Kerry Washington has long been an advocate for social change, a journey that began in her teenage years and gained prominence during Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012. However, it was the morning after the 2016 election that truly shifted her perspective on her potential for impact. As Olivia Pope, the fictional crisis-management expert she portrayed on ABC’s Scandal, trended in response to Donald Trump’s election, Washington realized the power and responsibility she held.
This realization led Washington to emphasize the power individuals hold in a democracy. She wanted to remind people that they are the fixers and change-makers in their communities, not fictional characters on television. This inspired her to become more involved in grassroots activism. During the next midterm election, she began attending community events and meeting with local political organizers such as Tram Nguyen of New Virginia Majority and Art Reyes III of We the People Michigan. Inspired by their efforts, she formed the Vision Into Power (VIP) Cohort, which supports various grassroots organizations across the country, including One Hood, Florida Rising, and Arizona Coalition for Change.
In 2020, Washington partnered with the Social Impact Fund to launch the KW Foundation, which includes the VIP Cohort and the Influence Change initiative. This initiative focuses on educating artists about social issues and connecting them with organizations they can support. By working with the Social Impact Fund, Washington can focus on activism without being bogged down by the legal and financial responsibilities of managing a foundation. This partnership has allowed her to continue her work in the arts while making a significant impact in the field of social justice.
Throughout her career, Washington has faced the challenge of ensuring she doesn’t lose her voice as her fame grows. The fear of vulnerability and the pressures of public scrutiny can be daunting. However, the support from the Social Impact Fund, which has extensive experience managing philanthropic projects for celebrities, has eased her concerns. This guidance has allowed her to engage deeply in activism without sacrificing her career in the arts and production.
Kerry Washington’s story is one of leveraging fame for meaningful change, balancing a successful career with a deep commitment to activism. Her work with the KW Foundation and the VIP Cohort highlights the importance of using one’s platform to empower communities and inspire others to take action.
source: hollywoodreporter.com
