Social Activist and ‘Grey's Anatomy’ Star Jesse Williams Coming to Cal Poly

By: Hannah Avdalovic, Edited by Jenna Brown on May 18, 2018 in ASI - Events

Jesse Williams is coming to Cal Poly for a moderated discussion on Monday, May 21 at 8 p.m. in the Cal Poly Recreation Center Main Gym. While best known for his starring role as Dr. Jackson Avery on "Grey's Anatomy," Williams is a social activist who serves on the board of directors for the civil rights think tank and advocacy group, the Advancement Project.

On June 26, 2016, Williams stole the 2016 BET Awards Ceremony with his acceptance speech for the Humanitarian Award. Williams was awarded for his work producing “Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement,” which is a documentary that premiered on BET outlining the history of the movement itself. According to The New York Times, he was also recognized for his work producing “Question Bridge,” which is an art project highlighting the experience of black men in America and for his work with Sankofa, an organization dedicated to ending racial injustice.

“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,” Williams said in the opening line of his speech.

During “A Moderated Discussion with Jesse Williams,” Williams will discuss acting and activism and share his perspective on matters of social justice that are affecting our country and recent events within our Cal Poly community. The discussion will be moderated by Jamie Patton, assistant vice president for Student Affairs — Diversity and Inclusion, and Daniela Czerny, chair of the ASI Board of Directors.

Student entry is free with a valid PolyCard. Cal Poly community members can purchase tickets for $15 through the Cal Poly Ticket Office.

Actor and activist Jesse Williams

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