Actress, Kerry Washington blasts “divisive” President Donald Trump as she accepts award
By Sewe Ishola,
Outspoken Hollywood actress, Kerry Washington has blasted the current administration of President Donald Trump, as being divisive and discriminatory, as she took home the Inspiration Award at the GLSEN Respect Awards over the weekend.
The actress who is married to a Nigerian born former American Football player, Nnamdi Asomugha dragged the US president during her fiery acceptance speech at the award ceremony.
“Sometimes I feel as though we are living through a horrific dream. It is a communal nightmare,” she said. “The flames of terror and exclusion are being ignited by some of our most powerful leaders. These people who have been entrusted with the protection of our rights, the rights of all of us, of we the people, have chosen instead of traffic in hate. We’ve gone from a White House lit in all the colors of pride, to a White House that literally preaches division and discrimination.”
Washington said her perspective on the future changed after she had kids, and she now realizes the immense impact that the current young generation can and will have.
“Children are not born to be molded and perfected by their parents. Children are born to us because we need to grow,” she said. “You are inspiring all of us to make the changes we need to make in order for the world to be a world that is deserving of your beauty, and your power, and your possibility.”
Washington concluded her speech with a powerful call to action. She stressed the importance of setting the right example for future generations to follow.
“We need to make sure that we don’t get in the way, but that we help them clear the way. Because like all great leaders, these young people are human, and they will at times forget their beauty and their power,” she said. “So our job is not only to support them but to remind them. We must remind them. We do that by example, and we do that by encouragement. We must defend and protect their hearts and their hard work always. They are our leaders.”
The actress was presented the award by her Scandal costar Tony Goldwyn.
The GLSEN Respect Awards honor the work of students, educators, individuals and corporations who have made a significant impact on the lives of the LGBTQ youth and community.