*”Godfather of Harlem“ returns in April for its highly anticipated fourth season on MGM+. This season continues the gripping saga of crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker) as he battles for control over Harlem. In season four, we are introduced to new historical figures, including James Baldwin, played by Michael Benjamin Washington, and Afeni Shakur, portrayed by Devin Kessler.
Washington, known for his performances in “American Auto” and “The Boys in the Band,” steps into the shoes of the literary and civil rights giant, bringing Baldwin’s piercing intellect and social commentary into the show’s complex landscape.
In an exclusive interview with EURweb, Washington opened up about portraying Baldwin, his deep dive into research, and the striking parallels between the 1960s and today.
Bringing James Baldwin to life is no small feat, but Washington approached the role with meticulous preparation.
“Well, lucky for me, everything has been on the page, and Mr. Baldwin wrote everything,” he shared. “I read about five of his books when I got the job, listened to interviews, and studied his cadence and thought process. But at the core, I wanted to ask the questions he was asking and wait for the answer.”
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He credits Godfather of Harlem creator Chris Brancato and his writing team with crafting an authentic depiction of Baldwin’s perspective and struggle in the mid-’60s.
“This season focuses on accountability within the community,” Washington said. “I locked into that rather than mimicry. It was about getting to the heart of what Baldwin was trying to say.”
James Baldwin’s love for Harlem was undeniable, yet he spent much of his life in France, seeking refuge from America’s racial injustices. Washington explained how this duality shaped Baldwin’s character in the show.
“Anytime you leave a place and come back, you return changed,” he said. “Every time Baldwin returned, he brought something nurturing with him—a new perspective, a deeper understanding of community, or a renewed sense of purpose. This season, he’s trying to piece together a fractured Harlem, ensuring that violence doesn’t consume an entire generation.”
Baldwin’s interaction with Bumpy Johnson is one of the fascinating dynamics in Godfather of Harlem Season 4. The two men couldn’t be more different—one wielding words, the other wielding power.
“I think Baldwin would rarely be intimidated by anyone,” Washington said. “But for the sake of the on-screen relationship, I played it so that there’s a level of reverence there. It was important to showcase mutual respect, even when coming from vastly different perspectives.”
Of course, working opposite an Oscar-winning legend like Forest Whitaker was an experience.
“I had to try really hard not to fanboy out,” Washington laughed. “Whenever we cut, I wanted to ask him about The Last King of Scotland or directing Hope Floats with Sandra Bullock. But he’s incredibly warm and giving as a scene partner. When I had to deliver a two-page monologue in a sweltering basement, he sat right there for the 16th take. That kind of dedication shows why he’s one of the greats.”
Washington believes Godfather of Harlem is more than just a historical drama—it’s a mirror reflecting today’s society.
“We’ve lost the ability to have real conversations,” he noted. “Watching Baldwin and other characters in this show discuss issues reminds us of the importance of dialogue. We’ve become a society that shouts or cuts people off. Back then, people with opposing views still sat down to talk, and I think that’s something we need to reclaim.”
Malcolm X’s assassination looms over Season 4, affecting every major player in Harlem, including Baldwin: “James Baldwin and Malcolm X were friends,” Washington said. “Again, two polar opposites who shared deep conversations. Malcolm’s death shook Baldwin because he understood the void left behind. He recognized that if the cycle of violence didn’t stop, Harlem would lose an entire generation of voices. His goal was to advocate for accountability—something that remains just as relevant today.”
Season 4 of “Godfather of Harlem” drops in April, streaming exclusively on MGM+.
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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