- Celebrities have been vocal about their support of the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly following the death of George Floyd and many others.
- Stars like “Riverdale” actress Vanessa Morgan vowed to support black designers and said that she’ll “no longer take roles that don’t properly represent us.”
- Costar Lili Reinhart has been using her large social media following to have candid conversations via livestream with members of the black community.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
As the Black Lives Matter movement continues, celebrities are actively working to make a difference.
Some stars have donated money to various foundations while others have participated in nationwide protests against police brutality in response to the death of George Floyd and many others.
Actors like Kerry Washington have also been encouraging fans to support black-owned businesses, in addition to signing petitions, registering to vote, and educating themselves on systemic racism through books, articles, and documentaries.
Keep reading to learn more about how stars are vowing to change their actions in support of Black Lives Matter.
"Riverdale" star Vanessa Morgan vowed to support black designers and "no longer take roles that don't properly represent us."
Morgan joined the CW show during season two as Toni Topaz and was upped as a series regular the following season. Toni was also the show's first bisexual character and Morgan has previously spoken about playing a character who is bisexual and biracial.
Fans have yet to learn more about Toni outside of her relationship with Cheryl Blossom and the minor story lines that she's part of, but "Riverdale" writer Ted Sullivan said the fifth season will have a "heavy" Toni episode.
In late May, the actress spoke out in regards to representation in the media.
"Tired of how black people are portrayed in Media, tired of us being portrayed as thugs, dangerous, or angry scary people," she said. "Tired of us also being used as sidekick non-dimensional characters to our white leads. Or only used in the ads for diversity but not actually in the show."
Morgan went on to say that she's "the only black series regular but also paid the least" and said she was "used as the token biracial bisexual." Her comments were met with support from costars Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper), Ashleigh Murray (Josie McCoy), and Asha Bromfield (Melody Valentine), who slammed the show's treatment of the Pussycats.
In June, Morgan said that she'll be supporting black designers going forward.
"From now on any red carpet or event I will be wearing and supporting Black designers," she wrote. "Any aspiring Black designers hit me up. I got you. I see you."
She also made it clear that she'll be more selective about the roles she takes and will "fight" for her black fans.
"We aren't your token black non-dimensional characters," Morgan said. "This is being black in Hollywood. I will fight for YOU."
Gigi Hadid is working to spotlight the art of black creatives in the upcoming second edition of the Gigi Journal for V magazine.
The model explained that she started production for the photo journal months ago and the vision for it changed once people became quarantined amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Hadid went on to say that she'd like the book, which is scheduled for release soon, to be reflective of George Floyd's murder and nationwide police brutality. It will also feature a section dedicated "to amazing Black-American writers and activists to express themselves however they deem fit."
"Although I know that the contributors we had already chosen are from all over the world and are of different races, it is important to me, and a responsibility of mine and V magazine, with this platform and privilege, that we make sure we are amplifying Black-American voices, sharing what they want to," she said.
Hadid continued: "It would be wrong for this to go on print without the presence of work highlighting the issue of systemic racism and the fact that this current uprising came to its pinnacle when it did."
She also asked Black-American creatives to submit their work for consideration for the journal and the magazine's inline exhibit.
In addition, Hadid asked Twitter users to share information about Black-owned businesses that people can support.
Stylist Law Roach is creating a fund using his own money to assist black-owned businesses that have recently been affected.
"If you are a black business that is destroyed and you are not insured I'm starting a fund with 25k of my own money to help rebuild," Roach, who's celebrity clients include Zendaya and Mary J. Blige, wrote on Instagram.
Roach also said that he's "asking my friends in fashion to donate as well."
Lili Reinhart has been using her social media following to amplify voices from the black community on Instagram.
The "Riverdale" star, who has more than 20 million followers on Instagram, said that she wanted to reach out to "activists" to talk about current issues.
"I want to open up my Instagram to any influencer from the black community who wants to say a few words or share their thoughts - I will do an Instagram live with them and they can have my platform to speak about this issue. Any requests? Who should I reach out to?" she wrote.
The actress started by doing a livestream with former NFL player Emmanuel Acho that lasted for more than 35 minutes, discussing the "lack of exposure and education," how to talk about race, and more topics.
Director and producer J.J. Abrams said he'll "always be begging to work" with John Boyega, who gave an impassioned speech at a protest in the UK.
At the Black Lives Matter protest, the "Star Wars" actor said: "I'm speaking to you from my heart. Look, I don't know if I'm going to have a career after this, but f--- that."
Videos captured and shared by other protestors went viral and caught the attention of Hollywood directors who promised to continue supporting Boyega's career.
"You KNOW that as long as I'm allowed to keep working, I'll always be begging to work with you," Abrams, who's directed "Star Wars" films led by Boyega, wrote. "Deep respect and love, my friend."
"Get Out" director Jordan Peele, "Baby Driver" director Edgar Wright, "Black Mirror" creator Charlie Brooker, and writer/producer Emily V. Gordon also voiced their support of the actor.
Selena Gomez will be "highlighting influential leaders" on her Instagram account, which has 178 million followers.
"I have been struggling to know the right things to say to get the word out about this important moment in history," the "Rare" singer wrote. "After thinking about how best to use my social media, I decided that we all need to hear more from Black voices. Over the next few days I will be highlighting influential leaders and giving them a chance to take over my Instagram so that they can speak directly to all of us.
She added: "We all have an obligation to do better and we can start by listening with an open heart and mind." ⠀ ⠀
"Riverdale" showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa said that the show "will be part of the movement, not outside of it" in response to comments made by Vanessa Morgan.
"We hear Vanessa. We love Vanessa. She's right," Aguirre-Sacasa wrote on social media. "We're sorry and we make the same promise to you that we did to her. We will do better to honor her and the character she plays. As well as all of our actors and characters of color."
He went on to say that "change is happening and will continue to happen," and the show's writers donated money to Black Lives Matter LA.
"'Riverdale' will be part of the movement, not outside it," he added.
"The Flash" star said that her "participation in any diversity panel will now require a donation first."
Patton, who stars as Iris West-Allen on the CW show, made the comment on Twitter in June.
Since landing her role on "The Flash," the actress has spoken about the hateful messages she regularly receives because her character is depicted as white in the comic books. She's also participated in panels about diversity and representation at events like SXSW and POPSUGAR Play/Ground.
Lady Gaga promised to regularly "lift up the voices of the countless inspiring members and groups within the Black community" on social media.
The "Chromatica" singer said that she's "giving over my Instagram account to each of the organizations I've recently donated to, in an effort to amplify their important voices."
Additionally, Gaga said that she'll continue to amplify black voices beyond her current efforts.
"I vow to regularly, in perpetuity, across all of my social media platforms, post stories, content, and otherwise lift up the voices of the countless inspiring members and groups within the Black community," she said.
