Allen Maldonado Talk ‘Black-ish,’ Acting W/ Denzel & Marvel

In this episode of People’s Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with the multi-talented actor, writer, and entrepreneur Allen Maldonado. During this all-encompassing interview, the trio discusses Allen’s upbringing in Compton (CA) until he was 7, and his move to Rialto after a neighbor was killed. He tells the story of a marathon he competed in with no prior training — including breaking his foot before crossing the finish line in last place. Allen reflects on his recent visit to Spain, and having an awakening there, returning home with a new perspective on balancing work and personal life. Later the conversation touches on Allen’s love of short films, the influence producer Kenya Barris is having on American culture, and how ‘Black-ish’ has been so successful in tackling difficult social topics.