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8 Times Kerry Washington Was An Activist Mom

by Keiko Zoll

Kerry Washington is #ActivistGoals, am I right? The 40-year-old star of ABC's Scandal and mom of two pretty much manages to slay it on a daily basis — not that I'm jealous or anything... OK, maybe just a little. In all seriousness, Washington's devotion to the causes about which she's passionate is inspirational — especially given that she manages to find time to be an award-winning actress, a powerhouse progressive activist, and a pretty amazeballs mom to two children. Kerry Washington is an awesome activist mom, as she shown fans throughout her career.

Washington draws a lot of strength from fellow activist moms — like Scandal showrunner Shonda Rhimes — who also manage to make it all work somehow. While Washington doesn't talk about her personal life on social media, it's clear she's giving her two children, 2-year-old daughter Isabella and 6-month-old Caleb, a powerful role model as both their mom and an outspoken advocate actively engaged in progressive causes. You won't find Washington bringing along her two young children to protest marches or award dinners for her advocacy work, but she's already creating a legacy of activism as an important value as part of her work and family life.

Here are eight times Kerry Washington as activist and mom has shined like the beacon of empowerment she is.

"Actors Are Activists"

At the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Kerry Washington gave a short speech about why it's important for actors to speak out about causes important to them. "A lot of people are saying right now that actors shouldn't express their opinions when it comes to politics," she said as the camera panned to her sitting at her table.

The truth is, actors are activists no matter what, and we embody the worth and humanity of all people. This union helps me to do that. I am Kerry Washington, and I am an actor.

Washington also donned a safety pin in solidarity with protesters for "the resistance." It was a powerful statement even on the red carpet.

"Bad*ss Boss Lady"

Not every woman could take off work for the Women's Strike — Kerry Washington included. But she still wore red on the lot for Scandal in solidarity with her fellow women who rose up in protest in March.

"Read This"

When the GOP tried to silence Sen. Elizabeth Warren — and by extension, Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King, Jr. — Washington was lightning fast on social media sharing King's letter in full. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was too offended by to have read during open Senate debate.

"Our Hoodies Are Still Up"

On the fifth anniversary of Trayvon Martin's death, Washington shared this moving photo wearing a hoodie bearing his name, reminding fans that the movement continues.

"Standing Up For Our Democracy"

Washington spoke at the Women's March in Los Angeles, California in January, firing up the crowd by having them chant "I matter! We matter!" before launching into a powerful speech. You can watch Kerry Washington's full Women's March speech on YouTube.

"All Lives Matter"

Following the 2016 shooting of five Dallas police officers, Washington posted a powerful, moving message of compassion and activism that went beyond Black Lives Matter versus Blue Lives Matter, as could be seen across social media at the time. Washington wrote so eloquently that All Lives Matter.

"A Voice To The Voiceless"

Washington starred along fellow stars of Shonda Rhimes's shows in a campaign ad for Hillary Clinton. Rhimes masterfully levied the actresses of her bold characters to make a strong case for I'm With Her.

"Economic Freedom For Women"

Washington has given new awareness for a form of domestic violence known as "financial abuse" through her work with the Purple Purse Foundation. In a passionate speech at the United State of Women White House summit in 2016, Washington explained how thousands of women remain in abusive relationships because they are not financially empowered. Washington's work for the Purple Purse Foundation is hoping to change that and raise awareness for this hidden form of domestic violence.

This list of Kerry Washington's activist awesomeness could have easily had another 20 different examples with the amount of advocacy work that she's accomplished. From supporting LGBTQ rights, to her work with Eve Ensler and the V-Day Foundation, Washington has a long list of progressive causes about which she not only cares, but rolls up her sleeves and gets the work done, too — and whether you're a Scandal fan or fellow activist, we are all lucky to have her to fight for us.