Jurnee Smollett Plus One: Raised to Create, Refusing to Settle

About this episode

Jurnee Smollett discusses her journey in acting, the influence of her upbringing, and the challenges she faced along the way.

Jurnee Smollett – Emmy-nominated actress known for  Lovecraft Country ,  Friday Night Lights ,  The Great Debaters , and Apple TV+’s  Smoke –  has  s pent her life in front of the camera. But long before the accolades, she was a young girl raised in a home where art, activism, and self-reliance were daily lessons.  In this deeply personal conversation, Jurnee sits down with hosts Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Marc Kielburger, and Craig Kielburger to reflect on the moments that nearly pulled her away from acting – and the calling that brought her back. Joined by her plus one, sister Jazz Smollett, she opens up about growing up in a house of creators, refusing roles that didn’t reflect her standards, navigating insecurity, and redefining strength after motherhood.  Together, they share how:  Failure can redirect you toward your true calling  Refusing to conform can protect your purpose  Strength is about discipline and willpower—not appearance  Motherhood expands who you are—it doesn’t diminish you  Art can heal both…

People in this episode

Hosts: Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Marc Kielburger, Craig Kielburger

Guests: Jurnee Smollett, Jazz Smollett

Topics covered

• art
• activism
• motherhood
• self-reliance
• insecurity
• strength
• failure

Keywords

• Jurnee Smollett
• acting
• motherhood
• art
• activism
• self-reliance
• strength
• insecurity
• failure

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Lovecraft Country, Friday Night Lights, The Great Debaters, Smoke

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