Jesse William's Humanitarian Speech: Police Bashing Or Supporting Black Lives Matter? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Jesse William's Humanitarian Speech: Police Bashing Or Supporting Black Lives Matter?

Actor and activist delivers a speech that sparks criticism.

9
Jesse William's Humanitarian Speech: Police Bashing Or Supporting Black Lives Matter?
Google images

Last week at the 2016 BET Awards, Jesse Williams, who is an activist and actor but better known for his role on the hit show 'Grey's Anatomy' won the Humanitarian award. It wasn't his good looks that had the audience in awe. It was his speech that went viral moments after. Williams spoke out about the plight of black people, police brutality and the obstacles of being black in Hollywood.

Williams started off his speech by saying, "This award is not for me. This is for the real organizers all over the country; the activist, the civil rights attorney's, struggling parents, the teachers, the students. That are realizing; that a system built to divide and impoverish and destroy us. Cannot stand if we do...." It was then followed by a roar of applause. Williams made it his responsibility to thank those who are fighting for the rights of those who many think should not have any rights at all.

Many have taken offense to his speech such as Tommi Lahren, who is a news personality, gave her not so warranted opinion. Lahren started off her 'Final Thoughts' show with this, "Well The Bet Awards were last night. Notably, they were very black. Oh, but can I say that, well with my whiteness and all, too damn bad." Lahren immediately sounds confrontational, that Williams is standing up for his race that has been oppressed for years.

Lahren goes on to say, "Question, was this a celebration of black entertainment or an opportunity to complain about the plight of wealthy black actors and musicians?" Lahren then points out that she feels many of the acceptance speeches were centered around victimhood and police bashing.

In a century where "racism is not supposed to exist", young black men or black women for that matter, cannot walk down the street in plain clothes without being harassed by the police or a neighborhood "hero".

Williams's speech continues to address police brutality, "What we been doing is looking at the data. We know police somehow manage to de-escalate, disarm and not kill white people every day." Williams is referring to the Oregon Militia group who were armed and overtook a federal building.

It took the police almost a month to get the military out of the building, but when the Black Lives Matter organization has a peaceful protest, the police are there in full combat uniform, tear gas and gas mask. Along with road blocks around certain areas of the city.

While Lahren felt that Williams's above quote was a "war on cops", what she fails to realize is that he was not speaking to all police, Williams was speaking on the police that is committing these brutal acts against people of color.

Williams also addressed the fact that Tamir Rice's 13th birthday would be on June 25th, 2016. He no longer wants to hear about how far we have moved on from racism when a 12-year-old boy can get shot in the broad day playing in the park with a BB gun. That same officer who shot Rice gets to go home every night free without facing any consequences.

Williams goes on in his speech to address that if people are going to critique the resistance of black people, then they have to have the proper understanding of black people's oppression. If there is no interest in helping black people gain equal rights, then do not give advice to those that want to help black people.

Lahren then goes on another rant and says, "Equal rights? Please tell me, Mister Williams, what rights black peoples don't have?" As though the fact that black people have been fighting for equal rights for 500 plus years, starting with slavery, then Jim Crow laws, then the Civil rights movement. Black people did not get the right to vote until 1965. With that being said black people have only had civil rights for 51 years.

Williams ends his speech stating that his is no longer going to let white media make black culture a thing for the masses to make fun or make a profit off of as well.

The media tends to demean blackness, but when other races try to take credit or "re-invent" black culture, the media will give credit and praise the other race for the hairstyles and physical features that black people have had for years.

When wealthy or influential black people speak up about the oppression of black people, many find it to be police and white bashing. While Lahren felt offended by Williams's speech, many felt inspired by the eloquent speech, that has been all over social media.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

1944
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1064
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

832
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

781
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments