Michael B Jordan on Black Panther, race and power | British GQ

In a nation where police disproportionately target and kill young black men, where opportunities for black voices are still narrow and prescribed, and where counter-protesters feel emboldened to say black lives don't matter, the fight is far from finished. Now, Michael B Jordan, star of Marvel's $200 million blockbuster Black Panther, is picking up the baton. Here, Michael B Jordan speaks to Kevin Powell, the author of The Education Of Kevin Powell: A Boy's Journey Into Manhood, for British GQ.
Subscribe to British GQ►► po.st/SubscribeBritishGQ
Editing: Kris Anwar
Interviewer: Kevin Powell
Photographs: Gavin Bond Photography
Creative Direction: Paul Solomons
Styling: Jeff K Kim
CONNECT WITH BRITISH GQ
Web: po.st/BritishGQ
Twitter: po.st/TwitterBritishGQ
Facebook: po.st/FacebookBritishGQ
Google+: po.st/GoogleBritishGQ
Instagram: po.st/InstagramBritishGQ
Newsletter: po.st/NewsletterBritishGQ
ABOUT BRITISH GQ
British GQ is the premier channel for men’s style, lifestyle and entertainment. Every week brand new series, original documentaries and essential style guides make it the first port of call for living well and looking good for men.
Michael B Jordan on Black Panther, race and power | British GQ
/ gqrecommends

[@mondogeorge]

I'm very impressed by Michael's level of maturity and focus. Excellent.

[@safiyacarroll]

Mondo George it was refreshing to be honest especially at this age.

[@davidvazquez8225]

Right!? I really felt that vibe from his well. Super contagious

[@stephaniecrosby5294]

His parents/and family did a great job. He said it take a village, his extended family played a vital role in his upbringing.

[@delishiahollingsworth2715]

yes!

[@addybaby7510]

His personality is just amazing and he is so humble

[@strongforu]

It took a ccol brother like the legendary Kevin Powell to interview another cool brother like Michael B. Jordan. I've never seen young Mr. Jordan open up like this. Incredible!

[@stephaniecrosby5294]

That's what happening when you're being interviewed by someone you can relate to/and comfortable with. Incredible interview.

[@CompetitiveDowntimeGaming]

Excellent interview. Didn't just ask him the standard "who's your celebrity crush" questions

[@EBizz85]

More people need to realize and admit that he is great actor

[@brickhousebdery311]

Erik McCall-Johnson for-real man he’s a spectacular actor

[@everythingshiny]

There was a review of Creed 2 in the local newspaper where I live in New Zealand which called him the most watchable actor onscreen today 😊

[@daniellemarshall3251]

He really is

[@PLAYER-gw9zn]

YeEh

[@radiogirlnelo]

1000%

[@kadiabareld]

He went through a lot but never gave up 🙏❤️

[@robynfuller3988]

How an interview SHOULD be done. Thoughtful- in no way trashy, cheap, or shallow. Well done.

[@mizzbelle97]

I could listen to him talk for hours. What a man.

[@issy0613]

Came here to find out more about MBJ as an actor and I was not at all disappointed. What a true display of his intelligence, deep insight and genuineness.

[@91WriterzStatus]

This is a really in depth interview that shows Michael's character and thought process. The interviewer asks some important questions that really allows you to witness Michael's psyche on success and confidence.

[@GinaisVlogging]

I LOVED this interview BUT when MBJ started talking about folks that procrastinate going to gym and getting fit... I felt personally attacked!! hahaaha

[@azula08]

I missed that part, where? Ty.

[@stephaniecrosby5294]

Haha, me too.

[@pirategurl08]

LOL me too! He's not wrong though...

[@jvx5525]

LOL! 😂

[@Lenae23]

If he was my trainer I would be even more influenced to go. lol

[@cjayg.4553]

What I admired about this young brother right here, is his honestly. Humbleness and realness. #teamMJB

[@chantellbailey2361]

this is the best interview i have seen with MBJ. This was a REAL interview. He went in depth and asked questions others haven't. This is what i call a great job. He was able to ask Real questions that got Michael to think deeper than the other interviewers have. Thanks for the great interview.

[@mariecampbell3024]

Agreed. Didn't KP start out on The Real World?? Love the hat and scarf combo.

[@jjamerican93]

Right? Other journalists should take note.

[@PrttyBrwnEyez13]

@@mariecampbell3024 yes he was on The Real World!

[@yvonnefreeman6285]

1hour of pure bliss. 😊❤️

[@tanksims74]

Yvonne Freeman xotwod

[@xowinchesterxo4580]

XO

[@IsabelleMettle]

Yvonne Freeman + 7 mins 🙌

[@PPatty13]

The best interview with MBJ I have ever seen. Love this.

