Famous Black Actresses Who Are Gun-Control Advocates
Gun violence prevention has become a central cause for many entertainers who use their platforms to demand legislative change. The following list highlights influential Black actresses who have publicly supported gun control measures through protests, policy advocacy, or partnership with safety organizations. These women have leveraged their fame to amplify the voices of survivors and call for stricter regulations on firearms.
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson became a tireless advocate for gun safety following the tragic loss of her mother, brother, and nephew to gun violence in 2008. She established the Julian D. King Gift Foundation to provide stability and positive experiences for children in Chicago. The Oscar winner famously performed at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C. to show solidarity with student survivors. Hudson frequently partners with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence to push for universal background checks. Her personal experience adds a profound weight to her consistent calls for legislative reform.
Niecy Nash-Betts
Niecy Nash has been a vocal proponent of gun control since her brother was killed in a school shooting in 1993. The actress frequently speaks about the pain of losing a sibling to school violence and the lack of legislative progress over the decades. Following the 2023 school shooting in Nashville, Nash released an emotional video pleading for lawmakers to protect children rather than firearms. She actively supports organizations that work to reduce violence in schools and communities. Nash uses her social media presence to keep the conversation about gun safety active between election cycles.
Regina King
Regina King has used her acceptance speeches and public appearances to address systemic violence and the need for police reform and gun control. She participated in the March for Our Lives demonstrations to support students demanding safer schools. King often highlights the intersection of gun violence and racial justice in her advocacy work. The actress and director encourages voting for candidates who prioritize banning assault weapons and closing loopholes. Her activism focuses on protecting marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by firearm violence.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett has addressed the issue of gun violence through both her film roles and her political activism. She starred in Spike Lee’s film ‘Chi-Raq’ which satirized the rampant gun violence in Chicago and called for peace. Bassett spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention to honor victims of shootings and demand commonsense gun laws. She has signed open letters urging Congress to reject the influence of the gun lobby. The actress continues to work with organizations that support victims and families impacted by shootings.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union is a significant financial supporter of student-led gun control movements and has donated to the March for Our Lives organization. She frequently uses her social media platforms to criticize legislative inaction after mass shootings. Union champions the safety of Black women and children who are often overlooked in the broader gun control debate. The actress and her husband have supported various initiatives aimed at reducing community violence. She consistently calls for a ban on weapons of war on civilian streets.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey has committed substantial financial resources to the movement for gun safety and matched donations made by George Clooney to the March for Our Lives. She has dedicated episodes of her various media platforms to interviewing survivors and discussing the impact of trauma. Winfrey openly supports banning assault rifles and implementing stricter background checks for all gun buyers. Her vast influence allows her to bring gun control conversations into the mainstream living rooms of America. She continues to elevate the stories of those personally affected by the epidemic of violence.
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington is an active member of the Everytown for Gun Safety Creative Council and uses her celebrity to advocate for legislative change. She regularly participates in “Wear Orange” campaigns to raise awareness about gun violence prevention. The actress emphasizes the importance of voting for candidates who refuse money from the National Rifle Association. Washington frequently hosts discussions on social media to educate her followers about the statistics of gun violence. Her advocacy bridges the gap between Hollywood activism and grassroots political organizing.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross is a vocal supporter of the Everytown for Gun Safety movement and often wears orange to demonstrate her commitment. She uses her platform to share statistics about how gun violence disproportionately affects women and communities of color. Ross has signed petitions and open letters demanding that Congress take action to expand background checks. The actress encourages her fanbase to text and call their representatives to demand safer gun laws. She believes that cultural change and legislative action must happen simultaneously to save lives.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña joined the Everytown for Gun Safety Creative Council to lend her voice to the fight against gun violence. She advocates for responsible gun ownership and stricter laws to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals. Saldaña has spoken about her desire to create a safer world for her children free from the fear of school shootings. The actress participates in social media campaigns that challenge the status quo of gun legislation in America. She urges parents to ask about unsecured guns in homes where their children play.
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi was one of the prominent speakers at the March for Our Lives rally in Los Angeles. The actress and activist articulates how gun violence affects youth and communities of color with unique intensity. She works to mobilize young voters to support candidates who champion gun reform. Shahidi frequently collaborates with student-led organizations to ensure that the momentum for safety continues beyond specific tragedies. Her advocacy focuses on the intersectionality of civil rights and the right to be safe from armed violence.
