Grey’s Anatomy alum Jesse Williams has credited late civil rights activist Harry Belafonte with helping him through a difficult period in his life and career. In the documentary Following Harry, Williams recalls how Belafonte offered support after his 2016 BET Humanitarian Award speech triggered backlash, including threats against him and his family.
Jesse Williams says Harry Belafonte’s encouragement shaped his later work and activism
As per PEOPLE, Williams’ connection with Belafonte grew while they worked together on the December 2015/January 2016 70th anniversary cover of Ebony magazine alongside Zendaya. However, their relationship became particularly meaningful after Williams delivered his impassioned BET Humanitarian Award speech in 2016, in which he called for justice and recognized activists working across the country.
In his speech, Williams said, “This is not for me.” He continued, “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.”
However, the speech also brought serious consequences. Williams recalled receiving threats against himself and his family and losing film opportunities because of his political views.
Belafonte had anticipated the backlash and reached out to Williams after the speech. “Right after I gave the Humanitarian Award speech, Mr. Belafonte left me a message which was essentially predicting a backlash that I hadn’t even really considered,” Williams said.
The actor later visited Belafonte at his home, where he found comfort during a turbulent time. “I’ll just never, I’ll never forget that feeling and how it made me feel held in a very chaotic time in my life, and it meant the world to me,” Williams recalled. “And I think everything I’ve done ever since has been a response to that in some way.”
Belafonte, who died in 2023 at 96, was celebrated for his contributions to entertainment and civil rights activism. Directed by Susanne Rostock, Following Harry explores his influence on generations of activists, including Williams.
The documentary is available on VOD platforms, including Apple TV and Prime Video.