[@Mimichuck0510]

This was definitely NOT a boring interview! This is that type of interview I want to see: asking thought-provoking questions to the point where you have MBJ pausing to think. Really good questions leading to a really good interview. Nice job.

[@cARTerConcepts]

One of the most insightful and enlightening interviews I've seen in a while. MBJ seems like a real humble dude too!

[@DrAdnan]

For MBJ, I will watch a 1hr+ interview.

[@nikosy5856]

Adnan A Preach!

[@bre4941]

Adnan A make that 4+😂😂

[@nakitapalmer656]

I miss these types of interviews nowadays. Kevin is a vet. It's no smutty, nosey, trick questions just an good old fashion honest interview. I would love to see MBJ and Denzel do something together, tho. Yesssah!

[@HovaNirvana]

Nakita Palmer Denzel is directing a feature that MBJ is producing and starring in called “Journal for Jordan”. It’s due out next year I think.

[@DrAdnan]

I see MBJ in the thumbnail and I click the vid and like it. Respect to great actors like MBJ and their hustle.

[@sammynymphs]

I am a simple woman 😂😂

[@chosendrawz]

Brilliant interview. Michael has done a lot of press to promote Black Panther, but this is the most thoughtful and in-depth conversation I have seen. The interviewer asked very insightful questions that allowed Michael to open up and share more of who he is and what turned him into this person that the world is taking notice of. More success to both of you.

[@drewhall2709]

I've been a fan of his since Fruitvale. Such a honest and raw and real interview. Just a little window inside his world. A very mature and powerful young man. This is just the tip of the iceberg for him. This was excellent.

[@Misspookah]

Mr. Powell....these questions you are asking are magical! I love the self reflecting questions!

[@stephaniecrosby5294]

Kevin is a great.

[@Stinglikeabee625]

hes so nerdy its crazy i love it

[@te9452]

this is by far one of the best interviews done. very very eloquent, mature, and professional !

[@beeslovehoney0]

1 hour ? let the church say amen

[@niyaaaaaaaa]

Camryn Smith I didn't even Notice I just clicked on it💀🤦🏾

[@LK-zc9ho]

Camryn Smith honestly. Amen

[@wekeanalassiter8325]

Camryn Smith ... right? I got obnoxiously excited 😆

[@golDennny]

@@LK-zc9ho dang i see you everywhere on videos with Mbj 😭

[@aysiaharris6143]

This was a great interview! You can definitely tell Michael has a good head on his shoulders by the way he thinks and speaks and where his focus is as an actor and a man, this will definitely have a positive impact on other young black actors trying to fulfill their dreams. I can't wait to see more from him in the future!

[@dezerismith7529]

He looks like a model and Kevin look like an educated snow man.

[@Solebellachic]

Dezeri Smith 😂😂😂

[@loveablej2]

Dezeri Smith 😂😂😂

[@natsaidthat]

Best description Dezeri!!! 😆

[@amberbug90]

Lol

[@SuperFlawlessMakeup]

Such a powerful interview with very honest opinions. Words that need to be heard today.

[@ladys45]

i could listen to him all day. hes incredibly smart, well spoken, kind and you can tell hes an incredible loving person. im so glad for all his success and cant wait to see him in his future prject. he just gained a fan here ! and WAKANDA FOREVER

[@aesthete7227]

*HE IS AMAZING❤❤❤*

[@QueenVictoria26]

Radio Romance?

[@kadiabareld]

He is so lovable. I love him not so much for his great apparence but for his great character.

[@1SavageQueen89]

Every time I watch a new interview with him, I'm so enthralled. Just the way he speaks and thinks is so attractive!!!

[@ZakuZuko]

May the good lord protect you from the evil of Hollywood and all. Keep going brother.

[@IsabelleMettle]

ZakuZuko 🙌🙌

[@lastella1994]

Amen and wellsaid I pray that the LORD will protect him from all the evil in Hollywood.

[@bre4941]

1 hour of nothing but FACTS!💯

[@beautifuldreamer8803]

I LOVED this interview, MBJ is so articulate and smart. I loved his honesty about what it is really like to be an actor also. I try not to have celebrity crushes but, he definitely caught my eye. xoxo

[@BLISB]

Very insightful interview into such a positive Black man's life.

[@ameldaj7700]

He loves to say "you know". and i love it🙆🙆😍😂.. thanks for having him😍

[@quietlyleading]

I feel like I know you now! And I want to support you so much more now. Please keep doing you!

[@ayo-cr9we]

What michael talks i listen..very humble

[@DapsMakeup]

That was the best interview! Not sticking to the same basic surface level questions everybody else asks. Thanks MBJ and Kevin Powell to dare to ask the right questions and to have the courage to answer with your truth. Stay humble MBJ and I hope Kevin Powell gets to interview the rest of the cast similarly.

