Black women in entertainment leverage their power to back Harris

Between the lines: Black women in entertainment for Kamala (BWIE4Kamala) is part of a growing movement, raising money, educating voters and connecting with other powerful women to support Harris's campaign, which raised $361 million in August, solidifying her financial advantage over Trump.

Zoom out: Seymour was working on "The Big Cigar" for Apple TV+, a show depicting the plan to help Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton flee to Cuba to escape criminal charges.

Seymour tells Axios she shed tears over her decision to leave Apple and lead this group, but this was fueled, in part, by her political interest and early work as an activist back at Spelman College.

• "I'm not an in-church every Sunday Christian, but I'm spiritual," she said. "I believe in myself and have people around me who believe in me."

Inspired partly by groups like Win With Black Women and White Women: Answer the Call, BWIE4Kamala launched and has since linked with members of the Divine Nine, distinguished Black fraternities and sororities.

• "There's so much momentum and enthusiasm," Seymour reflected. "The day Biden announced he was no longer running, people immediately stepped up to support VP Harris and to do everything possible to prevent Trump from becoming president again."

Zoom in: In under two months, Seymour has secured backing from prominent industry figures like film producer Debra Martin Chase and actress Jenifer Lewis while working with young activists like Ashley Jackson, daughter of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson.

• These connections have enabled the campaign to access expertise and resources, ensuring precise and passionate execution of every aspect.
• Seymour says the movement has a PR team, social media team, newsletter team and connected entertainment and political figures, which have been essential for fundraising.

Catch up quick: Last month, Seymour made the trek to Chicago, where she attended the Democratic National Convention, which strengthened her effort and clarified her mission.

• Her team held three debate watch parties — in DC, LA, and New York — earlier this week, and events are planned in swing states.
• "Attention and donations have continued to roll in," Seymour said.

Yes, but: This move can involve some risk. When people in Hollywood express strong political opinions, it can affect their marketability and job opportunities, as they are representatives of the studios they work for.

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown shared her deep commitment to activism and her role in the BWIE4Kamala initiative. Brown's passion and urgency drive her involvement in this significant movement.

• For Brown, it's driven by a sense of duty rather than personal gain. Speaking out on issues like voting rights, body autonomy, and affirmative action is non-negotiable, even if it means risking future job opportunities.

• "I have never been somebody that counts cost when it comes to doing right," she said.
• For her, the visibility she gained through her work wasn't just for fame or personal recognition — it was a tool to shine a light on important issues.

Brown explained that she sees every public appearance as an opportunity to advocate for causes she believes in, whether it's voter registration, women's rights or social justice.

• "If you are on a red carpet and there's a spotlight on you, you're supposed to shine that light back on things that matter," she said.

The bottom line: The urgency of Seymour's mission is clear, reflecting the momentum and enthusiasm she has witnessed within the campaign, especially following Biden's endorsement of Harris.

Erika Alexander, an actress, writer, and producer, is among those who is driving the group forward. She previously worked with Hillary Clinton's campaigns and was inspired as a producer of the John Lewis documentary, "Good Trouble."

• "I've been in this space," the "Living Single" actress said.
• "This is an extension of that," Alexander added. "I've been meeting these really powerful groups of people, and one of these people I've met is Kamala Harris."

Behind the scenes: Alexander credits strong Black women in her life and says this movement is unique due to women's involvement, calling the "feminism bond" a new development.

• "Everyone thought Obama was new," she said of the former president. "A woman is different; that's a huge shift in how we approach the world and where that has happened already — in Mexico and other places — it has been consequential."