In light of Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show performance and the subsequent online chatter about the symbolism and hidden political messages riddled throughout, it made us ponder what role artist’s play in amplifying causes and pertinent messages to the masses.
Nina Simone once famously said that an artist’s duty was to reflect the times and there’s not doubt that Lamar’s set no doubt expressed activist sentiments with it’s imagery and subtext that highlighted many different facets it means to be Black in America. And while some people may argue that he’s more a rapper than outright activist, his music has become a battle cry, with certain songs often used an anthem to keep folks going in the fight for equity and equality. The struggle may be real and the task daunting, but just like Kung-Fu Kenny said: “we gon’ be alright.”
So it’s in that vein that we’d like to take a look at a handful of other Black celebs who walk the line of being entertainers and activists.
Ava DuVernay
Let’s kick things off with film director Ava DuVernay. Through her work in projects such as “Selma,” “When They See Us,” and the “13th” documentary, this Oscar-nominated director has consistently used her art form to push forth causes and spearhead necessary conversations when it comes to the plight and advancement of Black folks. She continues that work through her production company ARRAY and other off-screen endeavors.
Noname
While rapper Noname may go by that moniker, her dedication to shining a light on the struggles of Black folks, queer folks and other disenfranchised groups—and even calling out her own shortcomings in that journey—has made her a household name all on her own.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Though Tracee Ellis Ross may be the daughter of an iconic singer, she, too, uses her voice to raise awareness on issues like mass incarceration and advocates for women empowerment and voting rights.
Harry Belafonte
Civil rights leader and entertainer Harry Belafonte may have passed away just two years ago, his legacy will undoubtedly live on through many generations as those with pivotal platforms decide to use it for the betterment of society.
Kendrick Sampson
Not only does Insecure and How to Get Away With Murder star Kendrick Sampson talk the talk, he actively walks the walk with his non-profit BLD PWR. Sampson regularly champions important causes such as intersectional mental health justice, the criminal legal system, immigration, #SchoolsNotPrisons, Standing Rock, and Black Lives Matter.
Sidney Poitier
There’s a reason why the late legendary actor and activist Sidney Poitier will go down in the history books. Thanks to his barrier-breaking roles in film and television, the iconic actor often used his platform to amplify messages for the civil rights movement alongside good friend Harry Belafonte.
Jesse Williams
If you didn’t know Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams was about that activism life, then his iconic speech at the 2016 BET awards while receiving its Humanitarian award definitely should have clued you in. Even before that and still after that date, he continues to highlight important issues facing Black Americans today through a myriad of ventures such as Question Bridge: Black Males and more.
Taraji P. Henson
Actress Taraji P. Henson is one of our faves for more reasons than one. Not only does she entertain the masses onscreen, but offscreen she advocates for better mental health resources for people of color through her Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and better access to education and opportunities through her former work with the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
She’s also been outspoked about the pay disparities when it comes to Black women actors and actors of color.
Muhammad Ali
Late legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali may float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, but he also knocked down the evils of society as one of the most unashamed and outspoken figures in the civil rights movement. “Shoot them for what?” ring a bell. Yeah, we thought so.
John Legend
Whether he’s making music to further the cause or giving of his time and resources, singer and activist John Legend continues to play his role when it comes pushing conversations around prison reform, racial inequality and the fight against injustices.
Billie Holiday
I only have two words for you that should assure you of legendary singer Billie Holiday’s determination for the fight for fairness and equal rights in the U.S.: “Strange Fruit.” If you don’t know the history behind that song, what all it took to record/perform it, and what happened in the aftermath because of it—this Black history month might be a good time to brush up on that knowledge.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade
Not only do couple Gabrielle Union and NBA superstar Dwyane Wade constantly speak up for the rights on LGBTQIA+ folks, they also use their platforms to raise awareness for other causes such as women’s rights, violence against women and how to put an end to it, gun violence and more.
Nina Simone
With a voice that was equal parts haunting and enthralling, late singer Nina Simone was one of the foremost entertainers in the 60s who were intentional about using their platform to highlight racial injustice, violence against Black folks and the struggle for freedom. Her songs and messages are still used as an underlying force to this day.
Kerry Washington
I can’t think of a more visible celeb when it comes to voting and women’s rights than “Scandal” and “Unprisoned” star Kerry Washington. Whether she’s speaking at a Women’s March or making TikToks about the fight for voting rights, one thing’s for certain—Washington is and has been about that life.
James Baldwin
Whether you found yourself deeply engrossed in one of his many books examining the mistreatment of Black folks in America or doing a deep dive into some of his past interviews, late author and activist James Baldwin never minced words and was always able to eloquently express the ways in which the U.S. ought to do better by its citizens. And for that we thank him.
Beyoncé
Yes, Bey technically does a lot of philanthropy through her BeyGOOD foundation, but just like a handful of her musical predecessors, outside of that, she also uses her music to send positive and pivotal messages to the masses whether it’s around police brutality, injustice, or simply taking pride in our skin and in our Blackness.
Michael B. Jordan
It would seem “Black Panther” and “Creed III” star Michael B. Jordan’s involvement in activism was already engrained in him thanks to his childhood rearing, but the actor-turned-director didn’t abandon those ideals as he aged. Whether he’s donating his time and resources for LupusLA or marching in the streets in L.A. in support of numerous Black men and women who’ve lost their lives to police brutality—or even portraying one of those men onscreen—one thing’s for certain: MBJ is just as dedicated to the cause as he is his professional ascent.
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