'Is Isaiah Washington paying rent?': Many can't afford stay home from work protest
Actor Isiah Washington called on African-Americans last week to skip work on Monday in protest of police brutality in the United States, but on social media, many noted that missing work isn't an option for people struggling to get by.
In a Sept. 20 Facebook post, Washington encouraged African Americans to stay at home from “every single job, work site, sports arena and government office in the United States of America.”
“I'm very sure that within 72 hours from Wall Street to the NFL...Black Lives Would Matter,” Washington said in the post.
While many supported Washington’s call to action on Monday, others used the hashtags #StayAtHomeSeptember262016 and #Missing24 to reiterate that staying home from work is not an option for people who rely on their paychecks to feed their families.
Twitter user @CVDence wrote: "Wish I could be apart of #StayatHomeSeptember262016, but I can't afford to miss work."
Others noted that Washington's call to skip work speaks directly his privilege as an actor, who either may not have work or can afford to miss a work day.
Twitter user @sheedemilio said skipping work would cause more damage than good. "I understand the spirit behind the boycott, but I work with kids of color," he said. "Not only can I not afford a day off," he said. "THEY can't afford my day off."
In his post, Washington used the hashtags #RIPTerenceCrutcher #HandsUpDontShoot. Terence Crutcher, 40, was shot and killed by Tulsa police on Sept. 16. after his SUV stalled on the road.
In another post, Washington wrote he teamed up with activist Madelon Blue McCullough from #Missing24. "Every African born in America is fed up, hurt, confused, saddened and angry about the continued extrajudicial killings by public servants in our streets, so collectively we bring forth a solution," he wrote.
While some slammed the movement, others said they were participating. And many people of other races said they were staying home from work to show solidarity with the African American community.
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Contributing: Natalie DiBlasio.