Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544866
16 SAG-AFTR A | Spring 2026 | sagaftra.org A Letter From the Secretary-Treasurer Dear Member, I n my previous letter, I related my upbringing as a child of actors and activists and how I came to understand that the arts can be an avenue to fighting injustice and furthering civil rights goals. I'd like to share more on this topic, as 2026 has already proven itself to be a year ripe for the energy of folks like us. This is a period of history where those armed with a passion for artistry and activism can lend our voices to initiating a brighter future. Before I get into heavier topics, I want to take a moment to acknowledge how meaningful it was to be at The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA when Michael B. Jordan and the entire cast of Sinners received their well-deserved honors. For those needing a reminder of just how much impact original artistry has right now, Sinners provides a profound example. So many folks, myself included, have been immensely moved by both this film and Michael B. Jordan's personal journey. When I think of the next generation of performers and filmmakers who will be able to draw inspiration from Jordan and director Ryan Coogler's work, I can't help but be hopeful. Indeed, hope for progress is the emotion that fills me following my return from Washington, D.C., and Sacramento. We have many lawmaking allies across the nation who are eager to listen and facilitate progress around AI, workers rights and a fairer tax system. In D.C., President Sean Astin, Executive Vice President Linda Powell, members of the Washington-Mid Atlantic Local and I enjoyed the chance to meet face to face with those in the Legislature empowered to find solutions to the issues SAG-AFTRA members are most concerned with. We also connected with our colleagues in labor at the AFL-CIO Workers First AI Summit, and it was heartening to hear from so many experts on the plethora of solutions they have for both addressing AI and ensuring a prosperous future for workers. I also want to sing the praises of our own National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, who gave an amazing presentation on deepfakes at the AFL-CIO summit. He covered a complex topic in an easy-to-understand way, ensuring the labor community understands what was at stake around AI and digital replicas and what can be done to keep humanity protected. Duncan works incredibly hard for all of us, and we're lucky to have him. In Sacramento, I had the privilege of speaking on behalf of SAG-AFTRA in support of SB 1050, the AI Advertisement Integrity Act, which would require advertisements to disclose the use of synthetics. Our laws must reflect new realities, and the reality is synthetics have the power to cause real harm to individuals, families and communities. Truth in media has never been more important. That's why I'm so pleased this issue of our magazine covers the dangers faced by broadcast journalists and how they can prioritize their safety. During a time when the broadcasting profession is increasingly under attack, know that SAG-AFTRA is taking action. Organizing efforts are ongoing, as is our advocacy and legislative work. If passed, AB 2222 in California would create refundable tax credits to those employing local journalists. Solutions like this can be possible in other states. Let's do all we can to protect the future of reliable news and information. In unity, Michelle Hurd M I C H E L L E H U R D "This is a period of history where those armed with a passion for artistry and activism can lend our voices to initiating a brighter future."