Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Oyelowo and Freida Pinto talk Viola Davis and helping Nigeria's girls at Impact Africa fundraiser

It was an incredible and moving night for Hollywood at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday night, and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and David Oyelowo echoed the same sentiments from Viola Davis' emotional acceptance when AOL caught up with them at the GEANCO Foundation's Impact Africa Gala Monday night.


"For me personally this is a sentiment that we talk about everyday," Oyelowo confessed. "When I'm with black actors, directors, writers, producers -- you know, the difference is that with last night, she was given a platform, and that's the thing -- why we are here tonight."

The "Selma" star revealed that both he and Nigerian, Chiwetel Ejiofor are given a spotlight to voice their concerns about inequalities in the entertainment industry, and it's a spotlight they plan to use to raise awareness about giving back to their home countries.

"I've been looking for a substantial and meaningful way to reach back to my country of origin and make a difference," Ejiofor said. "The thing about GEANCO is they're doing it, you know. It's not an idea ... they are building a hospital, they are helping with education, they are doing hip replacements, knee replacements -- all of which are helping people on the ground."

The GEANCO annual fundraiser, which aims to raise awareness and increase support for vulnerable women and children in Nigeria, also supports mental health for young girls who have been brutalized by the terrorist group Boko Haram. GEANCO has collected large donations from other A-list celebrities, including Oprah, to help these young women out.

"That's what we are trying to do here, especially young people who are marginalized in Nigeria."
DAVID OYELOWO, "SELMA" STAR AND GEANCO HONOREE


The "12 Years a Slave" star told AOL how the organization came on board to help a school his mother founded in 2012 back home in Nigeria, "It's offering these kids a kind of world-class education," he said. "It's something we're all so deeply passionate about."

Other celebrities that came out to support the Nigerian actors were "Slumdog Millionaire" actress Frieda Pinto and "Selma" director Ava DuVernay. Pinto, who was also deeply moved by Viola Davis' speech at the Emmys, posted a heartwarming message on Instagram.Source:ipad.aol