Bridgerton actor Simone Ashley, author George M. Johnson (IamGMJohnson), actor lilycollins, musician machinegunkelly and comedian Joel Kim Booster (ihatejoelkim) all gave tributes at the event
“Everyone who is here today at TIME100 Next is here because they have made a significant impact in their fields,” said Collins. “And that impact wouldn’t be what it is if not for each of your willingness to bring your gifts to the world.”Here’s what the recipients had to say:Tonight has been an incredible experience for me. I have always been very ambitious, and much like every person in this room, I have always been a dreamer.
At 19, I was diagnosed with reproductive cancer. Just like that sign said. Sometimes I feel like my childhood was erased because of where I lived. And after my cancer diagnosis, I felt like my future was also taken away from me because I lost the ability to bear children. So here’s a toast to the people who inspire us, to the people who fuel us and the people who protect us. Thank you for all that you do.
As I look around this room, I see so many people who refused to be silent about their pain. But even more, I see people who are being vocal in their joy. And that’s something to me that is very ancestral. Even in their hardships, the ancestors found joy. Found ways to survive, to thrive, and pass down those lessons for generations after them to be led by. We all probably have an ancestor whose name we call on in our hardest days.
So I’ll raise my glass to the ancestors. And I raise my glass to everyone who hears this as I end with a quote from ancestor Lucille Clifton: “Drink with me my friends, to a world that has tried to kill us and as of yet has not succeeded.” Thank you.Sometimes, it can be hard to stay true to yourself—to be authentically and unapologetically the person you were meant to be. It’s a truth everyone in this room can attest to.
It’s also what brings us here today. The fact that each of you has stayed true to who you are, despite the doubt or the challenges that you have faced. The fact each of you is uniquely yourselves, in all of your complexity and in all of your power. Everyone said these really great quotes. I think one that maybe I’ll just lay off, I love this one. It was, ‘Suspend logic and invite magic.’ That’s what I encourage from all of us. I think the world is in an odd place. I think if you’re an entertainer, hold off on doing s— that pays to do s— that matters. If you’re an author, write your f— heart out as if no one is reading, because those are the best words that you’re ever going to speak.