[@IslandistaTV]

What an amazing interview! Kevin Powell asked such beautifully simple questions but with such thought and really drew MBJ out. A journalistic masterclass!

[@Viable7]

Blacks are willing to discuss and promote diversity and multiculturalism. Blacks want to be inclusive while other ethnic groups are quick to support and embrace their own.

[@blckgrlctygrdn]

Awesome Interview!!! Michael B Jordan is going to be a solid actor and become listed as one of the greats. Legend in the making. Kevin Powell, you killed this interview. Michael B was given some great thought provoking questions and the opportunity to think and be honest in this interview. Great job all around.

[@ebbie0074]

This really good interview. I hope future actors take notes. He seems really comfortable with Kevin. I saw Red-tails but I didn’t really notice Micheal B. Jordan until The Chronicle, which all the young actors did a fantastic job. I’m not gonna lie I have been watching all the black panther interviews 😂 all actors are amazing.

[@Drea1204]

Amazing interview! Definitely one to revisit every once in awhile.

[@thegladys2651]

great interview! very compelling show the business issues in a 3D perspective. Michael B Jordan is, in my opinion, the actor to look at in this new generations of actors. He know that his craft is a mean to do soth bigger. That art has always being a powerful tool to start to built new opportunities and tear down misconceptions. Thank you Kevin Powell :D

[@cwin721]

Look at Kevin! Watched you on Real world growing up. Great interview with Michael.

[@barrydeesworld4924]

Carol Winters He was on Real World?!

[@cwin721]

Barry&Dee World Kevin Powell was on the first season of MTV real world.

[@amberbug90]

This nourished my soul

[@ikemokagbue]

A very inspiring interview to watch from the questions being asked to the answers revealed.

[@Tam08-08]

I love the realness in Michael B Jordan...beautiful man. Wish him much continued success.

[@mzhotniz86]

This interviewer is EXCELLENT

[@amberlt6802]

Excellent Interview. Love his mindset, his thought process, his focus, his drive and his humble YET confident personality.

[@deepee4323]

This dude really did this interview with his scarf on lol I hope it was cold in there

[@IsabelleMettle]

it was boiling

[@DominiqueH]

😂scarf and hat

[@sonowwhat7592]

What a beautiful person with a magnificent mind. Michael B Jordan just touched my heart and mind with this gorgeous interview. Stay blessed MBJ and keep being an inspiration to your people and your community. #PositiveManhood

[@curlyvirgo58]

Kevin asks some really good questions. Great interviewer

[@IsabelleMettle]

Curly Virgo great snowman

[@curlyvirgo58]

Isabelle Mettle how he dressed has nothing to do what the questions he asked smh

[@IsabelleMettle]

Curly Virgo it was a joke 👍

[@heterosexualpride-prolife3885]

I saw killmonger spirit when he said am getting started. Let us pray and support our people that are leading us, helping the community, having access of some kind of wealth and resources, ideas that can change our people. Let us be real and truthful to ourselves that as a race we need to observe and kill the envy, jealousy and selfishness spirit. Let's put religion aside and learn the messages, our history that is hidden in the Bible and in black panther movie.

[@plutostarr8605]

His eyes 😍😍

[@dyb-yv1tl]

Mea culpa- Now I “get” him. He’s more articulate than I thought. His métier is longer interviews in which he offers thoughtful, in-depth answers. Listening to him in shorter interviews where a glib or funny answer was required made him seem inarticulate. Powell was a prepared interviewer. Don’t see that much these days. Good job to both.

[@soniaking2772]

This is actually the best interview i've seen him done...he was more poised, more humble...almost like he was self reflecting at the same time...great job

[@lonewolfnh89]

well done interview. from start to finish.

[@desireewest9610]

haile 89

[@KaiBellarose]

Wow I love how much I can relate to such an accomplished actor... I love when he was talking about how people done know the behind the scenes or how hard some actors/actresses struggled or put up with to be where they are now. People are so quock to judge or ridicule celebrities because they are rich and have it all, but, many artists came from the same place as us (poor, struggling). I was nodding my head in agreement when he said the thing about trying to get on your feet and also having family who needs help. I struggle with this also because my family is quite poor and it is hard to do for myself when I am trying to help them. You have to find a balance somewhere.

[@dandrelewis2938]

This Young Cat Is Killing tha Game Right Now.

[@koketso5754]

I enjoyed this interview. I admire Michael B Jordan's work ethic. Thank you for the insight.

