SAG-AFTRA has teamed up with the NFL Players Association for the launch of Actors & Athletes: Unions for Democracy, a partnership centered on protecting the right to vote in every state, as well as encouraging every American to register to vote. The inaugural brunch, held at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills at the Waldorf Astoria on July 17, featured remarks from SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and NFLPA Vice President Michael Thomas. More than 100 actors, athletes and allies attended, expressing their support for protecting voting rights.
The event rolled out the “Your Voice. Your Vote.” platform, the centerpiece of which reconfirms support for the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Other strategies were discussed that can guide the next steps among the cohort of actors and athletes who stand united to effect change.
All photos by Valerie Macon/AFP.
This item originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine summer 2022 issue.
Top, from left, SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local President Jodi Long, National Board member Lisa Ann Walter, Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair, National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, President Fran Drescher, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver and National Football League Players Association Vice President Michael Thomas, SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher, NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu and California state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo attend the SAG-AFTRA and NFL Players Association’s Actors & Athletes: Unions for Democracy brunch.
From left, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, SAG-AFTRA Drescher and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher shares remarks at the "Actors & Athletes: Unite for Democracy" brunch.
Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Jim Brown with guest
From left, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, President Fran Drescher and NFL Players Association President DeMaurice Smith.
From left, actors Da’Vinchi, Mike Merrill and Laz Alonso.
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith gives remarks at the SAG-AFTRA and NFL Players Association at the "Actors & Athletes: Unions for Democracy" brunch.
SAG-AFTRA Fran Drescher with U.S. Rep. Judy Chu
Eric Kendricks, linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings and NFLPA Board of Player representative.
NFLPA Executive Committee Vice President Michael Thomas gives remarks at the SAG-AFTRA and NFL Players Association at the "Actors & Athletes: Unions for Democracy" brunch.
From left, Superbowl Champion Andrew Whitworth, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams with NFLPA President Maurice DeSmith, SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joley Fisher and comic and SAG-AFTRA member Jen Kober
Actor Alyssa Milano with SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher
Actor Skyh Black
From left, SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joley Fisher, President Fran Drescher, Los Angeles Second Vice President David Jolliffe and L.A. Local President Jodi Long
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