Michael B Jordan calls on Hollywood to make a commitment to hiring black creators

‘Are you policing our storytelling as well?’

Michael B Jordan called on Hollywood to make a commitment to hiring black creators in a speech in Los Angeles on Saturday (6 June).

Marching in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, Jordan spoke out against police brutality and systemic racism before addressing inequalities within the entertainment industry.

“I want us to invest in Black staff,” Jordan said, “I’m proud to have an inclusion rider and all that good stuff, and I use my power to demand diversity, but it’s time the studios and agencies and all these buildings we stand in front of to do the same.

“You committed to a 50/50 gender parity in 2020. Where is the challenge to commit to Black hiring? Black content led by Black executives, Black consultants. Are you policing our storytelling as well?

“Let us bring our darkness to the light. Black culture: the sneakers, sports, comedic culture that you guys love so much. We’ve dealt with discrimination at every turn. Can you help fund Black brands, companies, cultural leaders, Black organisations?” Jordan said.

The actor, who starred in 2013's Fruitvale Station, Ryan Coogler's dramatisation of the shooting of Oscar Grant by police in 2009, also stressed the need to vote this year.

“We got to vote,” he said. “Everybody says it’s a very easy thing to do, I hear it and I respect it, but voting has never been more important than it is today.”

The Saturday protest Jordan attended took place outside the ICM building. It was one of many taking place across Los Angeles as thousands continued to march across the country in support of Black Lives Matter and to speak out against the death of George Floyd.