Name: Denzel Hayes Washington
Jr. Birth Date: December 28, 1945 (Age 60) In Mount Vernon, New York, U.S
Early Life: ~ Married Pauletta Pearson Washington on June 25, 1983, whom he met on the set of his first screen work, the television film ‘Wilma’. ~ Played the role of Malcolm X along with then up coming director Spike Lee. ~ Grabbed his first of five Oscar nominations for Cry Freedom (1987) as real-life South African apartheid martyr Steve Biko. He won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Glory (1989). Interesting Facts: ~ Before Washington played Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s 1992 film, the actor portrayed the influential figure in the off-Broadway production. ~In 2010 Washington won the Tony Award for best actor in a play for his role in ‘Fences’ alongside Viola Davis, who also won the Tony for Best actress. ~Washington participated in many charitable programs. He was the Spokesperson for the Boy’s and Girl’s clubs of America, Honorary Chairperson for “Save Africa’s Children”, Lifetime founder member of the “Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund”, Donated $1 million to “Wiley Collage” to re-establish its debate team, And also played a major role of the debate team’s coach, Melvin B. Tolson.
In my opinion, Mr. Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. deserves to be inducted into the Black History Hall of Fame because of his vast contributions as an African-American to the entertainment industry and a role model for lots of young African-Americans, and budding actors. He not only acted in movies, but he chose to be portrayed in movies that described and highlighted the plight and perils, the advantages and disadvantages of living as a minority in Modern and Ancient America. In all his glowing achievements as an entertainer, he never forgot or lost sight of his ‘Roots’. He traveled and gave motivational speeches to black kids in the ‘Hoods’. He plays a major role in the charitable organization “Save Africa’s Children and Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.” He also made valuable contributions, donations and financial assistance to communities, schools and collages. A number of inner city kids were able to benefit educationally from these contributions of Mr. Washington. To this day, he contributes to show his interests and love by encouraging young African-Americans to strive, to be successful And try to be the best you can against all odds.