Jesse Williams had the whole crowd on their feet when he gave his acceptance speech for the 2016 BET Humanitarian Award.
Lauded by Harry Belafonte, Debbie Allen, and other stars in a video love letter, Jesse took the stage to deliver a groundbreaking speech that sent ripples through the Black community.
His riveting message was a call to action and mobilization — citing the many cases of injustice and violence against Black people in America.
The Grey’s Anatomy actor referred to Black culture as “Black gold” to a White America that continues to leech from our culture but refuses to acknowledge our humanity and rights.
He went as far as telling any Black Lives Matter detractors to have a seat.
“Let’s get a couple of things straight. The burden of the brutalized is not to comfort the bystander — that’s not our job so let’s stop with all that,” he said. “If you have a critique for our resistance then you’d better have an established record, a critique of our oppression.”
The 34-year-old took a moment to acknowledge Black women and declare his commitment to fighting alongside us as we continue to march for equality.
The humanitarian finished his speech with an ode to Black Girl Magic, saying, “Just because we’re magic, doesn’t mean we aren’t real.”
Thank you, Jesse, for fighting on our behalf and always keeping it real.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
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