Earlier this year at the NAACP Image Awards Jamie Foxx proclaimed: “Black people are the most talented people in the world.” That same evening, actor and longtime activist Harry Belafonte was honored with the Spingarn Medal Award and urged celebrities to be more active in the plight of African-Americans.“Artists are the gatekeepers of truth,” he said.”We are civilization’s radical voice.”
While Foxx’s statement prompted accusations of racism, Belafonte’s inspired a spirit of activism in the “Ray” actor. Foxx has credited Belafonte’s comments for his decision to become active in speaking out about the murder of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin. More than nine months later, with a not-guilty verdict handed down for shooter George Zimmerman, Foxx is still at it.
This past weekend, Instagram photos showed Foxx hosting celebrites like Russell Simmons, Tyrese, Tim Robbins, Harry Belafonte and others at a fundraiser for Martin’s family and the Trayvon Martin Foundation.
Martin’s parents, Tracy Martin and Sabrina Fulton, along with his brother Jahvaris, were also present and received a six-figure donation from Russell Simmons.
Tyrese shared some of the photos with the caption: “A powerful gathering of ‘Influence’ organized by @iamjamiefoxx this brother and friend raised a lot of money on behalf of the Trayvon Martin foundation…. I showed up cause I’m uncomfortable with injustice .. Jamie Foxx I’m very proud of you and HOW you’re using your influence .”
