With a career spanning over four decades, Denzel Washington says that he ’s already picked someone from this new generation of black actors to “pass the baton” to. During an interview with the New York Times, Washington, alongside Michael B Jordan, discussed the importance of having opportunities for people of color.
As the conversation progressed, Jordan explained how it felt when fans said they saw influences of Washington during his performance as Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station. "When someone says you're like your idol," Jordan said. "It's like: 'Really? You see that in me?' I'd only done that one movie. But then I started using it as motivation. I wanted to pop up on Denzel's radar. He's the O.G. If I could get recognition from him, I know I'm going down the right path, you know?"
Solidifying that Jordan’s moving on the right path, Washington added. "And here we are, Mike! Looks like it's working out already!" As the discussion continued, Washington explained that his purpose is to assist other people of color to build on their dreams in entertainment.
"The way I see it, I'm in the service business now," he said. "I'm here to serve God, my family and young people of color in our business." While he says he’s ready to hand the reigns to a new generation, Washington states that he won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
"That's why I'm here! That's why I'm still in the race," Washington added. "And I'm passing the baton. What a lot of people don't know is: When you pass the baton, you keep running behind the other runner, you don't just stop. I'm like, 'Make the turn, bring it home!' I like helping people, I want to see them do well."
