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Despite last week's announcement by the Academy of a landmark
campaign to diversify its voters ranks, a chapter of Rev. Al
Sharpton's National Action Network is moving ahead with protest
plans.
"Our attitude is that if African-Americans aren't going to be
part of the telecast, being nominated and getting an award, than
why should African-Americans viewers watch and support a
ceremony that seems to lack diversity and inclusion of
African-Americans and other minorities," member Ali Najee said.
Following heavy criticism that it had failed to nominate a
single actor of color for a second year, the Academy has pledged
to double female and minority membership by 2020.
Actor Will Smith, his actress wife Jada Pinkett Smith, director
Spike Lee and a handful of others have said they will skip the
Feb. 28 awards ceremony.
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