As Ed Sheeran’s tour continues to draw headlines, the conversation around celebrity silence on global crises has intensified. When Macklemore was dropped from the lineup for his pro-Palestinian remarks on stage, the absence of public support from major artists sparked debate about who speaks up and who stays quiet. But beyond the music world, a growing number of influential Black celebrities have stepped forward to voice their support for Palestine, drawing direct connections between fighting for racial justice at home and advocating for human rights abroad.
Black celebrities Palestine activism has taken many forms. From signing high-profile open letters demanding a ceasefire to leveraging their social media platforms and donating to relief efforts, these artists are building upon a historical tradition of Black-Palestinian solidarity that links domestic struggles for racial equality to global movements for civil rights. This work reflects a broader understanding among many in the Black community that liberation struggles are interconnected.
Mahershala Ali
In October 2023, Mahershala Ali was among the first prominent Black actors to sign the Artists4Ceasefire letter. He went further by partnering with the Palestinian Festival of Literature, reciting Gazan poet Mohammed al-Qudwa’s poem “Longing for Haifa” in a viral fundraiser to help al-Qudwa’s family reach safety.
Dave Chappelle
At an October 2023 Boston show, Dave Chappelle condemned Hamas’s attack while calling Israel’s strikes on Gaza war crimes and criticizing U.S. support. In May 2024 at Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, he called the conflict in Gaza a genocide while urging Americans to combat antisemitism.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis raised awareness about Palestinian evictions in East Jerusalem by sharing a post on Sheikh Jarrah in May 2021. She later condemned the killing of innocent Palestinians in October 2023 while warning against dehumanizing propaganda, consistently showing support for the Palestinian cause on social media.
Ava DuVernay
Director and producer Ava DuVernay pledged to avoid working with complicit Israeli film institutions by signing the “Film Workers Pledge to End Complicity” launched by Filmmakers for Palestine. She has actively condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while calling out Hollywood’s silence on Palestinian advocacy.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter and wore the group’s pin at high-profile events like the Golden Globes. She also donated a customized restaurant guide and a private Zoom session to the “Cinema for Gaza” auction, helping generate thousands of dollars in medical relief for Palestinians.
Danny Glover
Danny Glover has been a long-time advocate for Palestinian rights and a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. In 2009, he joined dozens of prominent figures in signing the Toronto Declaration to protest the Toronto International Film Festival’s spotlight on Tel Aviv. In 2018, he signed an open letter demanding the release of Palestinian youth activist Ahed Tamimi.
Donald Glover
Donald Glover joined hundreds of public figures in signing the Artists4Ceasefire open letter, urging U.S. leaders to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Brian Tyree Henry
Brian Tyree Henry has taken a visible stand for the Palestinian people through his involvement with Artists4Ceasefire. He signed an open letter advocating for an immediate ceasefire, active diplomacy, and critical aid such as medical supplies and food to help Gaza’s civilian population.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving has consistently expressed solidarity with Palestinians through visible gestures. He wore a traditional keffiyeh at a November 2023 press conference and donned a “PRESS” shirt at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in honor of journalists covering Gaza. In September 2026, he offered to cover an $11,941 NFL fine for Azeez Al-Shaair, who wore eye black honoring Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed in Gaza.
Kehlani
Kehlani is a staunch supporter of Palestinian liberation. In May 2024, she released the pro-Palestine music video for “Next 2 U,” which prominently featured Palestinian flags, keffiyeh-inspired attire, and a dedication to the children killed in Gaza. She also launched merchandise that raised over $550,000 for families in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. Beyond fundraising, Kehlani has challenged her peers in the industry to break their silence about the crisis.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe has been outspoken about calling for peace in Gaza. She joined hundreds of artists in signing an open letter to the Biden administration advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilian lives. She also gave a speech at WeHo Pride, advocating for the protection of innocent lives in Gaza.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o has used her global platform to advocate for humanitarian relief and an immediate end to the violence in Gaza. An outspoken advocate of universal human rights, she joined hundreds of entertainment figures in signing the Black celebrities Palestine Artists4Ceasefire open letter addressed to U.S. leadership.
Kendrick Sampson
Kendrick Sampson is a co-founder of the grassroots initiative BLD PWR and a vocal advocate for Palestinian liberation and cross-movement solidarity. He links the Palestinian cause with other global liberation movements and racial justice, working to raise awareness and support mutual aid efforts for refugees.
What connects these artists is a shared belief that movements for justice are interconnected. Whether through donating to relief efforts, signing letters, performing at benefit events, or speaking publicly, these celebrities are using their platforms to challenge the status quo and push back against the expectation that they remain silent on international crises.
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