Tag Archives: Jesse Williams

Issa Rae Raises $500G’s for Alton Sterling’s Kids

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So on a scale from one to 1000, this week ranked one millionth in terms of shittiest.

Amirite?

I’m still in a fragile state to recap what you already know. What I’m sure the whole world now knows. As if they didn’t already. Hell, the King of Pop dedicated a whole song about it in the ’90s. More recently, Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams did a whole breakdown of our beef like an MC–with bars just as insightful as Nas, Common, Mos Def and Talib Kwali–freestylin’ about our appropriation and marginalization.

Actor and Activist Jesse Williams Drops Truth Bomb During BET Awards

Yet, two weeks later and one day after Independence Day (isn’t it ironic?) Alton Sterling becomes not only a hashtag but # 505 on this year’s list–so far– of fatal shootings by police. Not even a full 24 hours later did Philando Castile land # 506.

What’s scary is not only who will be # 507, but the near certainty another Black man or woman will fill the casket. It’s a hopeless reality but no doubt one that’s been contemplated now more than ever.

It makes you wonder if Alton Sterling’s 15-year-old son will live long enough to step foot on the college campus  filmmaker Issa Rae helped foot the tuition for. The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl took to GoFundMe page this week urging supporters to finance a better future for the slain Louisana man’s five offspring by donating up to $200K.

The star/creator of HBO’s new comedy Insecure surpassed her fundraising goal in 9 hours; garnering $567,056 for the Sterling family.

“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 for his 15-year-old son (and his other kids).

*ALL* funds raised will go to Alton Sterling’s family,” writes Issa.

Following Issa’s lead Los Angeles director Xavier Burgin posted a Go Fund Me page for Philando Castile, which raised $96,040. To help support the Minneapolis man’s girlfriend and daughter, who both watched him get gunned down reaching for his license. The disturbing encounter was streamed live on Facebook.

Philando’s sister also started one to pay for his funeral.

It’s good to know people care enough to give, but Beyonce put it best: “we dont need sympathy. We need everyone to respect our lives.”

We’re still waiting.

We’re done waiting.

We’re woke and it’s time to start fighting.

MCM | Jesse Williams Drops Truth Bomb During BET Awards

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It’s safe to say Jesse Williams put us all in a trance last night at the BET Awards. Only it wasn’t his gorgeous green eyes that had us hypnotized, although it always helps, but his truth bombs about cultural appropriation.

The Grey’s Anatomy star lit into those who love to bottle up our slang, our dance moves and our fashion style to sell to the masses. Yet, cringe at our efforts to recognize the whole package. Black Lives Matter. The fact that a little brown boy playing in a park alone results in several holes in his body by the police. Without any arrests. Shows it doesn’t.

And that’s what J.W. is hoping to change. Through his involvement with orgs like the California Endowment Sons & Brothers that guides young Black boys to reach their potential through literacy and youth empowerment. Jesse is a boardmember. The actor turned activist is also on the board of directors for the Advancement Project; a civil-rights org seeking community based solutions to racial inequities.

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And still finds time to take part in POTUS’ “My Brother’s Keeper” program.

Between Jesse Williams’ stirring humanitarian acceptance speech (check out his full speech below) and Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar’s chain-breaking performance of “Freedom.”

We’re all woke.

While the Oscars was on…Black Hollywood Raised $122K for Flint

 

imageedit_1_2053716834Black Hollywood–those who didn’t boycott the Oscars (*cough* Chris Rock*cough*Whoopi Goldberg*cough*)–used their star power to raise awareness for Flint water crisis Sunday by organizing #JusticeforFlint fundraiser. In turn raising over $100,000 to help all those affected.

Selma director Ava Duvernay, Creed director Ryan Coogler (shown above) and Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams banded together to host the Justice for Flint free event streamed on Revoltv, including panel discussions and performances by…

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Jazmine Sullivan

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Empire’s Jussie Smollett and Estelle

 

Janelle Monae and the always great Stevie Wonder

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Musiq Soul Child

 

Ledisi singing the best version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

And panel discussions featured Hill Harper, Ryan Coogler and Avengers star Mark Ruffalo. Jesse Williams continued to keep it real why he, Ryan Coogler and Ava Duvernay combined forces.

The poisoning of Flint’s water hasn’t been happening for 2 days…for 2 weeks. It’s been 2 years and we’re only talking about it now because they got caught.

Ava Duvernay let the numbers speak for themselves:

The special event was a great way to cast a shadow over the Oscars, which is already being boycotted by A-list actors Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Spike Lee.

At the same time throw a spotlight on an issue that’s been mostly ignored by mainstream media and Justice department.Why hasn’t the Michigan governor been arrested yet? 

Throw in Al Sharpton’s LA rally against Tinseltown’s lack of diversity, this was the weekend for taking a stand, rather than accepting honors. 

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