Bryshere Gray

Bryshere Gray covers the Spring 2016 issue of Heed magazine. The digital issue will be available for download just in time for the season 2 return of Empire tonight (March 30).

Inside Heed magazine, Bryshere reflects on using his social media fame to affect social justice for young black people in America.

Bryshere Gray

On Empire, the 22-year-old Philly native plays irksome rapper, Hakeem Lyon, who juggles his thirst for fame with his desire to best his brothers for control of the family business.

Heed magazine — His character, Hakeem Lyon, is a fan favorite amongst viewers, primarily because of his natural ‘swag’ and seemingly rebellious nature. At just 22-years-old, Bryshere is not just another young rapper and actor, he’s proven to be very engaged with the current cultural climate and has become an advocate for social justice.

In one of the more poignant moments of our conversation, he reflected on his time at the Million Man March for Justice this past October. He says, “Don’t try to stand up for something that you don’t believe in…not the jewelry, the cars, the women, etc. The Million Man March was a historic moment. So, I feel like I had to be there as a young millennial and it was dope!”

Photo Credits: © Isa Akahome for Heed Magazine Inc