You know her as “Olivia Pope” in Scandal, we know her as Kerry Marisa Washington– mom, wife and very importantly, activist.
Kerry uses her production company, Simpson Street, to debunk myths and minimalize mainstream consumption of stereotypes about black women often projected in media especially movies by creating healthy, positive alternatives. As an activist, Kerry was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Committee of the Arts and Humanities of 2009.This appointment was made based on the strength of her advocacy for the full recognition of black women and people of color. She also is an active member of the V-Counsel, an esteemed group of advisors to V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls.
In 2014 she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People- an initiative formed to ensure the political, educational, social, economic equality of rights of all persons to eliminate racial hatred/racial discrimination and lastly but very importantly to advance justice for African Americans honoured Kerry with the President’s Award, recognising her special achievement in furthering the cause of civil rights and public service.
Kerry currently uses her platforms to give voice to the voiceless in varying capacities and has in times past fought violence against women, and raised money to protect the civil liberties of minorities.
P.S In case you’ve ever wondered, Kerry is of African descent; born of an African American father with descendants from the Caribbean and a Jamaican mom.
It gets interesting, Kerry is married to an Igbo Nigerian American footballer now actor and producer- Nnamdi Asomugha. Together they have two kids. Guess it’s safe to say Kerry is our Nigerian sister next door.
Haha
Culled from Glamour and Massachusetts Conference for Women
