An award winning actor, producer and director was in Lansing on Thursday.

Forest Whitaker campaigned for Senator Barack Obama at Troppo restaurant in downtown Lansing.

At a meeting with local African-American leaders, Whitaker discussed ways to get the community involved in Obama's campaign.

"Reach out to your friends, even if it's five friends, ten friends, and just get them out to vote. I think right now, it's imperative that everyone go out and vote and have their voices heard," said Whitaker.

Whitaker says he supports Senator Obama because he feels as we face current challenges in our country we need a leader who can unite all Americans, and he believes Senator Obama can.