Jesse Williams helped me come to terms with being mixed race in the US

Grey’s Anatomy actor, Jesse Williams has recently been a focal point of controversy due to his racially focused BET acceptance speech for the BET Humanitarian Award. Williams is known for using his fame as an actor as a platform to comment on issues such as police brutality, black rights, movements like Black Lives Matter, and more. He also works with an organization called Advancement Project to work with black communities to provide a safe space for black people.

Though his opinions can be seen as controversial, there is no denying that he has become an influential and innovative activist for black rights nation-wide.

I am a biracial woman – half black and half white. As I became more and more aware of the country’s racial tensions, I struggled to find a comfortable stance on the issue. It was hard to figure out where I belonged. Growing up, I found myself constantly being reminded that I am neither black nor white. I felt like some sort of unknown breed – a fictional creature that no one could relate to. When I found Jesse Williams, a black and white man who has found his place as a role model for the black community, I felt like I had someone to help me figure out how navigate being biracial in America today.

There are people like me

Though it is relatively obvious that there are other biracial people in the world, the struggles of being biracial are not often talked about. The immersion of Williams alone showed me that I wasn’t alone in feeling confused and I had a role model, just like everyone else.

My family might be divided

“Half of my family is white, and half of them might get it, and half of them might not.”

My black parent was not around during my childhood so I grew up with only white family, but in the same way they seem to be mostly divided on black rights and issues. I am a great believer that every opinion is valid, whether it conforms to mine or not, but it is an interesting phenomenon growing up with friends and family who have negative views of black people. Intentional or not, it is something that biracial people have to learn to navigate.

I can’t expect people to understand

“It’s hard to relate to things you can’t relate to.”

At times, it was hard for me to understand why my family members didn’t understand my struggles. Williams taught me many times that those who haven’t had my experiences cannot relate to them, just as I can’t relate to the experiences of others if I haven’t had them.

I’m not neither, I’m both

“I am white and I am also black”

In high school, I always seemed to be either white or black based on what was convenient to those around me. I had good grades, made friends easily, and was involved in student government because I’m ‘basically white,’ but I was the token black girl whenever one was needed for conversation. Because of this I never really knew how to classify myself. Williams made it clear that I am both and should be proud of both.

I have a claim to black culture

“Just because we’re magic doesn’t mean we’re not real.”

Because I didn’t grow up around black family members, I felt like black heritage and culture didn’t belong to me. Williams’ unapologetic ownership of both parts of his genetic makeup let me know that it was OK to claim both cultures that made me me.

I have biracial privilege

“I know how white people talk about black people. I know how black people talk about white folks. I know, I am there and every speaks honestly around me.”

I have white family members and grew up with the conventional mannerisms of white society. My skin tone is lighter than many black people and my name doesn’t necessarily ‘sound black.’ In fact, as a kid, many of my friend often told me that they forgot that I was black. Because I am often accepted and supported by my white peers, I have privilege that many black people don’t. Williams stresses that it is important to use the privilege you have to serve those who are less privileged.

Life experiences are important

“All of this stuff comes with exposure and a willingness to be able to talk about it.”

Exposure and experience are extremely important in widening your worldview. By talking to others and hearing their perspectives, I can not only expand my understanding, but share my experiences and perspectives with others.