*MGM+’s hit drama series “Godfather of Harlem“ returns for its fourth season in April, continuing the gripping battle for power between Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker) and New York’s mafia families.
This season also introduces Frank Lucas (Rome Flynn) and explores the rise of the Black Panther Party, a movement that brings Afeni Shakur, played by Devin Kessler, into the story.
Afeni Shakur, a dedicated activist and the future mother of Tupac Shakur, played a critical role in the fight for racial justice. In Godfather of Harlem, we see the early seeds of her activism before her son became a cultural icon.
In an exclusive interview with EUR, Kessler breaks down her approach to playing Afeni, the influence of the Black Panthers on Harlem, and the lessons the show offers about activism today.
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Taking on the role of a real-life icon like Afeni Shakur comes with significant responsibility, and Kessler was determined to do her justice.
“I really wanted to capture how full of love she is for her community and people,” Kessler explained. “Afeni was vibrant, passionate, and feisty—a word I’ve come to embrace in my own life. But what stood out the most is her directness—she had a purpose, and she knew time was limited to achieve that purpose.”
For Kessler, portraying Afeni wasn’t just about embodying her strength, but also the urgency of her mission. “She was forward-thinking, love-centered, and always moving. That’s the energy I wanted to bring to her.”
In Season 4, Bumpy Johnson finds himself at odds with the rise of the Black Panther Party, representing a generational shift in how power and justice are pursued. Afeni’s role in this movement puts her directly in the middle of Harlem’s changing landscape.
“We get to see it through Elise,” Kessler revealed, referring to Bumpy’s daughter, Elise (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy), who gets involved with the Panthers. “That’s the core thread—how the social demands of the time impact these characters, not just in their families, but in the broader community.”
The tension between Bumpy and the Panthers raises deeper questions about Harlem’s future: Is power best secured through force or ideology? How do individual actions affect the collective struggle? These are the dilemmas Afeni, Elise, and Bumpy must navigate.
While Godfather of Harlem takes place several years before Tupac’s birth, Kessler says the show still plants the early seeds of his activism.
“I love that you used the word ‘seeds’ because that’s exactly what we see,” she said. “We don’t get Tupac without Afeni’s dedication to bettering her community. In this season, we see how she engaged with Harlem, influenced those around her with literature and music, and took charge as a leader.”
According to Kessler, through Afeni’s love of storytelling and justice, Tupac would later find his own voice. “She was deeply invested in words, education, shaping minds—and that’s something she passed down to her son.”
With today’s political and social climate, Kessler believes Godfather of Harlem carries important messages about activism.
“The biggest lesson I took from Afeni—and one I think she would pass on—is that you have to be love-centered in activism,” Kessler said. “So much of what we see today is fear-driven. Across different cultures and movements, we see how fear is used as a motivator, often leading to repeating cycles of violence.”
She pointed to Afeni’s unwavering faith in people and in change as a model for modern activism. “When you break that cycle with love, understanding, and openness, so much more can be achieved.” While she couldn’t share too many spoilers, Kessler teased a major moment for her character later in the season.
“There’s a scene that really crystallizes Afeni’s journey, but I can’t say too much,” she laughed. “I will say—it’s in Episode 5 or 6. Just hold on tight. You’ll know exactly what I was talking about when you see it.”
MGM+’s “Godfather of Harlem“ Season 4 drops on April 13.
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. Follow her socials @StilettoJill or visit JillMunroe.com. Catch her live M-F on KBLA Talk 1580 from 6PM to 7PM.
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