Gabrielle Union Says “Don’t Be The Happy Negro That Does The Bidding Of The Status Quo Because You’re Afraid” Amidst AGT Firing 

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union Says “Don’t Be The Happy Negro That Does The Bidding Of The Status Quo Because You’re Afraid” Amidst AGT Firing

It’s been nearly a month since actress Gabrielle Union was controversially fired from her judging gig on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” While she has yet to directly address the claims of discrimination with the public, she offered some advice for minorities in corporate settings. During an inclusivity panel, she spoke with the women about standing your ground against discrimination.

Gabrielle Union said:

“Don’t be the happy negro that does the bidding of the status quo because you’re afraid. Don’t allow them to call you angry when someone else is called passionate. It’s terrifying. There’s a solid chance you’ll lose your job…I speak from experience!”

She continued to indirectly address her rumored experience on the NBC show. According to reports, Gabrielle Union was fired after calling out a racist joke night show legend, Jay Leno, allegedly made on the show.

“Do your best because corporations want global dollars. Do your best to try to hold the door open and hold people responsible. Yeah, I’m asking you to do the impossible…I’m fully aware that job loss is on the table…but if you’re not doing it, nobody is.”

Gabrielle Union

Kaavia‘s mom noted that she suffered anxiety and depression while battling with whether to speak out about her struggles with inclusivity:

“Eventually, I couldn’t sleep. I knew I obsessed about every single time in my life where I didn’t say anything. And it got to the point where I was like, ‘That’s not right!’ And every time I chose to speak up and the world didn’t end and I could speak a little bit better, I knew I was doing the right thing. It just made it so much easier…When you’re a follower, often you’re not being led by the right person. This is not what paradise or salvation looks like to me. You’re using me to prop up fraudulent systems…I want no part of that, so I’d rather lead, even if I don’t know where the hell I’m going…As long as I have air in my lungs, I will always try to cover us all and I will certainly try to center the needs of the most marginalized.”

What do you think about Gabrielle Union’s statements? Tell us in the comments.

Written by Miata Shanay