Kerry Washington Reflects on the Sensitivity of Celebrity Activism: “It Leaves You Exposed”

Kerry Washington Path of Impact: From Fictional Fixer to Real-World Catalyst

Kerry Washington has embraced activism since her teenage years, a commitment that reached new heights during Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012. However, it was the aftermath of the 2016 election, when her on-screen persona Olivia Pope from ABC’s Scandal trended in response to Donald Trump’s victory, that ignited a realization of her potential for greater influence.

Observing the disconnect between people’s reliance on fictional characters to solve real problems and the power they hold in a democratic society, Washington resolved to utilize her platform differently. She aimed to remind individuals of their agency as fixers, change-makers, and problem-solvers within their communities, families, and beyond.

In subsequent years, Washington’s commitment translated into action. She attended local events, engaged with political organizers, and formed the Vision Into Power (VIP) Cohort. Comprising grassroots organizations across the country, the VIP Cohort received support from Washington and later evolved into the KW Foundation through a partnership with the Social Impact Fund.

The Social Impact Fund, leveraging its expertise in managing philanthropic projects for entertainers, enabled Washington to channel her efforts without getting bogged down in administrative complexities. By collaborating with a proven fiscal sponsor, she found a way to balance her career in the arts with her passion for driving social change.

Maintaining her voice in the public eye has been a challenge, but Washington recognizes the power it holds. Partnering with the Social Impact Fund alleviates her apprehensions, allowing her to speak up and act boldly. The nonprofit sector’s experience coupled with Washington’s unwavering dedication ensures that her activism remains impactful without overshadowing her artistic endeavors.

For Washington, wielding her voice is an embodiment of the very democratic right she urges others to embrace. She believes that the current era necessitates a reminder of people’s inherent strength and the capacity to shape various issues through democracy-building.