Kendrick Sampson is on the frontlines of revolutionizing change wherever necessary

Read time 4 minutes

Photography by Benjo Arwas.

Through art and activism, Kendrick Sampson reshapes narratives and empowers communities. His journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven creativity.

Kendrick Sampson is not just an actor—he’s a force for change. Best known for his compelling roles in Insecure and How to Get Away with Murder, Kendrick’s impact goes far beyond the screen. He is a storyteller who uses his art and influence to challenge injustice and inspire meaningful conversations. At the heart of his journey lies a profound commitment to creating a better world, one act of advocacy at a time.

As co-founder of BLD PWR, Kendrick leads an organization dedicated to equipping grassroots activists with tools and strategies for liberation. His work focuses on empowering the next generation of changemakers while addressing systemic inequities at their core. For Kendrick, activism isn’t a sideline effort—it’s a central part of his identity, intertwined with his creative pursuits and personal values.

Born in Houston, Texas, Kendrick’s passion for justice was sparked early in life. Growing up, he was exposed to the challenges faced by marginalized communities and quickly realized the power of using one’s voice to advocate for others. Today, he continues that mission by amplifying the stories and struggles of those too often silenced.

Photography by Benjo Arwas.

Kendrick’s approach to activism is holistic. He recognizes that meaningful change requires not just bold action but also sustainable practices. Through BLD PWR, he emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being, ensuring that activists have the support they need to thrive while fighting for justice. It’s a philosophy that reflects his belief in the balance between resilience and self-care.

But Kendrick’s activism is only one part of his multifaceted identity. As an actor, he gravitates toward roles that explore the complexity of the human experience. Whether portraying flawed, nuanced characters or advocating for greater diversity behind the scenes, he views storytelling as a powerful medium for change. His work challenges stereotypes, celebrates Black excellence, and invites audiences to see the world through a more empathetic lens.

In this exclusive conversation with Slick, Kendrick opens up about his journey, his passions, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From navigating the entertainment industry to addressing societal injustices, Kendrick’s insights offer a powerful reminder of what it means to live with purpose and intention.

Slick: Kendrick, let’s ease into this. If you had to summarize who you are as a person—your essence, your values, and your identity—how would you do it in just five words?

Kendrick: That’s a tough one, but I’d say: Liberator, Storyteller, Lover, Fighter, Foodie.

Slick: Those words paint such an intriguing picture! Let’s talk about inspiration for a moment. During quarantine, people turned to everything from activism to binge-watching TV shows. What’s something you’ve seen, read, or experienced during that time that really left a lasting impression on you?

Kendrick: There was so much going on during quarantine, both heartbreaking and inspiring. Activism really stood out to me—movements like #CancelRent organized by Housing Justice 4 All, LA Tenants Union, and others. Seeing those efforts to protect people from housing instability was powerful.

On a similar note, organizations like The Center for Popular Democracy and Texas Organizing Project were doing incredible work around Medicaid and recovery for all.

As for what I’ve watched, Bedlam on PBS and Little Fires Everywhere made a big impression. They’re deeply layered stories that stay with you.

“Activism and art are intertwined—they both have the power to inspire and create lasting change. My mission is to use storytelling as a tool for liberation and amplify the voices that need to be heard.” – Kendrick Sampson

Slick: Switching gears a bit, let’s talk about your craft. Acting can be incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. When you’re on set, how do you prepare yourself to perform at your best? Are there specific rituals or techniques that help you stay grounded?

Kendrick: Definitely. For me, it’s all about staying present. Breathing exercises are my go-to—they help calm my nerves and center me. I try to channel any anxiety into the scene itself, turning it into something productive.

More than anything, though, I trust the preparation I’ve done before stepping onto set. I remind myself to live in the moment and leave it all on the court.

Slick: You’ve played such a variety of roles, from grounded, emotional characters to those in more intense, dramatic situations. What types of stories or genres resonate with you the most?

Kendrick: I’m drawn to stories that are complex and nuanced. I love characters who are flawed but layered—ones that feel like real people.

As for genres, thrillers, murder mysteries, and dramedies are my favorites. I also enjoy grounded comedies and supernatural films because they allow for so much creative freedom and depth.

Photography by Benjo Arwas.

Slick: Bringing a script to life sounds magical from the outside looking in, but I imagine it’s not without its challenges. What’s the hardest part of taking a vision—whether yours or someone else’s—and turning it into a finished product?

Kendrick: Oh, where do I start? It’s challenging on every level. Finding the right collaborators—people who share your vision both creatively and on the business side—is no small feat. Funding is another hurdle. Convincing others to see the potential in your ideas takes persistence.

