Jesse Williams is one of our favs for a reason. Instead of resting on his success as the star of a network drama, the actor and activist refuses to ignore the challenges facing the Black community. From police brutality and the school to prison pipeline, to confronting sexism, Williams is committed to the freedom of his people.
Most recently, Williams unleashed an unflinching critique, calling out America for its unique brand of racism and oppression at this year’s BET Awards, the Grey’s Anatomy star also eschewed trolls who called for him to be fired from the show because of his outspoken views.
Now, as details of the shooting death of 37-year-old Alton Sterling at the hands of police in Baton Rouge, LA. continue to emerge, Williams is once again refusing to stay silent.
His main question: What can Black folks do to stay alive when confronted by police?
1) In the interest of time, would ye noble patriots please provide a list of infractions punishable by spontaneous public execution? Thanks!
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) July 6, 2016
2) Upon receipt of this list, we’ll return to our quarters and study up, eager to enjoy freedoms of white mass murders. #LIFEHACK — jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) July 6, 2016
3) You chumps will NEVER provide this list… We see through you.
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) July 6, 2016
During his BET Awards speech, Williams noted that police often treat White suspects differently than Black folks they try to arrest, which has lead to several deaths, including Walter Scott in South Carolina, Eric Garner in New York, and now, Sterling in Louisiana.
“What we’ve been doing is looking at the data and we know that police somehow manage to deescalate, disarm, and not kill white people everyday,” the actor and activist said. “So what’s going to happen is we are going to have equal rights and justice in our own country or we will restructure their function and ours.”
As Williams uses his platform to once again call out the system, producer and writer Issa Rae is raising money for Sterling’s children.
“If you feel helpless, but want to play a small part in easing the burden of #AltonSterling’s family, consider donating to this scholarship fund,” the fundraising note reads.
So far, Rae has raised over $14,000. To contribute to the fund, visit the GoFundMe fundraiser page. All proceeds will go to Sterling’s family.
Britni Danielle is the Senior Digital Editor of EBONY.com and JETmag.com. Catch her tweeting @BritniDWrites
