Michael B. Jordan opens up about the toll his Black Panther character, Killmonger, took on him and how therapy helped him out.  It's a discussion that more folks in the black community need to be having, and we love that MBJ's doing just that.  More inside…

NBA player Blake Griffin spent the last year interviewing an incredible group of luminaries as a part of his new Audible Original, “The Pursuit of Healthiness.” For his first episode, he spoke to famed actor Michael B. Jordan to discuss all things health and wellness.

the Pursuit of Healthiness is out now, only on Audible! we worked incredibly hard on this project and i’m very excited to share it with you. stay tuned for more news in the coming weeks, but in the meantime head to Audible to check it out. #exerciseyourcuriosity @audible_com @OBB pic.twitter.com/1w29VR6mkJ

— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) August 4, 2020

The role of Erik Killmonger in 2018’s blockbuster Marvel hit Black Panther took a serious toll on MBJ. Killmonger was a troubled soul whose roots were planted in trauma and pain and MBJ said he’s still learning how to come out of character.

”It was dark. It was real lonely and painful," MBJ said. "I spent a lot of time away from my family,” he shared. “When the movie was over I was wondering, I was like ‘Why am I so emotional? Or lack thereof emotion to certain things? I had to do things I cared about, things that I like. Gradually get into being around family again and just trying to be as normal as possible."

”And then therapy. I went to therapy for that. Within our culture, they frown at therapy. They think it’s like some weak thing to do. And it’s like, ‘Nah, you need to unpack.”

Take a listen to the clip below:

You can listen to MBJ's full interview on "The Pursuit of Healthiness with Blake Griffin," which is available on the Audible app.

In other news...

 

 

 

 

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Home is where the heart is, and that’s why we’re excited that #Newark, NJ native and actor @michaelbjordan is helping support our mission to feed as many Newark residents and frontline healthcare workers as possible while keeping the city’s favorite local eats open. Join us in keeping the city healthy, strong, and at work during this challenging time. Learn more and donate through the link in our bio.

A post shared by Newark Working Kitchens (@newarkworkingkitchens) on May 20, 2020 at 1:49pm PDT

The CREED star and COACH spokesman has teamed up with two celebrated chefs - chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen and chef Marcus Samuelsson, owner of Newark restaurant Marcus B&P - and Audible to launch Newark Working Kitchens in Newark, NJ.

Newark Working Kitchens delivers FREE meals daily to Newark residents. They're trying to simultaneously keep the restaurant industry afloat and feed those in need.

 

 

 

 

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Spotted: Meals from @MercatoTomatoPie getting packed into an @Audible van for delivery to the #Newark community. We’re honored to serve such a resilient city that has come together to support each other through these uncertain times. Help us continue to support Newark’s restaurants - visit the link in our bio to get involved.

A post shared by Newark Working Kitchens (@newarkworkingkitchens) on Jul 2, 2020 at 4:35pm PDT

Audible has committed $1 million to NWK, which translates to 100,000 meals at $10. This money will be paid directly to restaurants that will prepare meals that will then be given out to Newark residents. MBJ donated an undisclosed sum at the start of the project, which secured meals for the first few weeks.

“Having grown up in Newark, I know it's incredible strength and resilience firsthand,” MBJ wrote in an email. “I was proud to answer the call from Marcus to support the work of Newark Working Kitchens by donating meals to those in need while at this same time empowering local restaurants and businesses.”

Out here doing the Lord's work. We stan!

Photo: taniavolobueva/Shutterstock.com