*Retired boxer Laila Ali has upset fans, especially fans of her famous father, over her remarks about Black Lives Matter. Ali appeared on “Huffington Post Live” and was asked about Colin Kaepernick’s ongoing national anthem protest, and that’s when she dropped a gem about not supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement because protecting her endorsements is far more important than urban social injustices.
“I commend Colin Kaepernick because he had a lot of courage…he knows what he’s talking about, he’s very passionate about it. He’s trying to speak up for people who can’t speak for themselves,” Ali said. “But at the same time I don’t expect everybody to do it. Everybody’s not that individual. Everyone is not Colin, everybody’s not Muhammad. I’m not.”
Ali told interviewer Jacques Morel Jr. that #BLM was a divisive movement, which is one of the reasons why she doesn’t post about Black Lives Matter on social media.
“I don’t ever like to make people feel separate. By me not posting, it doesn’t mean that black lives don’t matter. To me, it’s obvious that black lives matter. And then… I’m like, what is posting going to do? What is speaking out going to do?”
She continued: “Yes, black lives matter. Yes, white lives matter, Asian lives matter. All lives matter. And that’s kind of what my focus is. But it’s hard because, you know, you’ve got sponsors and you’ve got this and you’ve got that. And you don’t want to step on anybody’s toes. And you’re trying to be politically correct, but at the same time trying to uplift your people.”
Fans were quick to remind Ali that her father was willing to go to jail as a for opposing the Vietnam War. They also took her to task for being afraid to upset her white friends and sponsors “diverse friends” and sponsors.
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Vivica A. Fox will play the first black female president on the silver screen in the sci-fi thriller “Crossbreed.” The film follows a group of retired military war heroes who are sent to retrieve an extraterrestrial being.
“When my producers brought up the idea of Vivica in the role, it was a lightning bolt,” the film’s director, Brandon Slagle told the Hollywood Reporter. “It was a fantastic idea. Someone who could light up a room but also has a commanding presence. Our president is positive and proactive, not the grim figure as is usually portrayed in these types of movies.”
Fox also shared her excitement for the historic role on Instagram, writing:
“WOWZERS! I’m so excited n HONORED to share with you all the news that I will be playing THE President Of The United States in the upcoming film #CrossBreed It’s the first time in a FILM an African American female has been selected to play POTUS! Thanks @Gaudyglitch n #Fox11LA 4 surprising me with this 2day! #LifeIsGood #GodisGood #Blessed #Respect #GurlPower #KeepItFoxy #TeamVivica #TeamFox #MyGrindDontStop #LegitimateCareer #LoveWins”
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