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Kerry Washington at SXSW

South by Southwest is one big messy, crowded, weird, crazy, overwhelming and supremely cool festival. You need to be smart to navigate the crowds and the lines, but if you have strategy, patience and interest, this event is a must attend!

This is my fourth Spring in Austin, and my first serious SXSW, meaning I actually broke my bank a little bit and purchased a badge to attend the events I really want to. In the years prior to this one, I just went to open, free or pay at the entrance type of gigs.

One of the main reasons I decided to purchase the badge was due to Kerry Washington's participation in one of the panels. I have been a fan of Ms. Washington for quite a while now, and I was very excited to see her in my now hometown.



Kerry was interviewed by Ariel Foxman from InStyle, and first kudos goes to him for being prepared! I watched quite a few interviews by Kerry, and I don't know why journalists keep on asking her the same questions all over again! Ariel did his homework and came prepared with data behind Kerry's social media presence as well as thoughtful questions for Kerry. Here they are starting the interview.



I really enjoyed Kerry giving a shout out to all Original Gladiators, or fans of her show Scandal who watched from the very beginning. "We would not have the 2nd season" she said, and she is damn right! it is impressive and exciting that social media and fans can influence the decision of big wigs and money makers at Hollywood studios.



Kerry was not shy to share her views on race, discrimination, online trolling and unpleasant fan interactions during the panel. She mentioned that anyone is more than welcome to critique her gowns, or her manicure, but if someone comes after her because of her race and gender, she is not afraid to hit the block button.



Kerry talked a lot about balancing her personal life and public persona and how much she is willing to share or not share with public what is going on behind closed doors.

I loved her stand on Oscar Boycott and her firm belief that she needs her voice at the table and her voice be heard for real change to happen in Hollywood for actors of color.



My only concern with the panel was that it was too short :-) I wish we had more time for more discussion and more questions from the audience! :-)

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