54 Black Celebrities Explore Obama’s Impact On Entertainment

“Obviously President Obama has been an active patron of the arts of all cultural provenances, from hosting film screenings and musical performances at the White House, to the active involvement of activist artists such as Common, Katy Perry, and John Legend in both his campaigns and subsequent inaugurations. But I think his deepest and most expansive impact on artists has been to help young African-Americans — through his own example — to see more clearly that the culmination of effort, vision, inspiration, and dedication is the ability to positively impact how we see ourselves, and others, in this nation. Greatness requires sacrifice, compassion, and deep, unwavering commitment, and that is true whether you are a musician, an actor, a writer, or a young politician hoping to contribute to the greatness of the country of your birth.

“He’s also the coolest president we’ve ever had, bar none. Since he’s been in office, we’ve all had to up our swag game.”