Meet Hollywood's A-list activists
Angelina Jolie chokes while delivering powerful speech about violence against women
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CELEBRITY Celebrities
Graced with money, influence, and visibility, celebrities hold an immense power in today’s world. Some use that power to evade the laws of regular citizens, while others decide to use that power to help said citizens.
Many stars have partnered with organizations or have become UN Goodwill Ambassadors, while others have taken action into their own hands. Angelina Jolie recently made a passionate speech about domestic violence to the Senate in Washington D.C. The Oscar-winning actress was speaking in favor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, which aims "to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking." She was accompanied by her 17-year-old daughter Zahara, who she said calmed her nerves before her address.
Jolie delivered a powerful speech about the victims of abuse who have been failed by the system, making specific reference to "Parents whose children have been murdered by an abusive partner, women who suffer domestic violence yet are not believed, children who have suffered life-altering trauma and post-traumatic stress at the hands of people closest to them." She teared up and took a moment to compose herself before saying, "Most of all, I want to acknowledge the children who are terrified and suffering at this moment. And the many people for whom this legislation comes too late."
Everyone knows the world is in need of help, whether it’s social inequality or the impending environmental collapse. Sometimes the pressure to change the world is too much for people to think about if they’re already struggling to provide enough for themselves. That’s where the celebrity aid really shines. They fill in the gaps, often with money, but also by raising awareness and influencing the masses, so they can return a slice of their good fortune to the world.
Through humanitarian action, these A-listers bring to light serious issues such as poverty, hunger, social injustice, and natural disasters, helping thousands of vulnerable people around the world.
Click through the gallery to see a heartwarming list of celebrities who have taken a stand for the issues they care about.
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