Jamie Foxx is the latest celebrity to speak out on Black people and police abuse, as he urged protesters to proceed with peace at the New York premiere of his new movie Annie.
“We’re going to have uncomfortable conversations,” Foxx said. “To not destroy the credibility of the good cops; but, we definitely have a situation. Because when you see this happen to other African-American men, you can see we have a problem. I know we can figure it out. I really enjoy the peaceful protests. But, you have to understand that when people riot, there will always be people who are looking for opportunities to get something. Let’s try not to focus on that. I know it’s tough. Let’s stick with the peace and understanding.”
Annie will open on December 19th.
Foxx is not the only musician to feel the need to take a stand following the grand jury decisions not to indict the killers of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.
During a performance in St. Louis, Missouri, on the day of the Michael Brown verdict, Killer Mike gave a moving speech during his set.
“I knew it was coming…I knew it wasn’t going to be good, but you motherf**kers got me today,” the rapper said. “You kicked me on my ass today, because I have a 20-year-old son, I have a 12-year-old son and I’m so afraid for them.”
On Sunday afternoon, singer John Legend and his wife, supermodel Chrissy Teigen, decided to do more than just speak out in support of the protests and partnered with Operation Help or Hush to send food trucks to Lincoln Square to feed protesters.
Many athletes, including LeBron James, Derrick Rose and Reggie Bush, have also joined the cause, donning shirts that say “I Can’t Breathe,” the slogan for justice for Eric Garner.
After wearing his “I Can’t Breathe” shirt at last night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, James said, “It was a message to the family that I’m sorry for their loss, sorry to his wife and that’s what it’s about. I think everybody gets caught up in everything else besides who’s really feeling it, and that’s the family.”
