Jesse Williams has always told stories that sit at the intersection of culture, history, and action. With Hoops, Hopes & Dreams, the actor, activist, and producer adds another layer to that legacy, executive producing a documentary that reexamines the Civil Rights Movement through an unexpected but deeply human lens: basketball.
The film explores how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a network of civil rights organizers used neighborhood basketball courts as spaces to connect with young people, meet them where they were, and mobilize them toward civic engagement and social change. Rather than lecturing from a distance, the movement quite literally stepped onto the court.
Speaking about the project on The View, Williams explained what first drew him to the story. “Basketball really was a pivotal part of my life and community,” he said. “And just hearing Dr. King, we think about is this black and white poster and these speeches…Picture him in hard bottom shoes and a suit, showing up and talking about check ball and hooping with some younger kids, seemed kinda election and worth breathing life into and figuring out how to explore.”
That image alone reframes how many people understand King, not just as a symbol frozen in history, but as a young man actively engaging with the culture of his time.
The idea for the documentary emerged after director Glenn Kaino heard Ambassador Andrew Young recount stories of King’s athletic ability. “He was saying, ‘I used to hoop with Dr. King and we were really good,’” Williams recalled. “It was like, ‘What?’ We have to tell that story.”
Hoops, Hopes & Dreams traces that throughline from King to President Barack Obama, another leader whose relationship to basketball became a bridge to voters and communities. The film highlights how the game’s intimacy, its lack of barriers, uniforms, or hierarchy, made it a powerful organizing tool
“I think a special thing about basketball… is about meeting people where they are,” Williams said. “Finding not just in words or as a cliché, but actually being at eye level in person. Not on your phone, not barking in comment sections, but actually spending time with people.”
For Williams, one of the most surprising takeaways was realizing how much play itself can be a vehicle for connection. “I hadn’t thought about meeting people through play,” he admitted. “And play being a way in which to connect, hear from folks, and then form and shape an approach or a position.”
The documentary also underscores how basketball creates shared ground before difficult conversations begin. “You actually can’t be that scared of people you’re interacting with,” Williams said. “Basketball… is a pretty intimate game. You’re not protected by face masks and equipment. You really are with somebody.”
That intimacy, the film argues, helped leaders like King build trust, listen, and inspire action long before soundbites and social media campaigns existed. It’s a reminder that organizing has always been about presence, proximity, and relationship.
Hoops, Hopes & Dreams premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is now available to stream beginning January 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Hulu and Disney+.
At just 20 minutes, Williams describes it as accessible viewing for all ages. “It’s easy to watch with your family,” he said. “All ages are welcome.”
