Over 100 members headed to the Tateuchi Democracy Forum in downtown Los Angeles on April 25 for Millennial Voices of Diversity: The Next Generation of Hollywood, a high-profile panel of ethnically diverse millennial actors who discussed their experiences managing budding careers. Panelists included stunt performer Michelle Jubilee Gonzalez (The Fate of the Furious) and actors Brandon T. Jackson (Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters), Danny Pudi (Community), Justin Chon (Twilight series) and Sujata Day (Insecure).
Panelists discussed the conflict felt by actors — particularly those who are just starting on their career paths and are eager for work — when they are offered a role that perpetuates ethnic stereotypes. The panel concluded on an optimistic note, saying that diversity onscreen is making slow but steady progress.
As a combined effort between SAG-AFTRA’s National Ethnic Employment Opportunities Committee and the L.A. Local’s NextGen Performers Committee, the panel was followed by a late-night mixer around the corner at Little Tokyo’s bustling Far Bar.
Above photo: Brandon T. Jackson, Sujata Day and Justin Chon keep the panel lighthearted.
Danny Pudi talks about the challenges of developing a career as a young, ethnically diverse actor.