Once again, a speaker shows that a ceremonial speech can provide a powerful occasion on which to spread a controversial message. Accepting the 2016 BET Humanitarian Award, sponsored by State Farm, actor Jesse Williams gave a passionate discussion of the importance of Black lives, expressed the need to continue a fight for freedom, and praised the contributions of Black women. He ended with a call to action.
I can't say that his speech was highly polished. It wasn't. But Williams' specific examples, powerful imagery, and carefully balanced phrases brought his sympathetic audience to a height of enthusiasm. He used his very public moment to talk about issues he cared about. His speech did not explain why he received the BET Humanitarian Award; it proved that he had earned it. He didn't tell his message; he showed it. The speech has aroused some controversy, of course, but much less than one might have expected--perhaps the speech's power overcome some of the people who might have opposed him.
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