Black Actresses Who Were Active in Politics

Black actresses have long utilized their platforms to influence political landscapes and advocate for social change. From the civil rights movement to modern voting rights initiatives these women have balanced their artistic careers with civic engagement. Their involvement ranges from marching on Washington to testifying before Congress and mobilizing voters during crucial elections. This list highlights the significant contributions of women who have merged the worlds of entertainment and activism.

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker used her international fame to support the French Resistance during World War II by smuggling secret messages written in invisible ink on her music sheets. She later returned to the United States to become a fierce advocate for the Civil Rights Movement and refused to perform for segregated audiences. Baker stood alongside Martin Luther King Jr during the March on Washington where she was the only woman to speak at the official ceremony. Her lifelong dedication to fighting racism and injustice cemented her legacy as a political icon.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne broke barriers in Hollywood while simultaneously fighting against racial discrimination in the entertainment industry and beyond. She filed a complaint with the USO during World War II after seeing German prisoners of war treated better than Black American soldiers. Horne participated in the March on Washington and worked closely with Medgar Evers and the NAACP to advance civil rights legislation. Her refusal to accept demeaning roles paved the way for future generations of Black actresses to demand respect and equality.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a formidable force in both the arts and the struggle for racial equality alongside her husband Ossie Davis. She served as master of ceremonies for the March on Washington and maintained close friendships with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr to bridge gaps within the movement. Dee leveraged her status to organize protests against apartheid in South Africa and frequently spoke out against nuclear proliferation. Her activism was deeply intertwined with her acting career as she consistently chose projects that highlighted social issues.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt is remembered for her bold anti-war stance during a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson in 1968. She frankly criticized the Vietnam War and its impact on minority communities which led to her being blacklisted in the United States for several years. Kitt continued to advocate for underprivileged youth and civil rights throughout her career despite the professional backlash she faced. Her courage to speak truth to power remains one of the most famous examples of celebrity political activism.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson dedicated her life to portraying strong Black women and refused roles that she felt demeaned her community or perpetuated stereotypes. She was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement and often wore her hair natural to promote Black self-love and political consciousness. Tyson co-founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem to provide opportunities for young artists and served on various boards to support the arts and education. Her commitment to human dignity influenced public perception and policy regarding representation in media.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll made history as the first Black woman to star in a non-stereotypical role in her own television series with ‘Julia’. She used her visibility to challenge the exclusion of Black actors from serious dramatic roles and fought for equal pay within the industry. Carroll served as a member of the jury for the Miss Universe pageant where she advocated for more diverse standards of beauty. Her subtle but powerful political work helped dismantle the color barrier in network television.

Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln was a jazz vocalist and actress who used her voice to scream against racial injustice during the turbulent 1960s. She starred in ‘Nothing But a Man’ which is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of Black life and systemic oppression in the South. Lincoln was an active supporter of Black nationalism and worked with organizations that emphasized cultural pride and economic independence. Her album ‘We Insist!’ became a pivotal anthem for the movement and showcased her dedication to political expression through art.

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou had a prolific career as a writer and performer who also served as the northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She worked directly with Martin Luther King Jr and lived in Africa for several years to support anti-colonial movements. Angelou recited her poem at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton which marked a significant moment for Black women in national politics. Her memoirs and speeches consistently addressed the intersection of race and gender in American politics.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols used her role as Lieutenant Uhura in ‘Star Trek’ to inspire real-world change within the scientific community. She partnered with NASA in the late 1970s to launch a recruitment drive specifically designed to hire women and people of color for the space program. Her efforts directly led to the selection of the first American female and Black astronauts including Sally Ride and Guion Bluford. Nichols remained a staunch advocate for STEM education and equal opportunity until her passing.

