Hoodie Up! Celebrities Show Their Support For Trayvon Martin But At What Cost?

Across the country, people are showing their support for Trayvon Martin by wearing hoodies and posting them to their social profiles. Celebrities and influential public figures are regular "people" too most of the time and some have dared to become part of the Million Hoodie Movement. From actresses Holly Robinson Peete, Loretta Devine, and singers Prince, Chaka Khan, Clay Aiken, to athletes LeBron James and his Miami Heat teammates, to former governors, news anchors, and state representatives--them and some more have "hoodied up".

But the interesting thing, often unspoken publicly thing, is how such expression by black celebrities can affect their careers. Truth be told, if white celebs get dissed and overlooked by the powers that be in show biz for expressing their views, think how black celebs that carry the burden or the responsibility--depending on who you talk to--can be "blacklisted". Pun intended!

Back in the day, the careers of Paul Robeson, Eartha Kitt, Ruby and Ossie, and many others were affected by their stance on political and social issues. Have things changed greatly since the 60s? We'd like to think so, but black entertainers, especially, learn quick not to alienate your fans and supporters, especially when you've crossed over into mainstream (a.k.a white audiences)--think Motown in its heyday. So they must be strategic and pick their battles, wear Paul Lawrence Dunbar's mask if you will. They must filter their wording, always make it a "human" issue, not a racial one. Still, sometimes staying true to yourself and not offending those that impact your bottom line can be tricky no matter the race. Indeed, "We Wear The Mask!"

Here's a real potential showbiz situation. A Trayvon Martin rally coordinator calls to ask, you, an established black celeb to participate, lend your voice. Your publicists, instructs you to decline because it doesn't fit into the overall direction of your career. In your heart you feel the desire to say or do something to express your thoughts, even if it means you lose some fans. You know the audience at that rally is the same one that helped you get to mainstream. They are quick to scream "sell out" when they have no clue of the struggles you go through balancing race and show business, BUT they're just as quick to embrace you if mainstream turns on you. What do you do?

It's still early in this Trayvon Martin case so it will be interesting to see how many more celebs and public figures will take to their social profiles or whatever platform to "hoodie up" or simply express their feelings on the issue. But even more interesting will be those who will continue to use their star power and influence to affect change for the social good long after this Hoodie Movement or moment is over. In the meantime, here's a few that have already "hoodied up." As mentioned earlier, Holly Robinson Peete and BFF, EnVogue's Terry Ellis

Holly Robinson Peete on WhoSay


See more!

Celebrities, Public Figures Hoodie Up For Trayvon Martin, a set on Flickr.

Now watch Chaka Khan, Kelly Price, Eric Benet, Kenny Latimore, Boris Kudjoe, Angela Basset, Courtney Vance, Sharon Leal, and more lend their talents to a remake of Chaka's, "Super Life," in tribute to Trayvon. You gotta love it when a community comes together to do something good!








And from the world of Hip Hop, Plies




And from buddy, The Billionaire P.A.

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Impossibility: Make A Film Foundation's Tamika Lamison Inspires TEDx

This one's kinda personal...

One reason I began blogging was because what was once IMPOSSIBLE to me was made POSSIBLE and that story needed to be shared to inspire others. Going from watching the Oscars sitting on my blue couch in North Carolina to working on the red carpet and backstage of the Oscars in four months after relocating  seems like an impossibility to many. But "all things are possible..." as the pastors say and proof of it exists with Tamika Lamison, founder of MAKE A FILM FOUNDATION in her TEDx address.

Yes all things are possible! And that belief is what fuels those of us who've chosen to work in this fickle game of show. Actors continually subject themselves to rejection because it's possible one breakout role could turn their careers around. Filmmmakers continually give ideas on paper flesh because it's possible that work could win "Best Film" by some notable body of industry peers.  Even singers & musicians continue to create because it is indeed possible one song could become the Grammy Award winning or chart busting hit that could move them from mama's drafty garage to a comfy 5 bedroom house with a pool.

So I'm posting this INSPIRATIONAL TEDx speech to get YOU, reader, to continue believing in the impossible no matter what it looks like.  And FULL disclosure...Tamika Lamison, the woman addressing the TEDx audience is a someone I've worked with and gotten to know.  Just when I was about to give up on what I thought was possible for me, she hired me to edit a video for her organization, the MAKE A FILM FOUNDATION. That little gig helped motivate me to hold on just a while longer.

And in case you were wondering, she didn't ask me to blog about it. I was MOVED to do so. This is somewhat a personal blog so I share with you what moves me. Lately, I haven't been inspired by much on the entertainment front, but the message in Tamika's address is worth sharing, especially now with so many industry folk letting go of their passion for whatever pays the bills.

So take a few moments and really listen to Tamika's testimony because this is a TRUE "Hollywood As I Live & Work" example in that it shares how we TRULY live, work, and think here. What motivates most of us is indeed impossibility or said another way "I'm possible."  Thank you Tamika for sharing this great video!

Folks, please share YOUR comments below and be sure to spread this inspirational video amongst your circles on influence and make it viral.

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