Even creatively, the process has its struggles. For me, editing my own work is particularly tough—it feels like a nightmare sometimes. But those challenges? They make the final product that much more rewarding.

Slick: Let’s step back and look at the bigger picture. You’re a person who clearly pours so much of yourself into your work. How do you keep that from taking over your entire life? Do you believe in maintaining a strict boundary between work and personal time, or do the two blend together?

Kendrick: Honestly, it’s all blended for me. I don’t believe in balance in the traditional sense. Instead, I focus on coexistence and embracing the duality of life.

Work is such a big part of who I am—it fulfills me in ways that make it feel less like work and more like purpose. As for my personal life, I’ve always kept it close to the vest. But if sharing my story can help someone, I’m willing to open up—even to a complete stranger.

Slick: The entertainment industry has come a long way, but there’s still room for growth. If you could change one thing about the way this industry operates, what would it be?

Kendrick: I’d want to see more artists using their platforms for liberation. And no, I don’t mean everything needs to be activism-focused. Insecure is a perfect example—it’s about Black people just being. It’s authentic, nuanced, and joyful.

Beyond that, the show invests in the community by employing Black creatives and highlighting Black-owned businesses. That’s what I mean by liberatory work.

We also need more stories about radical movements and the people who fought for justice. Figures like Ida B. Wells deserve to be celebrated on-screen.

Slick: If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Kendrick: I’d tell my younger self, “You are perfectly imperfect. Everything about you will be used to do great things and liberate others. Focus on that, and remember that God loves you and is proud of you.”

Slick: You’re such a powerful voice for change, both on-screen and off. How do you keep your mission to educate and advocate alive in everything you do?

Kendrick: It’s all about intentionality. I constantly educate myself about who the most vulnerable groups are and find ways to use my privileges—whether it’s my platform, time, or finances—to support them.

Liberation isn’t a one-person effort; it’s about community. Social media, volunteering, organizing—all of those are tools anyone can use. I believe everyone has the power to contribute to liberation efforts, no matter how small their platform may seem.

Photography by Benjo Arwas.

Kendrick Sampson’s story is a testament to the power of purpose. As an actor, advocate, and community builder, he embodies the idea that art can be a catalyst for change. His work with BLD PWR and his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices demonstrate that meaningful change starts with individuals who are willing to take a stand.

Throughout his career, Kendrick has shown that activism and artistry are not mutually exclusive. By leveraging his platform to address systemic inequities, he has paved the way for others in the industry to do the same. His vision extends beyond storytelling—it’s about reshaping the narratives that define our world and challenging systems that perpetuate injustice.

Kendrick’s openness about his personal journey is equally inspiring. From his struggles with self-doubt to his determination to uplift others, he reminds us that imperfection is not a flaw but a strength. It is through embracing our imperfections that we find the courage to create, to connect, and to fight for what matters most.

His reflections on balance, duality, and purpose offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking to make a difference. Kendrick’s belief in the power of co-existence—the blending of work and personal fulfillment—challenges the traditional notions of success and invites us to redefine what it means to lead a meaningful life.

As Kendrick continues to expand his impact, he serves as a role model for those who aspire to leave the world better than they found it. His passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice are a reminder that change is not only possible—it’s essential.

Kendrick Sampson is not just a liberator or a storyteller; he is a beacon of hope. His journey is a call to action for all of us to use our platforms, privileges, and voices to uplift others and create a future where equity and liberation are not aspirations but realities.

Text by
Adrian Hendrix

Posted
May 19, 2020

Words by
Adrian Hendrix

By & Large Film Kendrick Sampson Philosophy Photography Unique Perspectives

Underlined

Discovering inspiration alongside the artist Luke James as he unveils his eagerly awaited album, “to feel love/d.”

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Ben Abarbanel.

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

As the world eagerly awaits the release of his highly anticipated album, "to feel love/d," Luke James, the visionary artist known for his soulful melodies and captivating performances, invites us into his creative sanctuary.

Speaking on the new release, Luke says, “This album is a body of work that is a culmination of experiences. [it’s] music that I’ve lived with for a while. I like to think of this album as more of a bridge into my new endeavors being an independent artist.” “To feel love/d” marks Luke’s much-awaited return to his widely successful music career following a two-year hiatus to focus on his work in acting. The three singles from the album, entitled “go girl” ft. BJ The Chicago Kid and Ro James, “all of your love,” and “blow” took the music streaming platforms by force, including features on massive playlists such as Spotify’s New Music Friday, Are & Be, and rotation on Amazon’s Global R&B platform.

