Michael B. Jordan encourages Hollywood to hire more black talent while attending a Black Lives Matter protest. Jordan is perhaps best known for his role in the Creed films, as well as playing Erik Killmonger in Marvel's Black Panther. In fact, thanks to Jordan's performance, Killmonger is widely considered to be one of the best villains to appear within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, before entering the Marvel world, Jordan's breakout role came in 2013's Fruitvale Station, where he played Oscar Grant, a young black man who was killed by a police officer at a public transit station.
Fruitvale Station has sadly remained relevant over the years, especially in regards to the events of the past two weeks. On May 25, an unarmed black man named George Floyd died after a white police officer pinned Floyd to the ground with a knee on his neck. Floyd's death, as well as those of other black men and women, sparked massive protests across the globe as people seek an end to police brutality and systemic racism. Some of the effects of these protests can be seen within the responses from various celebrities, brands, and corporations that have popped up in recent days.
Jordan was among those celebrities who attended a protest, and he even stepped up to give a moving speech. Within said speech, Jordan called upon the studios and agencies of Hollywood to seek out more black talent and tell black stories. He frequently gestured to the buildings around him to indicate who he was speaking to, and he had the support of all the protesters. "Where is the challenge to commit to black hiring?" Jordan asked. "Black content led by black executives, black consultants. Are you policing our storytelling as well? Let us bring out darkness to the light." You can see the video (via Nick Hamilton) in the space below.
Jordan's most recent feature film, Just Mercy, is available to rent for free for the entire month of June to promote education about systemic racism present within the United States. Jordan has always been open about encouraging greater diversity in film, especially after he broke barriers by playing Johnny Storm in the 2015 Fantastic Four. Jordan's casting was met with criticism among some who felt a black actor should not play a traditionally white character, though the majority of audiences praised the move.
Star Wars actor John Boyega also gave a powerful speech at a protest last week, where he said he was speaking up for Black Lives Matter despite the damage it might do to his career. In response, several Hollywood directors shared their support for Boyega and reaffirmed they would love to work with him. The calls for better on-screen diversity continue to grow, and Jordan and Boyega are currently among those leading the charge. Hopefully, Hollywood will finally, truly listen.
Source: Nick Hamilton/Twitter