Kendrick Sampson has made a name for himself as Nathan, Issa Dee's newest love interest on HBO's hit comedy Insecure. While his character is known for a particularly terrible ghosting incident, the actor himself is a visible voice when it comes to social justice.
Sampson spoke up loud and clear at the 2018 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. While the event is near and dear to the hearts of polo enthusiasts, much of its allure comes from guests showing up and showing out with lush fashions as they sip champagne.
Like many sporting events in the country, the polo classic started with the national anthem. Sampson, taking a page out of Colin Kaepernick's book, wasn't here for standing, though; he took a knee.
The actor later took to Instagram to explain his reasons behind the move and to recount his experience.
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{SWIPE for video} #TakeAKnee I heard the national anthem at the #veuveclicquotpoloclassic #VCpoloclassic and took a knee (per the usual)… but something special happened: most people snickered or glanced, probably thought it was silly or controversial or insignificant or silently supported ????. Well, one white dude locked eyes with me. I thought, maybe he’s angry. Nope. He knelt with me. Swipe to see the video. After, I asked him why… he said something like “that’s what allies do.” or “I wouldn’t be an ally if I didn’t.” I forgot to get his name. Just thanked him. If you know him, tag him. Either way. We need more allies. Like Jessica? from @hollywoodreporter who patiently engaged, listened and wrote (link in IG story) about my feelings on #Kavanaugh and other injustices in this country (and @ellenpompeo and others). FYI: We need a new National Anthem and as long as police are getting away with killing my Native, Black and Brown people in street with virtually no accountability, I will be supporting the movement of kneeling in solidarity. ✊???? #imwithKap Thank you @e_reid35 @kstills & @ithinkisee12 for your continued dedication to taking a knee for justice. ✊????
Sampson said as he took a knee, some of the guests "snickered or glanced." One white man decided to take a stand with the actor and knelt beside him.
"After, I asked him why … he said something like, “That’s what allies do” or “I wouldn’t be an ally if I didn’t.” I forgot to get his name. Just thanked him," Sampson wrote.
In his caption, Sampson also thanked reporters who have allowed him to use his new platform to talk about social and political issues, giving a special shoutout to The Hollywood Reporter.
While at the event, he spoke to the outlet about Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation and said, “A lot of people are pissed, including myself.”
He also said the fact Kavanaugh was sworn in, "highlights how unjust the system is,” and he is hopeful it will motivate people to take action to dismantle “the legacy of oppression in this country."
"We need a new national anthem, and as long as police are getting away with killing my Native, Black and brown people in street with virtually no accountability, I will be supporting the movement of kneeling in solidarity," the actor concluded on Instagram.
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