Art as a Path to Progress in Times of Adversity: Colman Domingo’s Inspiring Toast
Colman Domingo, honored at Time magazine’s Impact Dinner, delivered a moving speech urging guests to embrace the power of art and small acts of grace in bridging racial divides and fostering understanding.
Amidst the ever-evolving social landscape, Colman Domingo, the Oscar-nominated actor and Time’s Impact honoree, firmly believes in the transformative power of art. At the magazine’s Impact Dinner, he delivered a stirring toast, highlighting the ability of art to inspire change and the importance of personal actions in fostering racial equality.
Domingo emphasized the significance of the Impact Dinner in recognizing the efforts of Black leaders working tirelessly to close the racial equality gap. From Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas to Emmy Award-winning actor Niecy Nash-Betts, the honorees represented diverse fields, each contributing to the collective pursuit of a more just society.
The Transformative Power of Art
Domingo’s profound toast began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Time’s impact: "Thank you so much for putting a black gay man from Inner City West Philadelphia, the proud descendant of slaves and a proud son of an immigrant. I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams."
He then delved into his Oscar-nominated film, "Sing Sing," which portrays the true story of John "Divine G" Whitfield, who spent 24 years behind bars after a wrongful conviction. During his incarceration, Whitfield co-founded Rehabilitation Through the Arts, a theater group that empowers incarcerated individuals through writing and performance.
Domingo praised the program’s transformative effects, stating that the incarcerated men found theater and performance liberating and empowering. Many of these formerly incarcerated individuals went on to play themselves in the film, showcasing the program’s remarkable success rate and its ability to provide pathways to healing and rehabilitation.
The Importance of Small Acts of Grace
Domingo urged guests to take inspiration from the individuals featured in "Sing Sing" and to recognize the power of seemingly small actions. He shared a quote from Bayard Rustin, whom he portrayed in the biopic "Rustin," that resonated deeply with him: "We either believe in freedom and justice for all, or we do not."
Expanding on this idea, Domingo emphasized the importance of love and empathy in fostering a more just society. "We have to win. The moment we cease to hold each other, the moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out," he said, quoting writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin.
Domingo challenged the audience to embrace the responsibility of bridging racial gaps and to strive for a society where all individuals thrive. "Recapping NYFW 2025: We went to 45 New York Fashion Week shows, eventsJournalist," he concluded.
Strategies for Racial Equity
The Impact Dinner also featured a discussion on strategies for achieving racial equity, led by journalist Elaine Welteroth. The conversation touched on the challenges faced by corporations in the wake of President Trump’s executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Despite these setbacks, panelists like Elise Smith, CEO of Praxis Labs, and David J. Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Collective, emphasized the importance of staying engaged in the work of racial equity. They urged attendees to embrace conflict and to continue showing love and support to those who need it most.
Celebrating Black Changemakers
The event celebrated the achievements of Black changemakers, setting a celebratory tone with music and soul food. The dinner was curated to uplift and empower Black leaders, showcasing the diversity of their contributions to society.
Colman Domingo’s toast and the broader impact of the Time’s Impact Dinner served as a reminder of the power of art, small acts of grace, and collective action in the ongoing pursuit of racial equality. By embracing these principles, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