Beah Richards

Beah Richards was a poet and playwright who used her acting acclaim to address the harsh realities of racism in America. She was a guest speaker at peace congresses and often wrote about the need for unity between Black men and women in the fight for liberation. Richards starred in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ and used the platform to discuss the complexities of interracial relationships and social progress. Her work extended to community organizing where she focused on housing and labor rights.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey has wielded immense political influence through her media empire and personal endorsements of presidential candidates. She played a pivotal role in the 2008 election by campaigning for Barack Obama and mobilizing voters across the country. Winfrey has testified before Congress to advocate for the National Child Protection Act which established a national database of convicted child abusers. Her philanthropic efforts in education and leadership for girls in South Africa demonstrate her commitment to global political stability.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has been a vocal advocate for human rights and LGBTQ equality throughout her decades-long career. She has consistently used her platform on ‘The View’ to debate policy and challenge politicians on live television. Goldberg has marched for abortion rights and participated in numerous fundraisers for HIV/AIDS research and awareness. Her activism is characterized by a direct and often humorous approach to serious political discourse.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph founded the DIVA Foundation to raise awareness and combat the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in the Black community. She has spent decades working with politicians and health organizations to secure funding for research and patient care. Ralph is also a strong advocate for public education and has campaigned for teachers unions and school funding initiatives. Her work bridges the gap between entertainment visibility and public health policy.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is known as the Mother of Black Hollywood and frequently uses her voice to encourage voter participation and civic engagement. She openly discusses her battles with mental health to influence policy regarding healthcare access and destigmatization. Lewis actively campaigned for Democratic candidates and utilizes social media to organize her followers for political action. Her memoir details her journey through the industry and her unwavering commitment to social justice.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has been a tireless advocate for the anti-apartheid movement and served as a founding member of Artists for a New South Africa. She has traveled extensively to promote democracy and fair elections in developing nations while advocating for healthcare resources. Woodard worked on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities during the Obama administration to advance arts education. Her political focus often centers on international human rights and global equity.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett has lent her voice to numerous political campaigns and voting rights initiatives over the years. She actively supported the re-election of Barack Obama and has spoken at the Democratic National Convention to energize the base. Bassett advocates for women’s heart health and works to influence healthcare policy to address racial disparities in medical treatment. Her portrayal of strong political figures on screen in films like ‘Black Panther’ often mirrors her off-screen commitment to leadership.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington became deeply involved in politics while starring in the political drama ‘Scandal’ and used that momentum to co-found the organization Influence Change. She actively campaigns for candidates who support reproductive rights and racial justice while educating her fanbase on ballot measures. Washington served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and often hosts roundtables with political leaders. Her work emphasizes the importance of local elections and sustained civic participation.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson co-founded Voto Latino to encourage young Hispanic and Latino American professionals to register to vote and become politically active. She has been a prominent surrogate for progressive presidential candidates and is frequently seen at protests for environmental and social justice causes. Dawson has been arrested during sit-ins to protect democracy and fight against corruption in campaign finance. Her activism is hands-on and focuses heavily on grassroots organizing and community empowerment.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is a vocal advocate for survivors of sexual assault and has testified before government bodies to support victims’ rights. She and her husband have worked to support LGBTQ youth and challenge legislation that targets transgender individuals. Union openly criticizes systemic racism within the entertainment industry and corporate America to push for diverse hiring practices. Her political work is deeply personal and focuses on creating safe spaces for marginalized communities.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross was a founding member of the Time’s Up movement which addresses sexual harassment and inequality in the workplace. She frequently moderates panels with political leaders and uses her social media platforms to explain complex voting procedures to her followers. Ross has partnered with organizations like When We All Vote to combat voter suppression in minority communities. Her advocacy centers on women’s empowerment and ensuring equal representation in all sectors of society.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi founded the platform Eighteen x 18 to educate young people on how to engage in the political process and register to vote. She actively lobbies for education reform and has interviewed influential political figures to bridge the gap between youth and policy makers. Shahidi focuses on intersectional feminism and ensuring that young voters understand the power of their participation in midterm elections. Her work represents the new generation of celebrity political activists who utilize digital tools for organization.

