By Indira Midha
2017 was rough in the United States, littered with many difficult events. However, 2017 was also the year of social activism becoming more mainstream, which was a HUGE step in the right direction.
Social media has changed how social justice and activism works; it is an amazing tool to unite powerful individuals with strong voices into an unbreakable force. I absolutely love when celebrities with a large following use their platforms to promote causes that matter. While there are so many celebrities doing amazing work for the world, here are three that caught my attention and truly reached my heart.
1.) Logic
Logic is doing a lot within his music to advocate for racial justice and the de-stigmatization of mental illnesses. He gave an especially powerful speech at the 2018 Grammys, promoting equality on all fronts.
You can watch it here:
2.) Gina Rodriguez
Most people know Gina as Jane from Jane The Virgin, but off-screen she is an involved activist fighting for a variety of causes. She is big on women’s empowerment, as well as issues revolving around the Latinx/Hispanic community. At this year’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, Gina made a bold statement on the red carpet about how Latinos need to be in more lead roles, as well as director roles.
Here is the video of her powerful words:
3.) Kesha
When I think of the #MeToo movement, standing against sexual assault and in support of victims, I immediately think of Kesha’s song “Praying.” Kesha has a heartbreaking story of sexual assault within her former record label, but her story of overcoming her abuse, striving for recovery, and fighting towards ending sexual assault in the future – that part of her story is so empowering.
Kesha encourages fellow victims to speak out, and her Grammy performance of “Praying” alongside other strong women in the music industry was extremely moving. Here it is:
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The Spread 