Actor Michael Kenneth Williams has
recorded an ad for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for
Marriage Equality campaign.
“Gay and lesbian couples have the
same values, like family and commitment. They want to build strong
families through marriage,” Williams says in the 30-second video
released Friday.
The 45-year-old Williams is best known
for his portrayal of Albert “Chalky” White on Boardwalk Empire
and Omar Little on The Wire. Both dramas are broadcast on
cabler HBO.
“So let's keep it real, y'all. Join
us. Or Omar gon' come at you,” Williams added in the video. (The
video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit
our video library for more videos.)
The issue of marriage equality is being
discussed in six states. In three states – Washington, New Jersey
and Maryland – lawmakers are debating whether to legalize the
institution. In Minnesota and North Carolina, voters will decide on
the definition of marriage. And supporters
of marriage equality in Maine are considering a return to the
ballot box.
Recent contributors to Americans for
Marriage Equality include The Talk co-host Aisha
Tyler, Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott
Fujita, Pariah's Kim
Wayans and Dee Rees, the film's star and writer-director,
Precious star Mo'Nique,
The Good Wife's Josh
Charles, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon
Ayanbedejo and Julian
Bond, chairman emeritus of the National Association for the
advancement of Colored People (NAACP).