Regina King

Regina King has used her acceptance speeches and public appearances to demand justice for victims of police brutality. She committed to hiring women to ensure gender parity on her production projects and challenged others in positions of power to do the same. King actively campaigned during the 2020 election to increase voter turnout in key swing states. Her direction of ‘One Night in Miami’ highlighted the historical importance of Black political figures engaging in debate.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe consistently incorporates political messages about race and gender fluidity into her music and film roles. She spoke out vehemently against police violence and released protest songs that list the names of victims to keep their memories alive in the public consciousness. Monáe works with organizations that register voters at concerts and festivals to reach young demographics. Her advocacy extends to LGBTQ rights where she fights for legislative protections against discrimination.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has focused her activism on childhood hunger and the extreme poverty affecting families across the United States. She partnered with the Hunger Is campaign to raise millions of dollars and influence policy regarding school lunch programs. Davis speaks openly about the pay gap for women of color in Hollywood and demands structural changes in union contracts. Her advocacy is rooted in her own childhood experiences and aims to provide systemic solutions to poverty.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox has been a trailblazer for transgender rights and uses every public opportunity to discuss legislation affecting the trans community. She has worked with the ACLU to challenge discriminatory laws and educate the public on the violence faced by trans women of color. Cox produced the documentary ‘Disclosure’ to highlight how media representation impacts political policy and public safety. Her visibility and eloquence have shifted the national conversation regarding gender identity and civil rights.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has been a political voice since her teenage years when she created a viral video explaining cultural appropriation. She serves as an ambassador for youth organizations that focus on ending childhood hunger and improving education. Stenberg has been recognized by advocacy groups for her thoughtful commentary on gender binaries and intersectional feminism. Her work encourages young people to question societal norms and engage in critical thinking about politics.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a driving force within the Time’s Up movement and advocates for the inclusion of women of color in leadership positions. She has campaigned for progressive candidates and uses her social media to amplify grassroots organizations fighting for bail reform. Thompson actively challenges the film industry to adopt inclusion riders that mandate diversity in casting and crew hiring. Her activism seeks to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent equity in the workplace.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has focused her political efforts on combating human trafficking and raising awareness about modern-day slavery. She testified before Congress to urge lawmakers to pass stronger legislation to protect victims and prosecute traffickers. Pinkett Smith also addresses issues of racial bias in the justice system through her media platform ‘Red Table Talk’. Her work involves partnering with global organizations to rescue and rehabilitate survivors of trafficking.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah has long supported charitable causes and political initiatives that focus on women’s heart health and education. She has moderated panels on voting rights and encouraged civic participation through various public service announcements. Latifah produced content that highlights the struggles of the Flint water crisis to keep pressure on government officials to fix the infrastructure. Her quiet but consistent support for social justice causes has been a staple of her career.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry has lobbied for legislation to protect the children of celebrities from aggressive paparazzi tactics which resulted in changes to California law. She has been an active supporter of the Jenesse Center which provides holistic support to victims of domestic violence. Berry campaigned for Barack Obama and has used her fame to support candidates who prioritize women’s issues. Her political involvement often focuses on privacy rights and the safety of families.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to eradicate the stigma around mental health in the African American community. She lobbies for increased funding for mental health services in urban schools and prisons to address trauma rather than criminalizing it. Henson testified before the Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health. Her advocacy seeks to change the legislative landscape regarding mental healthcare access.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community and has performed at numerous fundraisers for political advocacy groups. She portrays historical figures like Harriet Tubman and uses the press tours to discuss the ongoing relevance of voting rights and freedom. Erivo has spoken out against immigration policies that separate families and marginalize refugees. Her work emphasizes the power of storytelling to influence empathy and political will.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and focuses her advocacy on gender equality and women’s rights globally. She founded an organization to support arts education in Zimbabwe and works to ensure that African voices are heard in international political forums. Gurira uses her platform to speak against gender-based violence and promotes the leadership of women in conflict zones. Her activism bridges the gap between American Hollywood influence and African political development.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o is a vocal advocate for wildlife conservation and has campaigned against the ivory trade in partnership with international organizations. She uses her influence to support women’s health initiatives and has spoken at the United Nations about the importance of protecting the girl child. Nyong’o actively promotes stories that challenge the Western gaze and empowers African filmmakers to own their narratives. Her political work focuses on environmental sustainability and the protection of natural resources.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a passionate activist for the V-Day movement which seeks to end violence against women and girls worldwide. She has spoken at the United Nations about the psychological impact of sexual abuse and the need for global legal protections. Newton reclaimed the original spelling of her Zimbabwean name as a political act of decolonization and self-respect. Her advocacy is centered on restoring dignity to survivors of violence and exploitation.

