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Geoffrey Owens speaks on Trader Joe’s shaming

Actor Geoffrey Owens spoke about the job shaming he received after a photo went viral of him working at a NJ Trader Joe’s.

Chenelle Covin Wins Women of Color STEM Award in Technical Innovation

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In an interview with Good Morning America, actor Geoffrey Owens spoke about the job shaming he received after a photo went viral of him working at a New Jersey Trader Joes.

Geoffrey Owens on Trader Joes picture

Though not needing to explain to others for simply doing what you have to do survive, Owens shared his experience as a working actor to ABC’s Good Morning America:

“I was really devastated,” Geoffrey said of the initial reporting.

“But the period of devastation was so short because, so shortly after that, my wife and I started to read these responses of support from all over the world, so the shame period didn’t last very long.”

“I’d been teaching, acting, directing for 30-plus years, but it got to a point where it just didn’t add up enough. You gotta do what you gotta do,” he said.

He was offered jobs after viral photo

After the photo of Owens went viral, Tyler Perry offered the actor a job:

Despite the newfound attention, Owens said he doesn’t want this to turn into sympathy for acting jobs:

“I wouldn’t feel comfortable with someone giving me a job because this happened,” he said, adding that he would be open to offers to audition.

“I want to get a job because I’m the right person for that job.”

He also expressed as the news of him working at Trader Joe’s will fade, he hopes the conversation on the value of hard work continues.

“There’s no job that’s better than another job,” he said.

“Every job is worthwhile and valuable, and if we have a re-thinking about that because of what’s happened to me, that would be great.”

“I’ve had a great life, had a great career. I’ve had a career that most actors would die for,” he said.

“No one has to feel sorry for me. I’m doing fine.”

As I stated in my previous article, rock on brotha!


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Chenelle Covin is an award-winning social entrepreneur, journalist, and digital media strategist. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Unheard Voices Magazine, a platform dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in media, culture, and social justice. Covin holds a B.S. in Business and an M.A. in Digital Communications from Monmouth University. She has also obtained a computer science certification from Harvard University and is preparing for Ph.D. studies. Her career spans media, technology, and advocacy, with expertise in branding, digital storytelling, and public relations. She has received multiple honors, including the Women of Color STEM Award in Technical Innovation, the NAACP Unsung Hero Award, and the CV Magazine Media Innovator Award for Social Justice. Covin’s work includes developing automation tools, producing documentaries, and leading mentorship programs in media and computer science. She continues to drive innovation and representation in digital media and STEM fields.

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