Actress Taraji P. Henson criticized the Republican party for the latest bills passed last week while hosting the BET Awards 2024 on Sunday evening (June 30) in Los Angeles.
As she announced GloRilla‘s performance, the 53-year-old actress spoke to the audience and viewers worldwide about why being involved in the 2024 election is so important. She addressed a new law that allows authorities to crack down on homeless camping and alluded to the authenticity of the Republican party’s plans called “Project 2025.”
“Time for us to play chess, not checkers,” said Henson. “It’s about making decisions that will affect us as human beings. Our careers, our next generations to come. Did you know that it is now a crime to be homeless? Pay attention. It’s not a secret. Look it up. They are attacking our most vulnerable citizens. The Project 2025 plan is not a game. Look it up.”
On Friday (June 28), the Supreme Court ruled on a new law that allows cities nationwide to clear homeless encampments. In City Of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, a majority ruled in favor of Oregon City, ticketing homeless people for sleeping outside, rejecting arguments that such “anti-camping” ordinances violate the Constitution’s ban against “cruel and unusual punishment.” There would be mixed reactions to the new law across the country.
“Project 2025,” as Taraji P. Henson called it, is a collection of policy transition proposals that outline how former President Donald Trump, if elected, could radically reshape the federal government to carry out his extremist far-right agenda. If he is elected this November, a 920-page document outlines the former president’s plans for the next term, including policies, immigration measures, and educational proposals.
Trump and President Joe Biden held a live debate on CNN last Thursday (June 27), drawing in 51.27 million viewers. The two candidates argued the Russia-Ukrainian War, the U.S. border, and their golf swings. The debate would receive mixed reviews and make headlines across the country.
Taraji P. Henson has been very vocal about a few topics recently. Last December, the actress went viral for speaking out about the pay inequality in the film industry. She gave a performance at this year’s BET Awards that addressed this issue, performing Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” titled “It’s About Us.”