Richard Lawson urges Black creatives to use digital platforms to preserve culture and history
Veteran American actor Richard Lawson has called on Black communities across the globe to take greater ownership of their narratives, arguing that modern technology has created unprecedented opportunities for people to document and share their experiences without relying on traditional media institutions.
Speaking during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in France, Lawson said the evolution of digital technology has fundamentally changed who gets to tell stories and whose voices are heard.
Reflecting on his decades-long career in the entertainment industry, the actor said representation in film and television was once heavily controlled by a small group of decision-makers, resulting in many Black experiences being overlooked or inaccurately portrayed on screen.
According to Lawson, the industry landscape has changed dramatically since he entered acting in the late 1960s. He noted that tools such as smartphones and digital media platforms have removed many of the barriers that previously prevented underrepresented communities from sharing their perspectives with wider audiences.
He stressed that the ability to create and distribute content independently has become an important avenue for preserving cultural identity and ensuring that future generations have access to authentic accounts of Black life, history and achievements.
The actor warned that some aspects of Black history and culture risk being diminished or forgotten if communities do not actively participate in documenting their own stories. For that reason, he believes storytelling has become both a creative pursuit and a form of cultural responsibility.
Lawson described film as a powerful medium capable of preserving historical memory, challenging misconceptions and building understanding between different societies. He said authentic storytelling allows communities to define themselves rather than having their identities shaped by outsiders.
The actor also praised initiatives that create opportunities for African and Black filmmakers to showcase their work on international stages. He highlighted the importance of platforms that connect emerging creatives with global audiences and industry networks.
His comments come at a time when conversations around diversity, inclusion and representation continue to shape discussions within the global entertainment industry. As access to filmmaking tools becomes increasingly widespread, Lawson believes creators now have greater power than ever to influence how their communities are portrayed.
For him, the future of storytelling belongs not only to established filmmakers and major studios but also to ordinary people willing to share their experiences and preserve their heritage through digital media.
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