‘Don’t be that happy negro’ — Gabrielle Union charges black women after AGT sacking

Gabrielle Union, American actress, has urged women, especially blacks, to speak against discrimination in every facet of life they find themselves.

The actress cum activist’s comment comes after a prolonged silence since she was controversially fired from American Got Talent (AGT) show by the NBC last month.

Union was sacked for criticising the show and making a statement that was allegedly seen as “racially insensitive” on set.

“Don’t be the happy negro that does the bidding of the status quo because you’re afraid,” Variety quoted her as saying on Monday at a panel on ‘power of inclusivity and the women leading the charge.’

“Don’t allow them to call you angry when someone else is called passionate. It’s terrifying. There’s a solid chance you’ll lose your job… I speak from experience.

“Do your best because corporations want global dollars. Do your best to try to hold the door open and hold people responsible. Yeah, I’m asking you to do the impossible… I’m fully aware that job loss is on the table… but if you’re not doing it, nobody is.”

The NBC recently announced its resolve to investigate what actually transpired on the show. The AGF had also reiterated its commitment to ensuring it works with Union until the drama following her exit is resolved.

Earlier this month, the 47-year-old actress had disclosed she had a meeting with representatives of the NBC where she made her observations on the need to change the “toxic” culture behind the show. 

“We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting yesterday. I was able to, again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change,” she wrote on Twitter.

We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting yesterday. I was able to, again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change.

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) December 4, 2019

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Born October 29, 1972, Union kick-started her career in the 1990s but got into the spotlight after her breakthrough role in ‘Bring It On’, a movie produced in 2000.

She is a writer and an activist who works on issues around women’s health and violence against women.

Her exit from the AGT has since provoked outrage with many, including Dwyane Wade, her husband, criticizing the show for firing her because she aired her opinion.

As proud as i were of her being selected as a judge on #AGT— Iam even more proud of her standing up for what she stands for and that’s US.

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019