by When Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx sat down to watch the critically acclaimed film Just Mercy, he was unprepared for the emotional journey it would take him on. As the true story of defense attorney Bryan Stevenson unfolded on screen, Foxx was startled to find his own life mirroring the themes of racial injustice and perseverance against all odds. In the days that followed, Foxx opened up about how the film resonated with his own past, and the memories it evoked of the struggles he faced on the path to achieving his dreams.
Foxx’s childhood in Terrell, Texas during the 1970s and 80s shaped his understanding of the racism, discrimination, and poverty that the Black community faced. He recalls being called racial slurs, being told he would amount to nothing, and feeling the weight of low expectations placed upon him. The deck was stacked against young, Black kids like Foxx, who had artistic dreams but little money or resources.
Against this backdrop, Foxx’s biological father left when he was still an infant, leaving his mother to raise him alone. They lived with his mother’s adoptive parents in a racially segregated community. He had loving relationships with his grandparents, but life was far from easy. Foxx has spoken openly about feeling the lingering impacts of racial trauma from his youth. Watching the movie Just Mercy brought many of these memories flooding back.
Just Mercy tells the true story of Walter McMillian, a Black man wrongfully convicted of murder and placed on death row in Alabama in the 1980s. Stevenson commits himself fully to overturning McMillian’s conviction, in the face of overwhelming opposition from law enforcement and the justice system. Foxx instantly connected with the themes of the film – the racial bias built into the American legal system, and the unfailing efforts of Stevenson to challenge these injustices.
In Walter McMillian’s story, Foxx could see echoes of the Black men in his own family and community, who faced discrimination and criminalization on account of their race. The film brought to life his own lived experiences with racism, and the perseverance required to push back against a system rigged against people of color. Though Foxx had achieved fame and success in his acting career, the painful memories of injustice remained.
Most profoundly, Foxx saw his own journey mirrored in Stevenson’s crusade to reveal the truth. Despite the immense pressure to give up and accept the status quo, Stevenson relentlessly sought justice for McMillian. Foxx immediately connected with the faith and determination it took for Stevenson to challenge the establishment, much as Foxx had to defy expectations his whole life.
Foxx’s path to fame began with difficult early days, as he honed his artistic skills while enduring financial struggles and racism. In high school, Foxx was a musically gifted class clown who was failing academically. A teacher saw his potential and set him on a new path, convincing Foxx to enroll in college and join the choir. It was his first glimpse of the possibilities ahead, if he could only harness his talents.
His early break came when he was selected to join the cast of the sketch comedy show In Living Color. On a show known for launching the careers of numerous Black entertainers, Foxx built a name for himself with his comedic abilities. This grew into a successful stand-up career, and Foxx quickly proved he had both comedic and dramatic chops on the big screen.
His transformation from comedian to serious actor came in 2004, when he delivered a riveting, Oscar-winning performance as musician Ray Charles in the biopic Ray. Foxx brought all of his natural charisma and talent to the role, convincingly portraying Charles’ genius and hardship, and transforming his career overnight. It was a definitive statement – Jamie Foxx had arrived as a star.
Looking back, Foxx saw the parallels between his own story of overcoming the odds, and Bryan Stevenson’s crusade to win justice for the wrongfully convicted Walter McMillian. On Foxx’s journey from impoverished childhood to the Hollywood limelight, he had faced down countless obstacles and doubters. He could keenly relate to the epic struggle depicted in Just Mercy.
While filming the movie Django Unchained in Louisiana, Foxx made a pilgrimage to visit the real Bryan Stevenson at his offices in Montgomery, Alabama. There, he had an opportunity to connect with the man whose life work brought justice to the wrongfully convicted. Foxx expressed deep admiration for all Stevenson had accomplished, calling him a “real life superhero.”
This visit confirmed what Foxx already knew after watching Just Mercy – he wanted to use his platform to promote Stevenson’s message. He began speaking out about the themes of the film, calling it “necessary” viewing and urging followers not to give up hope fighting injustice. Foxx sees the story as a reminder that progress is possible, even when the discrimination is entrenched and the odds are stacked impossibly high.
Foxx has said that his greatest wish is for his daughters to grow up in a better, more just world. He has been heartened to see young people leading many of the recent movements against racism and police brutality. Foxx wants to use his celebrity status to inspire more positive change, following in the footsteps of Stevenson and other courageous justice champions.
Bryan Stevenson exemplifies the power of persistence against unthinkable odds. His commitment to truth and moral courage transformed an unjust system, case by case. Foxx clearly saw this same spirit reflected in his own journey – how he defied racism and lack of opportunity to achieve stardom on his own terms.
The themes of Just Mercy will leave a lasting impact on Foxx, much as portraying Ray Charles utterly changed his acting career years earlier. Foxx sees the film as a “spiritual experience” that reaffirmed his commitment to fighting injustice. His memories of poverty and racism in Texas will drive him to keep speaking out.
Foxx plans to continue shining light on stories like Stevenson’s, ones that need to be heard. He wants to leverage his fame and platform to promote social justice, diversity in entertainment, and opportunity for marginalized communities. Foxx acknowledges his road was paved by those who came before him. By elevating voices like Bryan Stevenson, he hopes to pay it forward so the next generation of talent can rise.
The journey of Bryan Stevenson, and his tireless work to overturn wrongful convictions, will continue inspiring Jamie Foxx in the next phase of his storied career. He is driven to ensure the dreams of young kids, who share the circumstances of his younger self, are never limited by prejudice and lack of opportunity. Foxx is determined to keep climbing, keep excelling – and bring others along with him.
