Kerry Washington: From Hollywood to the Heart of Democracy
From Olivia Pope to real-world advocacy, the acclaimed actress brings a message of service, hope, and community empowerment to Michigan.
When I had the opportunity to sit down with award-winning actress, producer, author, and advocate Kerry Washington, one of the first things that struck me was her warmth. From the moment we began speaking, she exuded compassion, authenticity, and a genuine interest in the people and communities around her. Despite her extraordinary accomplishments, our conversation felt personal, engaging, and remarkably down-to-earth. It was, by far, one of my favorite interviews.
Millions of viewers know Washington as Olivia Pope, the brilliant political strategist and professional fixer on ABC’s hit television drama Scandal. But beyond the cameras, Washington has developed a powerful voice of her own, one rooted in civic engagement, advocacy, and community empowerment. During our conversation for The Sunday Chronicle, she reflected on the experiences that shaped her understanding of democracy and public service. Her message was a reminder that meaningful change begins when ordinary people recognize the power they possess.
A Commitment Rooted in Childhood
For Washington, civic engagement did not begin with Hollywood fame or national political campaigns. She recalled growing up with an understanding of the importance of voting, including accompanying her mother to the polls. Those childhood experiences helped establish a connection between civic participation and the responsibilities we share as members of a community. What began as a family experience eventually became part of a much larger commitment to encouraging others to participate in democracy.
Washington’s advocacy reflects a belief that people do not have to be celebrities, politicians, or public figures to make a difference. Every person has the ability to contribute through voting, organizing, volunteering, and engaging in conversations about the issues affecting their communities. Her work encourages individuals to recognize that their participation matters, even when the political process feels overwhelming. It is a message particularly relevant in Michigan, where statewide elections often attract national attention.
From Olivia Pope to Real-World Action
Washington also reflected on the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election and the public’s connection to her famous television character. As she explained during our conversation, people disappointed by the election results turned to Olivia Pope, asking the fictional political fixer to somehow make things right. The moment illustrated the powerful connection audiences had developed with the character and the extraordinary expectations they associated with her. But Washington recognized an important distinction between the world of television and the responsibilities of real life.
Olivia Pope could navigate fictional political crises, uncover secrets, and solve seemingly impossible problems on screen. What Olivia could not do was cast a real ballot, knock on doors, or organize voters in an actual community. Kerry Washington, however, could use her own voice and influence to encourage people to participate in the democratic process. That realization helped underscore the importance of moving beyond fictional solutions and empowering real people to create change.
Michigan and the Power of Civic Engagement
Washington’s October 24 visit to Michigan marked the final stop of a multi-day civic engagement tour focused on democracy, community organizing, and voter participation. Her representatives explained that the tour highlighted people and organizations working year-round to strengthen communities and encourage civic involvement. Michigan’s competitive political landscape made it an important destination for conversations about the power of participation. Throughout the visit, Washington emphasized the importance of connecting elections to the issues people experience in their everyday lives.
At an ACLU of Michigan event, Washington thanked election workers and encouraged residents to participate in early voting. She also joined a canvassing launch supporting U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed alongside grassroots organizations, including Michigan United. At the University of Michigan, she connected with young voters and local creators using their platforms to engage communities. Her visit also included a Mothering Justice roundtable addressing economic equity, maternal health, and the financial security of Michigan families.
Washington highlighted several Democratic candidates during her Michigan visit, including gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, who is running for secretary of state. Her relationship with Benson reflects years of political engagement and support, according to information provided by her representatives. Yet the larger message of her visit extended beyond individual candidates and campaigns. It centered on the importance of civic participation, community relationships, and the responsibility of people to remain engaged in the issues shaping their lives.
A Life of Storytelling and Advocacy
Washington’s professional accomplishments extend far beyond her celebrated portrayal of Olivia Pope. An Emmy-winning performer and New York Times bestselling author, she has appeared in acclaimed productions including Ray, Django Unchained, Save the Last Dance, and Little Fires Everywhere. In 2016, she founded Simpson Street, a production company dedicated to telling stories that entertain, inspire, and illuminate the complexities of human experience. Her work as a producer, director, and storyteller continues to create opportunities for narratives that challenge perspectives and encourage meaningful conversations.
Her commitment to advocacy is equally significant, reflecting years of work supporting civic engagement, education, and community empowerment. In 2020, Washington established the KW Foundation to advance a more inclusive and equitable democracy through organizing and civic participation. She has also supported the Roybal School of Film and TV Production, which creates educational opportunities for students from underserved communities. Through initiatives such as the Vision into Power Cohort, she has helped support grassroots organizations using storytelling and collective action to strengthen their communities.
To Serve Is to Love
During our conversation, I shared a belief that has guided much of my own work in journalism and community advocacy. To serve is to love, because genuine service requires us to care about the lives, challenges, and opportunities of others. Washington’s representatives later shared a related message that has been central to her civic engagement: voting is an act of love. Those two sentiments speak to a common understanding that community responsibility begins with recognizing our connection to one another.
As The Chronicle News celebrates 40 years of connecting communities, I am reminded that journalism itself is an act of service. Every interview, every newspaper distributed, and every story told represents an opportunity to inform, inspire, or empower someone. My conversation with Kerry Washington reinforced the importance of using whatever platform we have to encourage people to become active participants in their communities. It also reminded me that the most meaningful conversations are often those that connect our personal values with a greater purpose.
What made this interview especially memorable was not simply Washington’s celebrity or her remarkable career. It was the warmth, compassion, and sincerity she brought to a conversation about the responsibilities we share. Behind the recognizable face was a woman who understood that meaningful change requires people willing to participate, organize, and serve. Her message offers a timely reminder that our greatest influence often begins with the choices we make in our own communities. Don’t just make your voice heard; make your presence known.
Listen to Yanice Carter’s conversation with Kerry Washington and Jocelyn Benson on Episode 127 of The Sunday Chronicle.
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