This year’s BET Awards were packed full of amazing moments, from Beyoncé’s surprise performance to the many Prince tributes. But the morning after, there’s really only one thing that EVERYONE is talking about. When Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams stepped onto the stage to accept the Humanitarian Award, no one expected the depth of what was about to happen. Delivering a statement addressing racial issues, Jesse made what is being called one of the most memorable speeches of the award’s history, and you can definitely believe that once you see it (below) and when you check out how celebs responded with praise (and a little controversy).
“Now — this award, this is not for me. This is for the real organizers all over the country, the activists, the civil rights attorneys, the struggling parents, the families, the teachers, the students that are realizing that a system built to divide and impoverish and destroy us cannot stand if we do. Alright? It’s kind of basic mathematics,” Jesse began, before going on to speak about racial struggles, the daunting issues Black women face (“we can and will do better for you”), and recent victims of anti-Black violence: Tamir Rice, Rekia Boyd, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland and Dorian Hunt (names we all need to recognize). You can check out the speech below (and you definitely should whether you’re seeing for the first time or the 10th).
Obviously as moved as we were at home, the celebs came out fast and hard to praise Jesse Williams and his powerful words.
You better speak @iJesseWilliams thank you….your voice is so powerful….
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 27, 2016
I have no words…..eloquent, moving, spot on and perfectly put….I'm so inspired @iJesseWilliams
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) June 27, 2016
"The burden of the brutalized, is not to comfort the bystander." –#JesseWilliams
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) June 27, 2016
Thank you @iJesseWilliams we needed that… RESPECT
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) June 27, 2016
Just because we're magic doesn't mean we're not real!! @iJesseWilliams #betawards #yougoboy
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) June 27, 2016
JESSE WESLEY WILLIAMS
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) June 27, 2016
@iJesseWilliams so thoughtful so much truth you have used your platform in the most impressive way please don't ever stop we need you
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) June 27, 2016
In our world of media where entertainers are only interested in promoting themselves @iJesseWilliams is selfless & as refreshing as it gets
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) June 27, 2016
@iJesseWilliams speech still on my mind https://t.co/84lOzcqJmL
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) June 27, 2016
Watched @iJesseWilliams #BETAwards speech a solid 5 times this morning. No coffee needed. #woke
— ALEKESAM (@SalMasekela) June 27, 2016
#JesseWilliams is definitely awake! Standing on #Truth! Bless
— Valerie Chandler (@RealValChandler) June 27, 2016
.@iJesseWilliams gave a speech at the #BETawards that must be viewed by EVERYONE! Watch here and share! https://t.co/oTIViug88f
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) June 27, 2016
“Just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real.” –@iJesseWilliams https://t.co/Oc4FrwXGOX
— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) June 27, 2016
@iJesseWilliams that speech at #BETAwards. You. THANK YOU!
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) June 27, 2016
Powerful. @iJesseWilliams
— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) June 27, 2016
Wow, that @iJesseWilliams speech at the #BETAWARDS was something we all need to watch, re-watch and re-watch again.
— Chris Archer (@ChrisArcher22) June 27, 2016
Although there was also a little controversy caused by Justin Timberlake, who didn’t respond too well to a tweeter who called him out on racial and cultural appropriation.
https://twitter.com/jtimberlake/status/747276674073395200
Justin, in turn, did the celeb-backpedal.
I feel misunderstood. I responded to a specific tweet that wasn't meant to be a general response. I shouldn't have responded anyway…
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 27, 2016
I forget this forum sometimes… I was truly inspired by @iJesseWilliams speech because I really do feel that we are all one… A human race
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 27, 2016
I apologize to anyone that felt I was out of turn. I have nothing but LOVE FOR YOU AND ALL OF US.
–JT
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 27, 2016
Check out Jesse’s speech below and get up with the crowd to give him a standing ovation. “Just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real.” *chills*
Best speech 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥https://t.co/3mJekMGp5I
— Uche Jombo Rodriguez (@uchejombo) June 27, 2016
What did you think about Jesse Williams BET speech? Tweet us @BritandCo!
(Photos via Frederick M. Brown/Getty)