Freedmen Nation Adds Da’Vinchi to Boycott List: Building Greater Opportunity Through the Freedmen Actors Union
Freedmen Nation is adding actor Da’Vinchi to our Boycott List at FreedmenNation.org following his recent comments about American work ethic and opportunities for actors. This decision reflects our objection to generalizations that diminish our population’s talent and effort. It also brings renewed attention to the Freedmen Actors Union and our commitment to building stronger pathways for Freedmen performers.
In its October 3, 2026 report, TheGrio described Da’Vinchi’s appearance on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast, where he discussed overseas actors receiving American roles and suggested that producers may perceive those performers as more focused on their work. The report also described his agreement with Newton’s suggestion that some people elsewhere in the diaspora view themselves as better than Black Americans. (thegrio.com)
Freedmen Nation considers those comparisons dismissive. A performer’s professionalism should be assessed through that person’s preparation, conduct, and work. Broad comparisons between populations cannot establish who deserves an audition, a role, or an opportunity.
For Freedmen Nation, the concern is specific: how Freedmen/Soulaan talent and the experiences of our families are valued. Our population has its own history, cultural inheritance, and voice. We expect that voice to receive serious consideration when our lives and stories become entertainment.
Our audience support has value. Our talent, labor, and stories have value. We have the right to decide where we direct our attention and spending, and to support performers and projects that demonstrate respect for our population. We encourage supporters to consult our Boycott List and direct their discretionary support toward creators whose work and conduct they want to sustain.
Accountability must also lead to investment. Freedmen performers deserve meaningful opportunities to develop their craft, build professional relationships, and be considered for work. That is why this announcement also calls attention to the Freedmen Actors Union.
Established under the Freedmen Reparations Fund Trust (FRFT), the Freedmen Actors Union is a private institution focused on cultural representation, professional support, and industry engagement for Verified Freedmen actors, actresses, performers, and eligible creative professionals.
Its mission includes professional development, mentoring, networking, talent visibility, and engagement with producers, studios, casting professionals, and other industry participants. These are areas where sustained institutional work can help our population build relationships and pursue opportunities.
We want emerging talent to have a clearer path to professional growth. We want experienced performers to have a framework for sharing knowledge and supporting the next generation. We want casting professionals and producers to recognize qualified Freedmen talent, and we want projects involving Freedmen history to benefit from informed participation by the people connected to that history.
That work requires preparation, resources, and relationships. Supporters can contribute by investing attention in Freedmen performers, sharing their work, supporting their projects, and helping connect qualified talent with professional development and industry opportunities.
To join the FAU, individuals must first be approved as Status-Verified Freedmen through Freedmen Nation’s Freedmen Status verification process. FAU membership is voluntary and requires a separate membership agreement after qualifying status has been established. Members may maintain their existing union and professional affiliations, including SAG-AFTRA. The FAU’s private cultural and professional mission guides its work toward greater access and support; casting and employment remain independent decisions.
Freedmen Nation’s position is clear: our population deserves respect and serious investment in its talent. Adding Da’Vinchi to our Boycott List is an expression of that position. Building through the Freedmen Actors Union gives that position a continuing purpose—strengthening our performers’ visibility, preparation, and opportunities to be heard.
Interested in Joining the Freedmen Actors Union?
If you have not yet received approved Freedmen Status verification, begin with Step #1: Start Verification. Complete the verification process and receive approval as a Status-Verified Freedmen before joining the FAU. Completing Step #1 begins the process; it does not by itself establish verified status or FAU membership. (freedmennation.org)
Start Step #1:
For inquiries about the Freedmen Actors Union, use the official Freedmen Nation Contact Form. Identify your inquiry as “Freedmen Actors Union (FAU).” Actors, creative professionals, and potential partners should submit their inquiries through this form.
Submit FAU inquiries here:
Visit FreedmenNation.org for boycott information and institutional updates.
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HE GONE.