[@chasityprice6386]

Great interview. I love how grounded and intelligent he is. He's a great and genuine guy you can tell. 🌟💕🙏👏

[@shanimuhayman7129]

I should have been asleep an hour ago but I'm certainly not disappointed that I stayed up to watch this. This interview offers a lot of insight into how MBJ thinks and I love it.

[@msdonna2008]

He was in an episode of the Cold Case series back in 2007. That was my introduction to him.

[@tsidim]

The only 1hr vid that I’ve watched without skipping.....just for Michael B. Jordan

[@AdiaFerguson]

am i really about to spend an hour watching this? yes. yes, i am.

[@TheDigitographer]

Michael.... You ARE the next Sidney Portier and Harry Belanfonte for your generation, in which young black men can look up to and be inspired by. What you do, how you do it and what it leads towards...this generation will follow you. You (are) can be the next Will Smith, Spike Lee, Sidney Portier, Denzel Washington's...You are a reflection of how the world receives the African-American man and in the same, he would imagine himself in the very roles you display on the screen. Embrace that and Just Own it!

[@carlarobertson2193]

I really enjoyed this interview he is so down to the earth and opening up about his life. He is willing to share to where he came from to what he is now so inspiring to young men. He came from a strong family background and faith that shaped his life.

[@gillianlott2867]

I am so proud to see a successful young man, so Humble and conscious, of what to say and when to say it. May God continue to Bless you and strength you for your journey.

[@IsabelleMettle]

okay can i now put MBJ in my instagram bio because i know his life story now so we’re technically best friends cmon (+ that was an hr of bliss)

[@mzhotniz86]

This is MBJ's best interview that I've heard thus far. Great insight & well stated . Proud of his cognizance and growth

[@IsabelleMettle]

mzhotniz86 It’s also MBJ’s longest interview.. that makes it 20X better

[@mzhotniz86]

Isabelle Mettle yes so true!

[@jvx5525]

I love him even more now. He's so relatable, humble, real & grounded. Go Michael.

[@Jumpoable]

Reverse engineer that shit. That's what Coogler & Jordan has done with DISNEY's Black Panther. Shiiiieet. These brothas genius.

[@tawanahawkins4835]

Phenomenal interview!! What an incredible young man!! Very wise and thoughtful!! I love his transparency!!!

[@samanthacharles96]

Beautiful interview. Beautiful men. Thank youuuu for posting this.

[@lemonadebraids]

Loved this interview.

[@arleigh921]

brilliant interview, kevin. real and direct. inspiring and informative. a great platform and opportunity for MBJ to show that he's layered and way more than just a handsome face. what a grounded young man.

[@lastella1994]

Love Michael B. Jordan not because of his looks but because of his humble personality.He's a gentleman.Michael my dream is to meet you.Despite his sucess he's still his true self.All this makes him very attractive.May God protect you from all the evil in Hollywood.And I pray that you will continue to get promoted Michael.

[@yasinstevens4620]

My dream as well hun. 🤞🤞 Tho idk what amma say to him without being awkward. 😬

[@ruthcharles2305]

GREAT, GREAT, GREAT INTERVIEW!!!🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@thehealthbodyfitness]

Awesome keep up Great Work Hard Work

[@zerofox3075]

That’s Kevin Powell?! He dressed clean!

[@Sab_MJsMama]

Great interview with Michael BJ, Kevin...you both are great!!

[@sharoncrawford6769]

This was a Great interview I so enjoyed it and going to send it to My Grandson's Thank You

[@tretre7564]

This is the BEST interview of MBJ to date! I love this!

[@ladonnawashington1643]

Very well, Sirs.

[@Manuel-sx6dx]

I remember him in Chronicle he was awesome that was the first time i noticed him

[@tigereyes5]

Good interview. He seems like a really interesting and pensive person.

[@daniellemarshall3251]

Really admire how seriously he takes acting and ALL of his roles. Admirable. Amazing. Love it 😊

[@BERNARDO712]

If you are a MBJ fan, please go watch his episode with Bear Grylls.

[@mical7582]

Yes, It's one of the best episodes.

[@naturesfinest8205]

Loved it but really loving this too!! His BP press junket interviews have been great!!

[@msadams2727]

2am...helps calm my anxiety...love MBJ

[@emmajackson6148]

This interview was amazing! I love his story!

[@a_kayreports]

Great conversation

[@Humanofplanetearth]

Great interview.

[@delishiahollingsworth2715]

wow! great interview. he is a great product of his family and our community as a whole. this is wonderful.

[@aqilahlakay1130]

Much respect for both of these awe-inspiring individuals 💜

[@DeeMorrison818]

Big vision and a clear mind will take you far; props and much success to Michael.

[@lopsy80]

His character as Killmonger Definetly makes sense especially when you reach the 40 some minutes