With roles in the film and Netflix series “Dear White People,” Jemar Michael is establishing himself as an up and coming actor to watch out for. While that film and series continue to spark debate, conversation and outrage, Jemar has been thoughtful and outspoken about social, cultural and political issues contained in the narrative, and there are a lot. Everything from “reverse racism” to the idea of “authentic blackness,” white privilege to biracial identity to interracial dating, colorism, classicism, homophobia and racial “preferences” in sex and dating, it’s all there. Rarely has a film or series explored more hot button issues with such wit, humor, openness and honesty. For a young actor at the beginning of his career these projects have set the bar high. On a side note, Jemar also slays the Instagram game, where we may or may not have engaged in some mutual double tapping. I’m very excited to pick the brain of this intriguing young artist.
Interview Chris Cali | Photo Angelo Kangleon
First of all, congratulations on the success of both the film and series “Dear White People.” How does it feel to see a project you worked on spark so much conversation?
It’s a blessing! I worked on the film so I knew back in 2013 that Dear White People was going to be HUGE!! This is something we need on television. We are finally giving light to everyday challenges people of color face. I heard the best analogy the other day, “It’s like tapas. You get just enough comedy and drama!” But also with that, we are shedding light on issues that are still happening in our country today in 2017, that people are afraid to discuss. So to be on this journey and to a part of a monumental show is nothing but a blessing.
Of course with a project of this nature and in our current political climate, there was bound to be some backlash from white audiences who felt attacked in some way. What would you say to those who accuse the film and series of “reverse racism”?
First of all, “reverse racism” is not a thing, lets start there. And anyone who has anything to say thats negative in that regard, has never seen the show. That’s why I find our tagline so fitting, “Bet you think this show is about you!”
Can you talk a little bit about your background, how you became an actor and what led you to this particular project/role?
I’m originally from Saint Paul, MN where I first got into acting at age fourteen after seeing the movie Crash. The scene with Michael Pena and his daughter in the film changed my life. Something that moving made me realize that I wanted to make art like that. Art that changes lives in the way that movie did for me. I then enrolled in a performing arts high school, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, and began my acting journey. I graduated a year early and took my senior year off. After that year I went to California Institute of the Arts for two years where I had to unfortunately drop out after my second year because of financial reasons. But everything happens for a reason. After moving back home post Cal Arts is how I got the movie. The film actually shot in my hometown. I got a call from my agent saying there was movie filming in town that was going to be a huge hit. She got me an audition. And the rest is history! But what’s funny is, I originally went in to read for Reggie. After my audition, Justin goes, “For shits and giggles will you read Dreads(Al now)?” Glanced over the lines and went for it! Next thing I know I got a call from my agent saying I booked it! I had the best time with everyone on that set and we all became so close so quickly. That energy also transferred to the show which is why I think our show feels so organic.
Your Instagram is fire. One of my favorite things is how much your co-star Antoinette Robertson (who plays “Coco”) loves your “thirst traps.” But in all seriousness you’ve been very open about being a part of “gay society” as well as body image issues you’ve dealt with. Why is it important to you to reveal these parts of yourself through your social media?