Skai Jackson
Skai Jackson delivered an impassioned speech at the Los Angeles March for Our Lives rally when she was just a teenager. She encouraged her peers to fight for their lives and demanded that adults take responsibility for gun legislation. The actress uses her massive social media following to spread awareness about gun safety measures. Jackson represents a younger generation of Hollywood stars who refuse to accept school shootings as a normal part of life. She consistently promotes voting as the primary tool for changing gun laws.
Ta’Rhonda Jones
Ta’Rhonda Jones took the stage at the March for Our Lives rally to share her personal connection to gun violence. She lost a cousin to a shooting in Chicago and used that tragedy to fuel her activism. The ‘Empire’ actress challenges the normalization of violence in urban communities. Jones advocates for resources that address the root causes of violence alongside the need for stricter gun control. She calls for a comprehensive approach that includes mental health support and community investment.
Rosario Dawson
Rosario Dawson is a longtime activist who includes gun control among her primary political causes. She has spoken at numerous rallies and protests demanding a ban on assault weapons. Dawson works with Voto Latino to register voters who support progressive policies including gun safety. The actress frequently confronts politicians who accept donations from gun lobbyists. Her advocacy is direct and focuses on holding elected officials accountable for their voting records on firearms.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis has lent her name to open letters and campaigns demanding that Congress distance itself from the gun lobby. She often speaks about the trauma that violence inflicts on impoverished communities. The EGOT winner supports comprehensive background checks and red flag laws. Davis uses her production company to tell stories that highlight the human cost of violence. She remains a steadfast supporter of movements that prioritize human life over gun ownership rights.
Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson addresses gun violence through her advocacy for mental health and community safety. She founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to help eradicate the stigma around mental health which is often linked to violence prevention. The actress has spoken out against the easy accessibility of firearms in vulnerable neighborhoods. Henson supports holistic approaches to reducing crime that involve both gun restrictions and better mental health care. She advocates for safe spaces where children can grow up without the threat of shootings.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry joined a coalition of celebrities signing the “No Rifle Association” open letter to demand reduced NRA influence. She has participated in campaigns calling for universal background checks and a ban on high-capacity magazines. The actress has voiced concern about the safety of her children in a country with frequent mass shootings. Berry uses her social media platforms to amplify the messages of gun safety organizations. She supports legislation that prioritizes the safety of families over the profits of gun manufacturers.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith participated in the March for Our Lives protest to show her support for student activists. She has used her show ‘Red Table Talk’ to discuss the impact of gun violence on families and communities. The actress advocates for sensible gun laws that protect youth from accidental shootings and suicides. Smith frequently highlights the need for community-based solutions to violence. She encourages open dialogue about the role of guns in American culture.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah has long advocated for unity and peace while speaking out against violence in her music and activism. She supported the March for Our Lives movement and praised the students for their leadership. The entertainer calls for leaders to put aside partisan politics to pass meaningful gun safety legislation. Latifah supports organizations that work to reduce gun violence in inner-city communities. Her message often focuses on the power of the people to demand change from their government.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o is a member of the Everytown for Gun Safety Creative Council and an active participant in the “Wear Orange” campaign. She uses her global platform to question why the United States has such high rates of gun violence compared to other nations. The actress encourages her fans to get involved in local advocacy to change gun laws state by state. Nyong’o wears orange on National Gun Violence Awareness Day to honor victims. She believes that artists have a responsibility to speak out on humanitarian issues including public safety.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe performed at the March for Our Lives rally and has been a consistent voice for social justice. The singer and actress frames gun violence as a human rights issue that disproportionately impacts Black and LGBTQ+ communities. She advocates for the demilitarization of police and the restriction of military-grade weapons for civilians. Monáe uses her art to envision a future where communities are safe and free from fear. She actively supports candidates who pledge to enact strict gun control measures.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson is an activist who works to expose the connections between the gun lobby and political corruption. She has participated in protests and online campaigns demanding accountability for mass shootings. The actress supports the work of organizations like Moms Demand Action. Thompson frequently discusses the intersection of gun violence and police brutality. She urges her followers to look at the voting records of their representatives regarding gun safety legislation.
Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg delivered a moving speech at the March for Our Lives rally about the need for intersectional activism. She highlighted how Black women are often the unsung victims and fighters in the battle against gun violence. The actress advocates for gun control measures that do not increase the policing of marginalized communities. Stenberg encourages young people to use their voting power to change the political landscape. Her activism focuses on centering the voices of those most marginalized by systemic violence.
Zendaya
Zendaya attended the March for Our Lives and used her massive social media platform to encourage her young fanbase to join the movement. She advocates for changing the laws regarding who can purchase firearms and what types of weapons are legal. The actress often shares resources on how to contact representatives to demand action. Zendaya supports the idea that safety in schools should be a non-negotiable right for every child. She leverages her influence to keep the pressure on lawmakers to pass safety bills.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer has been a vocal activist on the front lines of protests for racial justice and gun reform. She uses her social media channels to educate her followers on how to get involved in local politics. The actress supports banning assault weapons and implementing stricter gun safety courses. Palmer frequently addresses the fear that young people feel in public spaces due to the prevalence of firearms. She calls for a cultural shift that values human life over the right to own military-style weapons.
Uzo Aduba
Uzo Aduba has used her awards show appearances and public platforms to advocate for justice and safety. She wore a shirt honoring Breonna Taylor to highlight police violence and has supported the March for Our Lives movement. The actress calls for legislative action to prevent individuals with a history of violence from obtaining guns. Aduba supports the work of grassroots organizations fighting for safer streets. She believes that political engagement is essential to reducing the death toll from firearms.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox frequently discusses the high rates of homicide affecting the trans community which often involves gun violence. She advocates for comprehensive gun control as a necessary step to protect vulnerable populations. The actress supports background checks that include hate crime history. Cox works with LGBTQ+ organizations to highlight the specific dangers of firearms in hate-motivated attacks. She calls for disarmament as part of a broader strategy to achieve equality and safety.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo is an outspoken advocate for social change who supports stricter gun laws. She has participated in events and performances that honor victims of violence. The actress believes that the current gun laws in America are insufficient to protect citizens. Erivo encourages her fans to vote for leaders who have the courage to stand up to the gun lobby. She uses her voice to amplify the calls for peace and legislative reform.
Danai Gurira
Danai Gurira combines her work as a playwright and actress with activism focused on women’s safety and human rights. She advocates for policies that reduce the availability of weapons that fuel domestic violence and mass shootings. The ‘Black Panther’ star supports international and domestic efforts to curb violence. Gurira calls for a society where conflict is resolved through dialogue rather than firearms. She supports organizations that empower women to lead the conversation on community safety.
Issa Rae
Issa Rae has used her platform to address police violence and the need for gun control in Black communities. She supports organizations that work to interrupt violence on a local level. The creator and actress advocates for diverting funds from militarized policing into community resources. Rae highlights the double standards in how the Second Amendment is applied to Black citizens versus white citizens. She encourages her audience to stay politically active to ensure safer neighborhoods.
Tiffany Haddish
Tiffany Haddish has spoken about growing up in foster care and witnessing violence which fuels her support for safety measures. She advocates for commonsense gun laws that keep weapons out of the hands of those in crisis. The comedian and actress supports mental health initiatives as a partner to gun control. Haddish has participated in campaigns that urge lawmakers to take action against gun violence. She believes in protecting children from the trauma of shootings.
Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard is a longtime political activist who has served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. She advocates for strict gun control legislation and has supported the Brady Campaign. The legendary actress speaks out against the proliferation of handguns in urban areas. Woodard encourages artists to use their work to shine a light on the consequences of violence. She remains a consistent voice for peace and legislative responsibility.
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Sheryl Lee Ralph is married to a state senator and is deeply involved in political activism regarding gun safety. She produced a film titled ‘First Day Back’ which addresses the trauma of gun violence in schools. The ‘Abbott Elementary’ star advocates for bans on assault weapons and red flag laws. Ralph frequently speaks at events designed to mobilize voters around safety issues. She emphasizes the need for teachers and students to feel safe in their educational environments.
Yvette Nicole Brown
Yvette Nicole Brown is a fierce advocate for the Moms Demand Action organization and frequently tweets about gun safety. She uses her platform to challenge politicians who offer thoughts and prayers without legislative action. The actress supports universal background checks and closing the gun show loophole. Brown consistently engages with her followers to debunk myths propagated by the gun lobby. She views gun control as a critical issue for the safety of women and families.
