"For minority actors, developing our own projects has to be the eventual path. We have a lot of stories to tell and a really unique voice. But none of that is going to be heard as long as we're just the hired hands, acting"

This quote by Jimmy Smits talks to the significance of minority actors taking control of their own tasks and stories. He stresses that minority stars have a distinct voice that requires to be heard, however that this won't happen if they are just "hired hands" and not in control of their own tasks. Smits is promoting for minority actors to take the effort and develop their own projects, so that their stories can be told and their unique voices can be heard. This is a crucial message, as it highlights the requirement for minority actors to take control of their own jobs and stories, rather than counting on others to inform them. By doing so, they can ensure that their stories are heard which their distinct voices are represented.