Jamie Foxx has expressed his views on DEI program cuts, Black Excellence, and how Obama transformed perceptions of Black people.
During a recent ESSENCE interview on the purple carpet for Apple TV+’s documentary Number One On the Call Sheet, Jamie explained why authorities should “stop playing” with Black people. As producer of the two-part film, he emphasized the importance of celebrating Black excellence.
Foxx questioned why the Black community faces these challenges when their culture is widely appreciated and appropriated by others.
“Stop playing with us,” said Foxx. “All that DEI goofiness you talking about man, stop playing. Give us our props. Stop messing with our history. The more you erase, the more we replace. I don’t get why they so mad at us.
He continued, “Somebody said, ‘Why it got to be Black Excellence?’ Why not? Why not? Why can’t I show these young black kids, girls and guys a different side? Perception is everything. Showing these kids a different perception. How great is that?”
Foxx then shared how Obama changed his self-perception after seeing the first Black president’s conduct in office. He added that if DEI initiatives are being scrapped, the Black community deserves to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs, like R&B music.
“They love what we do. I know y’all out there bullshitting right now. Y’all love us, y’all love our music,” he said. “If y’all talking about DEI then give some of our stuff back, like our R&B. Stop playing with us. Stop singing like us, stop dancing like us. Give us our shit back. Nah, I’m just kidding.”
Since 2024, numerous major American companies have scaled back or eliminated their DEI programs, citing pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration as the reason for these changes.
