Hundreds of Black artists, led by Kendrick Sampson and Tessa Thompson, call on Hollywood to divest from the police

Variety

More than 300 Black artists and executives that include Sterling K. Brown, Issa Rae, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Chadwick Boseman, Billy Porter, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Michael B. Jordan and Angela Bassett have signed the letter urging Hollywood to divest from the police. Sampson and Thompson developed the letter, along with Black Lives Matter co-founders Patrisse Cullors and Melina Abdullah. "The way that Hollywood and mainstream media have contributed to the criminalization of Black people, the misrepresentation of the legal system, and the glorification of police corruption and violence has had dire consequences on Black lives," says the letter. "This includes stories that demonize our mental health as violent. These stories contribute to the killings of Black people like Deborah Danner, who was murdered by NYPD Sgt. Hugh Barry.  It also includes the perpetuation of transphobic stories which are used to justify the murder of Tony McDade in Florida, Nina Pop in Missouri, Dominique Fells in Philadelphia, and Riah Milton in Ohio.  We must end the exaltation of officers and agents that are brutal and act outside of the law as heroes. These portrayals encourage cops like Derek Chauvin, the murderer of George Floyd." The letter adds: "We demand better. Prove that Black Lives Matter to Hollywood by taking bold moves to affirm, defend and invest in Black lives.  Follow the examples of the Minneapolis School District, Denver Public Schools, the University of Minnesota and many other institutions in divesting from the policing system and investing in the Black community.  We demand that Hollywood. DIVEST FROM POLICE. DIVEST FROM ANTI-BLACK CONTENT. INVEST IN OUR CAREERS. INVEST IN ANTI-RACIST CONTENT. INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY."