If there’s anyone who could compel Americans to stand up and fight for human rights, it’s “America’s sweetheart” Tom Hanks.
As the de facto host of “Stand for Rights: A Benefit for the ACLU” on Friday night, Hanks kicked off the evening on a lighter note with an off-the-cuff and “kooky” opening to encourage viewers to get in formation.
The Oscar winner decided to distill the ACLU’s mission into emojis and slang to appeal to the internet-friendly millennials surfing at home because he’s got it like that.
“ICYMI, when our constitutional rights go MIA, the ACLU, aka the USA’s BFF, will be there ASAP 😊 🎉,” Hanks said.
After welcoming celebrities like Tracy Morgan, Nia Vardalos and Zosia Mamet to the party, he turned his attention to the struggles facing immigrants in President Donald Trump’s America by asking the stars about their personal experiences.
Considering Hanks wasn’t shy about voicing his political beliefs over the election season ― this is the man responsible for the most brutal Trump analogy after all ― it’s no surprise he was asked to open the event. Days after Trump was elected, Hanks delivered a powerful speech about America’s resilience.
“We are going to be all right, because we constantly get to tell the whole world who we are,” he said. “We constantly get to define ourselves as Americans. We do have the greatest country in the world. We may move at a slow pace, but we do have the greatest country in the world, because we are always moving towards a more perfect Union. That journey never ceases. It never stops.”
Ready to give? Text POWER to 20222 to donate $10 to the ACLU. The ACLU will call to explain other actions you can take to help. (Terms here.) You can also support “Stand for Rights: A Benefit for the ACLU” by heading to the ACLU website.
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