Entertainment

Chastain Shocked by Attacks Following Diversity Speech

Published

10 years ago

January 21, 2015

Jessica Chastain accepts the Critics Choice MVP award at the 20th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

MATTHEW KEMP, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Jessica Chastain said Tuesday she has received a barrage of abuse following her recent speech urging more diversity in Hollywood.

The American actress, who was honored as Most Valuable Player at last Thursday’s Critics’ Choice Awards ceremony, used her time onstage to make a plea to Hollywood executives and actors on the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The 37-year-old star of “Zero Dark Thirty” implored those in attendance to “stand together against homophobic, sexist, misogynistic, anti-Semitic and racist agendas,” leading Oprah Winfrey to mouth “wow” as Chastain concluded her speech.

Speaking to The Associated Press, Chastain acknowledged she was shocked by messages she’s received since the ceremony – calling the reaction “strange.”

“I’ve had really terrible people who are racists comment on the speech and say really terrible things. I’m understanding that some people in this world, how much hate they can have,” she said.

However, she said, she has also been cheered by the amount of support from Hollywood insiders, including film producers and stars, who echo her beliefs on the lack of diversity within the industry.

Chastain accepted her MVP award on the evening of this year’s Oscar nominations, which were criticized by some for the absence of black actors and directors.

“Some people had taken my speech and then made it about awards — like SAG Awards or Oscars. That’s not what my speech was about,” Chastain said.

“To me awards are just a reflection. It’s just a symptom of the disease and the disease is in the industry. If we had more diversity in our films it would be reflected in diversity in the nominees.”

While accepting that, by being a part of the industry, she’s “part of the problem,” Chastain said she is hopeful she can broaden Hollywood’s horizons by continuing to speak out in the future, saying “we all need to work together to fix it.”

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Activism

Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years

The Senior Winter Ball is a symbol of the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them. “Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Published

3 days ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Myrtle Braxton (l-r), Byran H. Harris, and Michelle Hayes. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

For a quarter century, seniors in the local community have had a prime location in the heart of the city to gather and celebrate the holidays.

That is courtesy of the annual Senior Winter Ball, which will mark a milestone this year when it takes place for the 25^th time. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.

The holiday tradition was started by the City of Richmond’s Commission on Aging in 1999 to entertain and celebrate seniors. The event also raises funds for local senior causes. Attendees wear their finest attire and enjoy dinner and dancing.

“It’s so exciting to see all of the gala attendees all dressed up and seeing their lifetime friends and making new friends as well,” said Bryan M. Harris, secretary for the Commission on Aging. “They will reminisce about old Winter Ball memories and at the same time create new ones.”

Richmond’s very own Chef Josephine Orozco of El Sol Catering will serve at this year’s anniversary dinner. The gala will also feature the band Top Shelf Classics, which plays hits from the 50s through the 80s and has been the gala’s annual performer for the last decade.

The Senior Winter Ball symbolizes the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them.

“Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Myrtle Braxton, 97, has served on the commission for 17 years and is its current vice president. She says her goal is to increase the quality of life for seniors through safe social events.

“So many seniors are isolated and are sometimes forgotten by society,” Braxton said. “So, our commission is their advocate and makes sure they are not left behind.”

Tickets to the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Senior Winter Ball are $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight. They are available in person via the Main Recreation office at 3230 Macdonald Ave., via email at csdregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or by phone at 510-620-6793.