Queen Latifah Raises Voice on Pay Inequality for Black Actresses at NAACP Image Awards, Applauds Taraji P. Henson’s Advocacy
2 min readDuring the NAACP Image Awards, host Queen Latifah and actress Taraji P. Henson took a stand for equal pay for Black actresses in Hollywood. Queen Latifah paid tribute to Henson while addressing the issue of pay inequality during her opening monologue at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium.
Acknowledging the lack of progress in achieving equal pay, Latifah highlighted the disparity faced by Black actresses in the industry. Henson, seated in the audience, echoed Latifah’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of advocating for fair compensation.
Taraji P. Henson’s acceptance speech for Outstanding Supporting Actress at the NAACP Image Awards pic.twitter.com/OFtFfCRbxZ
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Expressing gratitude to Henson for her advocacy, Queen Latifah encouraged all Black actresses present to stand up and be recognized for their hard work and representation. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, demonstrating their support for the cause.
Henson, later awarded for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in “The Color Purple,” reiterated the importance of speaking out against pay inequality. She thanked her supporters for standing by her during the press tour for the film, emphasizing the significance of sharing one’s truth.
In her acceptance speech, Henson encouraged others to speak their truth, emphasizing its liberating power and its potential to inspire change. She underscored the collective responsibility to advocate for equality and fairness in the industry, urging everyone to stand together in solidarity.
Queen Latifah: “You know what’s not feeling inflation?”
Taraji P. Henson: “Equal pay for Black actresses”# NAACPImageAwardspic.twitter.com/qDqmcQMqA3— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 17, 2024Advertisement
The NAACP Image Awards also celebrated other achievements, with Usher winning Entertainer of the Year and being honored with the President’s Award for his distinguished public service. Additionally, New Edition was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, recognizing their contributions to the entertainment industry.
Latifah’s and Henson’s advocacy for equal pay serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Black actresses in Hollywood. Their call to action resonates with the need for systemic change and underscores the importance of collective support and solidarity in striving for equity and fairness in the industry.