In celebration of Black History Month, actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. has chosen an unexpected icon to honor: Beyoncé. While many significant figures come to mind during this important month, Harrison Jr. can't help but express his admiration for the pop superstar. His love for Beyoncé may not align with the traditional icons typically associated with Black History Month, but he believes in staying true to himself.
Harrison Jr. believes that Beyoncé embodies the qualities of a true inspiration. He admires her conscious awareness of her impact and her deliberate choices throughout her career. As a fan, he has watched every documentary and delved into her artistic journey. To him, she holds a unique power, combining both love and critique, while gracefully navigating the current cultural moment. Regardless of any opinions people may have, Harrison Jr. proudly declares Beyoncé as his queen.
In an exclusive discussion with PEOPLE, Harrison Jr. joins a group of trailblazers who share how they honor those who have come before them during this iconic month. Known for his portrayals of influential Black figures such as Fred Hampton in 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' and B. B. King in 'Elvis,' Harrison Jr. admits that the role of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. presented a unique challenge.
For this role in National Geographic's 'Genius: MLK/X,' Harrison Jr. went beyond the scope of Dr. King's public image and delved into his personal life. He immersed himself in Dr. King's autobiography and all the books the civil rights activist had penned until his assassination in 1968. Harrison Jr. sought to understand the nuances of Dr. King as an individual, his insecurities, his relationships, and his capacity for love.
'Genius' is an anthology series that explores the personal aspects of brilliant individuals such as Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, and now Martin Luther King Jr. Harrison Jr. believes the show aims to make the concept of genius more relatable and accessible to viewers, emphasizing that greatness resides within all of us. He emphasizes the importance of community, support, and courage in achieving amazing things.
The MLK/X series also features British actor Aaron Pierre as Malcolm X, Weruche Opia as Coretta Scott King, Jayme Lawson as Betty Shabazz, and others, including the late Ron Cephas Jones. The first two episodes of 'Genius: MLK/X' premiered on National Geographic on Thursday, with streaming on Disney+ and Hulu available the next day. Subsequently, two new episodes will debut weekly on all platforms.
As we reflect on and celebrate Black History Month, it's important to recognize the diverse perspectives and icons that inspire individuals. Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s appreciation for Beyoncé serves as a reminder that inspiration can come from unexpected sources. Through his role as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Harrison Jr. delved into the depths of a historical figure, looking beyond the public image to understand the person behind the activism. Ultimately, the 'Genius' series aims to showcase the potential for greatness within all of us, reminding us of the importance of community, support, and courage.