Rashida Jones
Rashida Jones is a member of the Everytown for Gun Safety Creative Council. She directed a documentary about the porn industry but also focuses her activism heavily on civic engagement and safety. The actress supports the ban on high-capacity magazines and assault rifles. Jones uses her influence to bring attention to the specific ways gun violence affects women in domestic abuse situations. She urges voters to support candidates who are committed to gun safety reform.
Maya Rudolph
Maya Rudolph has joined her peers on the Everytown for Gun Safety Creative Council to advocate for change. She supports measures that would require responsible storage of firearms to prevent accidental shootings by children. The comedian and actress uses her voice to normalize the conversation around gun safety among parents. Rudolph participates in campaigns that encourage voters to prioritize public safety at the ballot box. She believes that common-sense laws are compatible with the Second Amendment.
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz participated in the March for Our Lives to stand in solidarity with the students of Parkland. She advocates for a future where schools are free from the threat of mass shootings. The actress uses her social media to support movements that call for disarmament and peace. Kravitz often highlights the racial disparities in how gun violence is policed and reported. She supports a complete overhaul of current gun legislation.
Laura Harrier
Laura Harrier joined the protests during the March for Our Lives and has been vocal about social justice issues. The actress advocates for the safety of Black lives which she argues are disproportionately threatened by gun violence. She supports organizations that work to elect gun-sense candidates. Harrier uses her fashion and media presence to keep social justice causes visible. She encourages her generation to be the one that ends the gun violence epidemic.
Storm Reid
Storm Reid is a young activist who speaks openly about her fear of school shootings and the need for change. She advocates for legislation that prioritizes student safety over gun ownership. The actress uses her platform to inspire other young people to become politically active. Reid supports the work of student-led organizations that demand a ban on assault weapons. She believes that her generation has the power to force politicians to act.
Marsai Martin
Marsai Martin has spoken about the anxiety her generation feels regarding school safety. She supports initiatives that aim to reduce violence in schools and communities. The young producer and actress advocates for mental health resources and gun safety education. Martin uses her influence to encourage young fans to speak up about their safety concerns. She represents a demographic that refuses to accept school shootings as inevitable.
Jenifer Lewis
Jenifer Lewis is a passionate activist who frequently addresses political issues including gun control on social media. She advocates for mental health care and strict regulation of firearms. The actress is known for her candid videos where she demands accountability from lawmakers. Lewis supports the idea that access to military-grade weapons should be restricted for civilians. She calls on her community to vote for safety and justice.
Aisha Tyler
Aisha Tyler is an active supporter of the Everytown for Gun Safety movement and has spoken out on the issue for years. She advocates for data-driven solutions to reduce firearm deaths and injuries. The actress and host challenges the narrative that more guns lead to more safety. Tyler encourages responsible gun ownership while pushing for legislative loopholes to be closed. She uses her intellect and platform to dismantle arguments against gun control.
Thandiwe Newton
Thandiwe Newton is a long-time advocate for women’s rights and the end of violence against women which includes gun control. She supports international and domestic laws that reduce the proliferation of small arms. The actress speaks about the need to protect vulnerable communities from armed violence. Newton frequently lends her support to campaigns that seek to end gender-based violence often perpetrated with firearms. She views gun control as an essential component of human rights.
Naomie Harris
Naomie Harris has spoken about the difference in gun culture between the UK and the US. She advocates for stricter controls to prevent the kind of mass violence seen in America. The actress supports organizations that work to keep children safe from gun violence. Harris uses her interviews to highlight the peace of mind that comes from living in a society with strict gun laws. She encourages Americans to consider the benefits of disarmament.
Aja Naomi King
Aja Naomi King is an advocate for social justice who supports the Black Lives Matter movement and its call for safer communities. She speaks out against the violence that claims the lives of young Black people. The actress supports legislative measures that would reduce police violence and community gun violence. King uses her platform to amplify the voices of activists working on the ground. She encourages voting as a way to change the systems that allow violence to persist.
Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams has been a long-time supporter of various social causes including safety and health. She advocates for laws that protect families from the devastation of gun violence. The singer and actress supports the Brady Campaign and other organizations dedicated to preventing shootings. Williams encourages parents to have conversations about gun safety. She believes in a balanced approach that respects rights while prioritizing the safety of the public.
What do you think about these actresses using their platforms for gun reform? Share your thoughts in the comments.
