That [Louisiana culture] was all very new to me. I read books and watched documentaries, just trying to immerse myself.

As a young, Black man, I absolutely feel responsible.

I think that's really the allure of acting for me. I really want to connect with people.

I really got attracted to the idea of touching so many people and that idea of art transcending entertainment and art and activism being synonymous.

I've worked so hard to just be my full self and God has just validated me in so many ways.

As a kid, there [on TV] were things I wasn't aware of - insecurities while transition from teen to adult. When I was around 17 and 18, I started seeing the benefits of this world.

Ralph Angel, for me, was about getting in touch with the similarities between the characters. I felt like he was a human being that I knew and [somebody] that I've been and am currently still exploring.