Colman Domingo, an Afro-Latino actor, has been inviting audiences to take the journey of racial healing throughout his career. His portrayals often challenge conventional representations of Black masculinity, with roles like the unsung gay civil rights leader Bayard Rustin and the abusive antagonist Mister in “The Color Purple” who seeks redemption. His recent film, “Sing Sing,” follows the story of a wrongly incarcerated leader of a prison theater troupe.
Domingo has partnered with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, known for promoting antiracism to help youth thrive by addressing issues like racial inequity. The foundation initiated the National Day of Racial Healing in 2017, now an annual event observed after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The collaboration aims to promote year-round racial healing through storytelling and reflection on personal experiences, past wrongs, and trustful relationships.
In a recent interview, Domingo discussed how he uses his platform to support causes like the National Day of Racial Healing. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging complex emotions, like hurt, in the healing process, which can help individuals grow. Through his work in the arts, Domingo has found a voice and a sense of identity, delving into history to understand himself and others.
In the film “Sing Sing,” Domingo portrays a character who finds moments of joy and tenderness while navigating the heaviness of racism. By showing black and brown men in moments of vulnerability and freedom, the film contributes to the work of racial healing. These subtle representations challenge stereotypes and offer a new perspective on marginalized communities.
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