For Immediate Release
October 08, 2020
Contact Information

Ged Kenslea, AHF Communications Dir.
gedk@aidshealth.org
(323) 791-5526 cell

(BPRW) Actors and Activists Danny Glover and Blair Underwood Endorse and Lend Voices to Prop. 21

November California ballot initiative that will limit unfair rent increases and preserve affordable housing; Law returns decision-making process on whether to enact rent control measures to local jurisdictions, communities, and local elected officials. It does not mandate or require rent control anywhere in California, but simply allows local communities to decide what’s best for them

(Black PR Wire) LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The ‘Yes on 21’ campaign is proud to announce it has received the endorsement of two Hollywood notables: actors and longtime activists Danny Glover and Blair Underwood.

Prop. 21 is a November California ballot initiative that will limit unfair rent increases and preserve affordable housing. The law returns the decision-making process on whether to allow or enact rent control measures to local jurisdictions, communities, and local elected officials. It does not mandate or require rent control anywhere in California, but simply allows local communities to decide what’s best for them.

Backers of Prop. 21 also view it as a homeless prevention measure that will help keep families in their homes.

“I grew up in San Francisco and remember when hardworking people could afford decent homes in vibrant communities. Today, those same people are being priced out of their neighborhoods,” said Danny Glover in a recorded spot for television, radio ads and voter outreach calls in support of the measure. “That’s why I’m asking you to vote ‘yes’ on 21. It’s a cost-effective measure that allows cities to expand rent control. Prop. 21 will help preserve our communities and keep families in their homes.”

Glover is a renowned actor, producer and humanitarian with credits stretching back decades ranging from last year’s well received “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (a film dealing with gentrification and many of the issues Prop. 21 seeks to address) to more mainstream blockbuster movie fare like the “Lethal Weapon” franchise and films like Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple.” Glover is also a longtime and tireless civil-rights, labor, political and international activist.

“As an activist, I believe in the people’s power to make change and that change starts at the ballot box. This November, please stand with me and vote ‘yes’ on 21,” Glover appealed in the closing of his recorded message.

Blair Underwood is a highly regarded television and film actor with a range of credits dating back before one of his most prominent roles: that of attorney Jonathan Rollins on NBC’s “L.A. Law” (1987-1994). He’s led or been a key member of the cast in several other subsequent series (‘The Event,’ ‘Quantico,’ ‘Ironside’) and had countless guest appearances over the years in a ‘who’s who’ of popular television programs as well as numerous film appearances. Underwood is a part of several charitable organizations and a cofounder of Artists for a New South Africa. He’s a trustee of Danny Glover’s nonprofit Robey Theatre Company, which focuses on producing plays about the Black experience.

Proposition 21

When passed, Proposition 21 will remove current state law restrictions, giving cities and counties the power to implement and expand rent control policies that limit how much rents can increase each year. It would allow local communities to:

  • Expand rent control to more buildings while exempting newly constructed buildings.
  • Exempt Single-Family homeowners who own up to two homes.
  • Allow limits on rent increases when a new renter moves in.

Housing Is A Human Right (HHR) is the housing advocacy division of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), and the leading sponsor of Proposition 21.

Proposition 21 is sponsored by Homeowners & Tenants United, with significant funding by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. To learn more, visit yeson21ca.org and housinghumanright.org.