Jesse Williams is an American actor, producer, and activist, best known for his role as Dr. Jackson Avery on the popular television series Grey's Anatomy. He was born on August 5, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in both Chicago and Philadelphia. Williams has also appeared in films such as The Cabin in the Woods and The Butler. In addition to his acting career, Williams is an outspoken advocate for social justice and civil rights. He has been involved in various initiatives and organizations that focus on issues like racial equality and education. His activism gained significant attention during his speech at the 2016 BET Awards, where he addressed systemic racism and police violence.