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The 'Empire' cast makes a plea for Hillary Clinton in a new 60-second web ad directed by the show's creator Lee Daniels
In it, recognizable faces like Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sibide and Bryshere Y. Gray explain why they're supporting the Democratic nominee
Gray mentions the names of black men and women killed by police, noting how Clinton is the only candidate supporting 'Black Lives Matter'

By Nikki Schwab, U.s. Political Reporter For Dailymail.com

Published: 20:02 EST, 5 October 2016 | Updated: 01:30 EST, 6 October 2016

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Director Lee Daniels enlisted some familiar faces from his television sensation 'Empire' for a new ad supporting Democrat Hillary Clinton as she vies for the African-American vote.

The 60-second spot, which dropped tonight, features star Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sidibe, known for her role in 'Precious' as well, and Bryshere Y. Gray, who plays Hakeem Lyons on the popular show.

In the ad, Gray names a number of black people killed at the hands of police including Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray and Philando Castile.

'There's only one person in this race who said "Black Lives Matter,"' Gray points out.

Director Lee Daniels used his talents to create a new 60-second web spot for Hillary Clinton, which was released tonight

Actor Bryshere Y. Gray reminds African-American voters that Hillary Clinton, and not Donald Trump, has voiced support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement

Henson, who plays Cookie on the show, begins the spot by asking, 'What will I tell my son? What will you tell your daughter? What will we tell the future generation?' the actress said.

Trai Byers, who plays Andre Lyons on 'Empire,' then picks up the ball.

'The violence and nasty rhetoric against mankind is unacceptable,' Byers says, later blasting Clinton's rival for his 'intolerance.'

'If Trump gets into office,' Henson adds.

'It will only get worse,' inserts actor Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal Lyons on the Fox show.

Actress Tasha Smith notes that Clinton had pledged to close the Charleston loophole, which allowed shooter Dylann Roof to legally buy the guns he used to kill nine parishioners at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Emmy nominee Taraji P. Henson kicks off the ad, asking voters to consider what they'd tell their children if they sat out this election

Trai Byers, who plays Andre Lyons on 'Empire,' is included in the ad, along with a handful of other familiar faces

'I would like a president who will protect Obamacare,' adds in Sibide.

'Somebody who understands personally the plight of a woman,' says Grace Byers, another member of the 'Empire' cast.

Daniels, who also directed 'Precious' and 'The Butler' asks potential black voters to look back at history.

'So many women and men died for us to have the right to vote,' the prominent director says.

'Every time we sit out, we dishonor their sacrifices,' he adds.

The star-studded spot is supposed to 'highlight what's at stake for the African-American community in this election and remind voters of the power that rests in their vote,' according to a release from the campaign.

Probably the most well-known celebrity is Gabourey Sibide, who was the lead in Lee Daniels' film 'Precious' before her work on 'Empire' now

'On every issue from criminal justice reform to women's rights to protecting President Obama's legacy, the actors voiced their trust and support for Hillary Clinton,' the ad continued.

The ad drop comes the same day that Clinton held a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., and used more Hollywood types, including British singer Estelle – known best for her 'American Boy' collaboration with Kanye West – and actresses Julianna Margulies and Eva Longoria to raise money for her presidential campaign.

The Daniels spot, entitled 'What will you say?' is the cherry on top as the Clinton campaign has also announced a $30 million digital ad buy in battleground states around the country.