Growing up I was a big kid. I had an early growth spurt but was also very overweight. I was teased in elementary & junior high but I also knew that I didn’t have to stay that way. Acting actually got me fit. I did my first professional theatre musical, High School Musical at Children’s Theatre Co, which had about one hundred shows the first run. We also rehearsed for almost four months! So with all those big dance numbers, I dropped fifty plus pounds! I also progressed in my circus arts, something I had done since I was ten, and that continued to help me keep my traction from the musical. That show taught me the benefits of being healthy in this industry. Our body is our instrument. We have to keep it well tuned. So with all of that, I finally came to a place where I was comfortable with myself and my body that I found the confidence to post “thirst traps.” And I’m still not the most fit guy in the world, but I have found a place where I can love myself enough to share those kinds of pics. I post them for myself to remind myself of the journey that I’ve been on because there are still days where I feel like I’m still fat boy. I like to share my truths about body image because for me it’s been something I’m still working to fully overcome. In the gay community its especially hard when you have all these men who are all about body image and have these “perfect bodies.” It’s hard to not shame yourself for not being adequate. It also has it’s own issues of racism within the community which is something I can’t fully understand. We are already a group of oppressed people. Why would you continue to oppress people within the group of the oppressed? Makes no sense to me, but that’s America for you. You see it a lot on social networks and dating apps in the community, “No fats, no fems, no spice, rice, or curry. White only” These are things we still see in 2017. Also with addition of the colors to the gay flag, thats something that should have been a no brainer. Something that should have been well received. But now you have people losing their shit for being inclusive to POC when it was POC who were fighting for our rights. There’s also a lot of homophobia within the black community so thats something that needs to be talked about as well. As a black gay man, I fortunately have been have been supported with my coming out. It wasn’t easy and it took time, but so does anything. I think as long as we teach the future generations love, humility, and empathy for fellow man, we can truly start making changes in this word.
You’ve spoken before about dealing with biracial identity as well as “authentic blackness” and some of the ways your character “Al” perhaps overcompensates for his light skin tone with militant black politics. Do you feel as a light skinned person, that there is pressure to prove your “wokeness” or that people question/challenge your experience as a person of color?
I think at times growing up, I definitely felt like I had to prove myself more so to my black friends as opposed to my white friends because I was personally dealing with, “Not black enough for the black kids, but black enough for the white kids.” Now I always knew I was black, but my mom who’s mixed was adopted, so she was raised in a white family. I had my moms white side, and my dads black side. So I was pretty down the middle. It wasn’t until after the film actually where I really became active in what was happening in our country and commenting on it. I was never a news watcher until then. I always stuck to myself and my world even though I wasn’t naive to injustices. But being in this film shed light on issues I didn’t necessarily pay too much attention to before. I started to become “woke” if you will and that’s when people started to actually question my “wokeness.” That’s when I really started to get my experience as a POC challenged. That’s also when I realized I had light skinned privilege. Being on this show has really helped me navigate myself in the world and how I handle things and talk about things I normally wouldn’t before. It’s given me the confidence to talk about issues I was uncomfortable with as well as not being fearful to bring up these issues. I still continue to learn everyday so I don’t think there’s ever an ending to being “woke.”
In this age where so many artists are multifaceted, from acting to singing to modeling to design to all sorts of social media marketing, where do you see your career trajectory taking you in the next few years?
On top of working on other film/tv projects, I would like to see myself more in the fashion side of things. I LOVE FASHION! I love a good look, not just an outfit, but a LOOK! I live for them! Rihanna and Zendaya are personal favs who do that a lot! Shoot, Tracee Ellis Ross has been giving looks lately and I’ve been HERE FOR THEM! lol But yes, I would love to work in the fashion! Maybe start a denim line because I used to be a gymnast and I have athletic thighs. Sometimes I have to get one size bigger in pants because my thighs don’t fit, so maybe something with jeans. Who knows! Maybe even sneakers! I’m also like a broke sneaker head who can never get through online when new shoes drop so I just admire from a far. I do the same thing with high fashion designers. It’s really just motivation to be able to one day afford things like Gucci or Vetements.
Any favorite places, parties or scenes in Los Angeles you love to frequent?
I’m a home body to be honest! But some of my favorite places, especially in the summer, is any rooftop pool/bar like The Standard, Kitchen 24 for HH cause it’s basically all day, hiking all the mountains of LA, or on the beach somewhere. Or you can find me shopping at The Grove or Fairfax a lot! When it comes to parties, I’ve always been a house party kid. Not so much a club kid.
What can we expect from season 2 of Dear White People?
Well this season is all about discovering truths, dealing with trolls, and how our characters navigate daily life while going back trying to figure out how racism has shaped the country.
