say it right

Kelvin Harrison, Jr. is making a change. With a Netflix film and Euphoria Season Two on the horizon, the 26-year-old actor is taking his career in a new direction — and garnering considerable acclaim.

- Braden Bjella

For Harrison, 2020 has been a year of personal renewal. He’s slowing down, engaging at length with his team about the future of his career, whilst picking up meditation on the side. “I’m taking care of myself,” Harrison says in summary. “I’m working out, reading the books I love, watching the shows I love, communicating with friends I love — and cutting people off who may have not brought me joy.” He laughs. “Anything that disturbs my peace has got to go!”

Even with this newfound ease, Harrison’s present peace is sure to be fleeting. This year has already seen the release of two of his films, and his latest endeavour, the Aaron Sorkin-led The Trial of the Chicago 7, will be released through Netflix on 16th October. The highly anticipated film has him playing activist and famed Black Panther Fred Hampton, a role that could be emblematic of his new career trajectory.

“I think right now I’m attracted to — and I attract — certain roles because of the conversations we’re having in our lives and in our communities,” Harrison says. “I grew up in a world with Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner. I grew up with these tragedies happening constantly. Before I really started acting, I saw Fruitvale Station. I’m not a big crier in the movies, but I bawled my eyes out. It felt so real, so human and so scary for me personally. It changed how I viewed the opportunities I had.”