Octavia Spencer’s Golden Globes Speech Praised by Domestic Workers’ Group

“The Help” star’s MLK-referencing speech brought “recognition and light to this workforce,” association president says

"The Help" star Octavia Spencer didn't just win a trophy on Sunday night — she won the respect of domestic workers throughout the country.

Spencer — who took away a Golden Globe award in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of outspoken maid Minny Jackson in "The Help" — was praised by the National Domestic Workers Alliance on Monday for citing the importance of domestic workers during her acceptance speech.

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“Domestic workers around the country watched with pride tonight," the alliance's co-founder and director, Ai-jen Poo, said in a statement. "After generations of exclusion and invisibility, we are so grateful to Octavia for helping bring recognition and light to this workforce. And we're thankful for all of the performances in 'The Help' that gave life and dignity to domestic workers' stories."

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Following her win, Spencer quoted civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while noting the importance of the nations' domestic workers.

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“With regard to domestics in this country, Dr. Martin Luther King said it best," Spencer said. "All labor that uplifts dignity in this country is worthwhile.”

In her statement supporting Spencer, Poo likewise paraphrased King, saying, "We have a dream that one day all work will be valued equally. Together we can be 'the help' needed to bring respect to domestic work.”
 

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