Secluded stars: Celebs from the suburbs support protests on social media

Performers who grew up in the suburbs have been taking to social media to support global protests against racism and police brutality.

Showing solidarity

On Twitter, former Libertyville resident and Rage Against the Machine band member Tom Morello highlighted the past and current activism of Mary Morello, his mother. In the 1950s, she taught international students and opposed Jim Crow laws, and in the 1960s Mary Morello aided anti-colonial movements while living in Africa.

Tom Morello, whose father was from Kenya, tweeted a mother-son photo and added: "My 96 yr old mom has been a tireless advocate for Black Lives and a ruthless critic of racism her whole life. Proud, as always, to stand with her today."

Former Glen Ellyn resident and "Will & Grace" star Sean Hayes, meanwhile, posted to Twitter a drawing of two hands clenched together with the message of "Unity isn't just a slogan. It should be an action. #blacklivesmatter #georgefloyd #equality"

Amplifying others

Sherri Shepherd turned to Instagram to call attention to an interview her friend, "When They See Us" star Niecy Nash, conducted with Vanity Fair.

The former Hoffman Estates resident and past panelist of "The View" wrote: "So proud of the interview my friend @niecynash1 gave to @vanityfair ... Niecy you captured the fear a black mother goes through in just wanting her children to get home alive. The frustration and anger of being told to be nonviolent & peaceful and it still blows up in our face. Thank you Friend for sharing your heart."

Redd fundraiser

"Saturday Night Live" star Chris Redd launched a targeted GoFundMe fundraiser on June 2. The former Naperville resident initially wanted to raise $250,000 to cover costs for protesters needing COVID-19 testing and treatment.

He met his goal in two days.

"Thank you so much for every single person that gave!!! I'm going to keep it going as long as I can!!!!!!" tweeted Redd on June 4. Redd has since upped the ante by increasing the fundraising goal to $400,000.