We are all accomplices in the fight to transform Hollywood, and we invite content creators and industry leaders to join us in working together to #ChangeHollywood,” said Michael B. Jordan, CEO of Outlier Society. “We look forward to including a variety of voices in doing what we do best: telling authentic stories, bringing people together, partnering with influential artists, and changing the rules of the game.”
Outlier Society and Color Of Change have already begun conversations with companies like WME and Endeavor Content and organizations like BLD PWR about commitments to this initiative, with more details to come. The #ChangeHollywood initiative is urging everyone in the industry to make these bold moves to affirm, defend and invest in Black lives through honest storytelling, value-aligned financial investment and systemic change within the industry.
Color Of Change
is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. We help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by over 1.7 million members, we move decision-makers in corporations and governments to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Visit www.colorofchange.org
Outlier Society
is a cutting-edge production company focused on showcasing an eclectic and inclusive lineup of diverse stories and voices. Outlier Society is investing in the cultural and economic power of Black content, careers, and communities.
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