Eric Thompson II
21
Psychology
Junior
Cincinnati, Ohio
I don’t think it is a responsibility for them per se, but I do believe they should feel obligated to do so. For the African American community, a lot of atrocities try to get swept under the rug or treated as though they never happened. For African American celebrities it is not in their job description to be a spokesperson to all things ‘BLACK” but I do believe in certain instances that they should speak out due to their platform and depending on the status of the celebrity they can bring about real change not only amongst the black community but in society as a whole.
Sarah Smith
19
Criminal Justice
Freshman
Moss Point, Mississippi
I think a black celebrity doesn’t have to speak out against discriminations or other atrocities committed against the African American community just because they have celebrity status. If a celebrity cannot relate to a situation, then I believe they shouldn’t speak on it because then it wouldn’t seem genuine.
Anita Reed
20
Biology Pre-Professional
Junior
Vicksburg, Mississippi
I don’t believe celebrities have a responsibility to speak out. It’s a good and right thing to do but people shouldn’t do things that they don’t want to. When someone is forced to do something, it isn’t genuine. Therefore, African American celebrities should only speak about African American issues if it’s something they truly and genuinely care about. Otherwise, I don’t want to hear it.
Franklin Rogers
19
Undecided
Sophomore
Cincinnati, Ohio
I don’t think African Americans celebrities have a responsibility to speak out about certain atrocities committed against African Americans, but given their platform, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to speak out and help people of your race.
Shikeria Rankin
21
Radiation Technology/Health Physics
Junior
Port Gibson, Mississippi
African American celebrities do not have to speak out unless they genuinely want to.
