Jane Fonda Talks about White Privilege and Racism Following George Floyd's Death

Jane Fonda sounded off on white privilege in a new interview with CNN. "Even the poorest of us have privilege," noted the "Barbarella" actress dressed in all-black attire.

On Sunday, Jane Fonda joined Don Lemon for a segment on CNN regarding the death of George Floyd and the resulting protests around the country.

Fonda revealed that she'd been reading books about black Americans and their plight for the last three years. In that time, she has better-understood things and is now speaking out in the clip found below.

JANE FONDA SPEAKS ON WHITE PRIVILEGE

The "Grace and Frankie" star donned an all-black outfit for the interview. According to People, the sweater, along with the beret she wore, symbolizes the Black Panther Party.

In the 1970s, Fonda stood alongside the movement, just as she's symbolically standing alongside protestors today. However, the actress is well aware of her privilege in the scheme of things.

"Because we're white, we have had privilege," said Fonda to Lemon. She continued, "Even the poorest of us have had privilege. And we need to recognize that, and we have to understand what it is that keeps racism in place."

She further noted how certain banking and mortgage policies keep black people down and why it means white people have to undergo internal change. Fonda believes some of her fellow whites are already starting to understand.

FONDA'S FIGHT FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

Fonda's activism extends beyond racism and into social and environmental movements as well. Most recently, she stood outside the US Capitol to fight for climate change.

In November 2019, Fonda got arrested — not for the first time — during a climate protest that saw her wearing a red Chanel coat. At one point, she lifted her restrained arms to the air with a smile.

ARIANA GRANDE SHARES PEACEFUL PROTEST

Elsewhere, other celebrities have taken to the streets with signs in Floyd's honor. They include Kendrick Sampson from "Insecure," Ariana Grande, Emily Ratajkowski, and Tessa Thompson.

Grande shared photos of a lengthy peaceful protest she partook in. The pictures showed her wearing a blue mask in compliance with the coronavirus pandemic protocols.

FONDA'S DONATION TO COVID-19 RELIEF

For her part, Fonda assisted with COVID-19 relief by donating proceeds from her sweatsuit sales in April. The money will go towards helping service industry workers who are unable to work.

Fonda and her team created an entire, limited line of sweatsuits just for the cause. Some of the proceeds would also be going to the climate change movement.

While the actress continually has to deal with critics who choose to point out her years-long luxury and privilege, there's no doubt she's doing something to make a difference.