Victoria Rowell

Victoria Rowell is a fierce advocate for foster care reform and has lobbied Congress to improve the lives of children in the welfare system. She founded the Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan to provide scholarships and arts education to foster youth. Rowell frequently speaks to legislators about the need for better funding and oversight of foster care agencies. Her personal experience in the system fuels her lifelong dedication to child welfare policy.

Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali traveled across the country as a surrogate for the Obama campaign and spoke at numerous college campuses to engage young voters. She has served as a spokesperson for the Millennium Momentum Foundation which trains young adults for leadership in public service. Ali is politically active in discussions regarding black maternal health and advocates for policy changes to reduce mortality rates. Her work focuses on empowering the next generation of political leaders.

Star Jones

Star Jones utilized her background as a lawyer and television personality to become a formidable political analyst and advocate. She served as the president of the Professional Diversity Network and worked to improve corporate governance and inclusion. Jones has campaigned for heart health awareness and influenced public health messaging directed at minority women. Her expertise in law allows her to dissect policy and communicate complex legal issues to the public.

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown is an extremely active political volunteer who frequently works phone banks and writes postcards to voters during election cycles. She serves on the National Board of the SAG-AFTRA union where she fights for fair labor practices and healthcare for actors. Brown uses her social media presence to fact-check political misinformation and guide followers to reliable voting resources. Her grassroots approach emphasizes the importance of individual action in democracy.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander was a prominent surrogate for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election and traveled extensively to speak with women voters. She is a co-founder of Color Farm Media which aims to bring greater equity to the media landscape through diverse storytelling. Alexander lobbies for reparations and has testified on the importance of acknowledging historical injustices. Her activism combines media production with direct political campaigning.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash made a pivot from acting to political commentary and became a contributor for Fox News where she expressed conservative viewpoints. She ran for a congressional seat in California to advocate for conservative policies and challenge the Democratic status quo in her district. Dash has been a vocal critic of identity politics and often debates issues regarding welfare reform and educational standards. Her involvement highlights the diversity of political thought within the entertainment industry.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox has actively campaigned for Democratic candidates and participated in tours to mobilize voters in battleground states. She works with organizations that support women in business and advocates for economic policies that favor female entrepreneurs. Fox has hosted events to raise awareness for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Her political engagement focuses on empowering women to achieve financial independence and political representation.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones has directed documentaries that encourage voter turnout and explain the history of voting rights in America. She campaigned for Democratic candidates and utilized her platform to discuss the importance of local elections and school boards. Jones is an advocate for the International Rescue Committee and works to shape policy regarding refugees and displaced people. Her work often takes an educational approach to demystify the political process for the average citizen.

Zendaya

Zendaya uses her massive social media following to share resources on how to register to vote and find polling places. She lent her Instagram platform to Patrisse Cullors to discuss racial justice and the mechanics of community organizing. Zendaya has publicly questioned beauty standards and demanded better representation for Black women in all sectors of the economy. Her influence is pivotal in shaping the political awareness of Generation Z.

Please share which of these actresses’ political work surprised you the most in the comments.