Lukes’ credits are as vast as they are impressive. Throughout his career, he has written songs for the likes of Justin Bieber, Snoh Aalegra, and Chris Brown, to name a few. He has also performed alongside the late Prince and is one of the very few artists to ever open for Beyoncé, during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Luke received his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance for his hit song “I Want You” (from his first mixtape “#Luke”) and received his second Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song for “Options” ft. Rick Ross (from his self-titled debut album “Luke James”).

On the television front, it was announced that Luke is set to star in the third season of the hit Showtime drama series, “The Chi.” Created by Lena Waithe, the series follows the lives of a group of people in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago after a fateful turn of events sends shock waves through the community but also connects them in unexpected ways.

Luke also recently starred in the smash hit Universal Pictures’ comedy “Little,” opposite Issa Rae, Regina Hall, and Marsai Martin and is well-known for his starring role in the musical drama series “Star” on FOX, created and helmed by Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels. Additional acting credits for Luke include recurring arcs on HBO’s “Insecure,” USA’s “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.,” and his role as R&B singer Johnny Gill on BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story.” Luke recently spoke to Slick to discuss his biggest adrenaline rush, his philosophy on life, and the plans he has in store

Slick: Who is Luke James in five words?

Luke: Loving, Honorable, Nasty, Happy, Sad…. Okay, let’s see what else is there?

Slick: What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

Luke: I guess a check, diagnostic check, you know, self-diagnostics. I just feel my body, fill my mind, my spirit and I project gratitude for waking up another day. Thank you, God!

Slick: What’s your philosophy on life?

Luke: Don’t worry be happy. Yeah, not to be cliche. My mother used to always say, don’t worry. I think I’m at a place where I want to be. So yeah, don’t worry, be happy because everything’s gonna work out for sure.

Slick: What do people always misunderstand about you?

Luke: I think I’m finding that people think that I am somewhat of an extrovert, I guess. Maybe I act the part well, sometimes. I think my career kind of helps me out of my introverted ways because I want to enjoy life and all the different aspects of it and sometimes my innate ways don’t allow that pleasure. My career helps me get out. It helps me meet people. It helps me get into new ideas, you know, keeps my mind open.

“With ‘to feel love/d,’ I aim to create a sonic journey where emotions flow freely, melodies captivate, and every listener finds solace in the music.” – Luke James

Slick: What gives you the biggest adrenaline rush?

Luke: My biggest adrenaline rush, I’d say has been on the stage. It’s a rush like no other. I can come off stage and have cut myself and not even realize I did until the next day, you know, my adrenaline took over…

Slick: What do you think about when you’re by yourself?

Luke: A lot of things rather personal… I think about work, you know, in the sense of like work, as everyone else may think of work. I find pleasure in what I do so when I’m talking about work, I’m talking about my passions which happen to make me money which turns into work. It is something that I must do to continue making a living. I enjoy it so I guess to answer your question I think about creativity. I think about God, I think about love, I think about the world. I try my best to think about happy things…

Slick: What qualities do you admire about yourself?

Luke: One of the qualities I admire about myself is my really strong willpower. I am constantly reminded of my willpower. So yeah, I truly admire that about myself. If there’s something I want, truly want, I work my ass off to get it, to have it. It seems like everything around me just conform to enable me to have whatever it is I’m in search of. I’m not sitting here saying or acting like I’m a guru. I’m still figuring that thing out too.

Slick: What is the weirdest thing you would consider about yourself?

Luke: The weirdest thing about me, I don’t know. I think maybe someone else may have to say what that is. I don’t particularly find anything I do weird. I’m interesting (lol).

Slick: What are the three things you value most about a person?

Luke: A person’s empathy, the person’s intellect, and their spirituality, you know something in that realm. There are so many things fucking three is just not enough…

Slick: Tell us about any struggle you’ve overcome.

Luke: Seeing myself for who I am, acknowledging it, adhering to it, and strengthening it. Being happy with the process of becoming better, a better me. Falling in love with that process. It’s a constant. I believe it to be a struggle that just about everyone goes through.

Slick: If you could tell your former self one thing, what would it be?

Luke: Wake up early, create, create, create, stay open, be a sponge. Don’t worry. Leave negative people and things alone. Let them go. You may love them but you can love them from afar. Enjoy yourself, enjoy the moment, and don’t listen to anyone but yourself. Stay centered. There’s going to be a lot of trying things that will come your way. Be still and push forward. Everything will be alright. Yep, that’s that. I hope that all made sense.

Photography by Ben Abarbanel. Styling by Guvanch Agajumayev. Grooming by Travis Lester.Casting by Andre’ Adkins.