Michael B. Jordan launches #ChangeHollywood initiative

Michael B. Jordan is hoping that Hollywood is ready to put its money where its mouth is after a recent surge in marches, rallies, protests and lots of talk about ending systemic racism and pushing for real change since the killing of George Floyd sparked international outrage. And not only is he leading by example, but he’s also spearheading an initiative to help others in Hollywood navigate it all.According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 33-year-old Black Panther star and Outlier Society Productions head teamed with Color of Change to launch the #ChangeHollywood initiative on July 23. The initiative provides a roadmap that offers tangible ways to invest in anti-racist content and authentic Black stories, while supporting Black talent and reinvesting police funds to support Black communities. Recommendations, resources, directories, templates, analysis, taskforces, writers rooms and consulting sessions will be made available through the program.

Hollywood has a history of racism … Excluding Black talent, silencing Black voices, derailing Black careers, and propping up policing and injustices…

Hollywood, break the pattern it’s about that time !! #ChangeHollywood— Michael B. Jordan (@michaelb4jordan) July 23, 2020

"This roadmap is just the beginning of the journey to racial justice. We are all accomplices in the fight to transform Hollywood, and we invite content creators and industry leaders to join us in working together to #ChangeHollywood," Jordan told the publication in a statement. "We look forward to including a variety of voices in doing what we do best: telling authentic stories, bringing people together, partnering with influential artists, and changing the rules of the game."[video_embed id='1771189']RELATED: Michael B. Jordan wants you to 'demand answers' after seeing his movie[/video_embed]Jordan has firsthand experience with bringing these stories to life on the big screen with a clear goal at amplifying the stories and voices of POC. His Outlier Society has used an inclusion rider (a clause in a contract that makes diversity the rule rather than the exception) on all of its projects ever since Francis McDormand’s Best Actress speech for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri at the 2018 Oscars ended with the words “inclusion rider.”“In support of the women & men who are leading this fight, I will be adopting the Inclusion Rider for all projects produced by my company Outlier Society,” Jordan shared on Instagram at the time. “I’ve been privileged to work with powerful woman & persons of color throughout my career & it’s Outlier’s mission to continue to create for talented individuals going forward.”Later that year Jordan also announced a first-look deal with Warner Bros., along with the first film under the new policy: Just Mercy. The critically-acclaimed and award-winning 2019 film featured Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan retelling the story of Walter McMillian (Foxx), a man who appealed his murder conviction with the help of a young lawyer (Jordan).[video_embed id='1773592']RELATED: Jamie Foxx reveals he made 'Just Mercy' for his father[/video_embed]Jordan has been a prominent voice in the Black Lives Matter movement, attending protests and speaking to crowds in Los Angeles. In June, he addressed attendees at a rally in Century City that was organized by the four major TV and film agencies to demand that Hollywood do better. “I want us to invest in Black staff,” Jordan said at the time. “You committed to a 50/50 gender parity in 2020. Where is the challenge to commit to Black hiring? Black content led by Black executives, Black consultants. Are you policing our storytelling as well? Let us bring our darkness to the light.”Now Jordan is hoping the #ChangeHollywood  initiative will give those companies a boost in doing exactly that. As THR notes there are four pillars to the program: divest from the police, invest in anti-racist content and authentic Black stories, invest in Black talent and careers, and invest in Black communities.As Jordan fights for equality, he’s also keeping himself plenty busy with a slate of upcoming movies. He’ll star in next year’s adaptation of Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse and has signed up to play with Margot Robbie and Christian Bale in an untitled and top-secret project from director David O. Russell. Meanwhile fans can look forward to his performances in Wrong Answer and Methuselah, as well as the officially announced third iteration of the Rocky spinoff, Creed.[video_embed id='1973107']RELATED: Michael B. Jordan wants Hollywood to 'commit to Black hiring'[/video_embed]