| Stars for Freedom: Hollywood, Black Celebrities, and the Civil Rights Movement Subjects: African American political activists -- History -- 20th century; African American entertainers -- Political activity -- History -- 20th century; Politics and culture -- United States -- History -- 20th century; African Americans -- Civil rights -- History; From Oprah Winfrey to Angelina Jolie, George Clooney to Leonardo DiCaprio, Americans have come to expect that Hollywood celebrities will be outspoken advocates for social and political causes. However, that wasn't always the case. As Emilie Raymond shows, during the civil rights movement the Stars for Freedom - a handful of celebrities both black and white - risked their careers by crusading for racial equality, and forged the role of celebrity in American political culture. Emilie Raymond is associate professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is the author of "From My Cold, Dead Hands": Charlton Heston and American Politics. |