Our contemporary politics makes it is easy to see the stark difference in police treatment of Black Lives Matters protesters in comparison to the Trump rioters. Actor, Sports Enthusiast, and Civil Rights Activist Reggie Watkins is creating systematic change, saying everyone should understand why the entire system needs to be defunded and overhauled. His journey has been long as an actor but apparently, he always knew what he wanted. He recently portrayed Sgt. Lawrence Sims’ in Activision's new “Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War” game. At the same time, he co-founded the San Fernando Valley-based non-profit organization “The Valley Of Change,'' which is a community-based team of people who wanted to see change and decided to assist in the progress. Also, he gives importance to diversity in the sports talk space so that he is busy with his podcast, “Brothas On Football'', which covers football from a Black man's perspective. We talked to Reggie Watkins about his career, activism, and BLM movement. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Reggie Watkins.

Where are you based?
I am currently in Victoria, BC but I live in Los Angeles.

What inspired you to get into acting?
I wanted to be Theo Huxtable! My family used to huddle around the TV for 'The Cosby Show' when I was a kid and I wanted to be a part of other families' TV watching rituals. There's just something magical about coming into someone's living room weekly and shaping their thoughts and beliefs!

You began your acting career in theater productions, and eventually went on to play collegiate football as a Wide Receiver until a torn ACL ended your career at 21-years old. Then, you moved to LA to fully commit to acting. Can you tell us about this journey? How do you think these incidents shape your life?
The journey has been long but I always knew what I wanted to do. I was going to be on TV in the NFL or I was going to be on TV acting. Those were the only two things I ever imagined myself doing. When I tore my ACL, I cried because I knew I was done with football, but it pushed me into my other love full time.

You recently portrayed Sgt. Lawrence Sims’ in Activision's new “Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War” game. Can you talk about this project? Is acting for a game different from other voice acting jobs?
Yes, I'm Sims! I loved every moment of working on this project. Activision/Treyarch/Raven Software made it a special time. The cast and crew are literally the best I've ever worked with. We just had fun all the time. Acting in a Video Game is different than traditional TV/Film because of the thousands of cameras constantly watching you. You're never "off"!

You have also been busy with your podcast, “Brothas On Football”, which covers football from a Black man's perspective. Do you find that Football is not typically covered from a Black man’s perspective? Why was this so important to you?
Currently the podcast is on hiatus, but it was great fun and necessary. We need more diversity in the sports talk space and we gave people that.

There is a bit of controversy on the fact that football is still being played and how the players are being forced to live in bubbles so that they can keep playing for the masses. Can you tell us a little bit about your thoughts on this issue?
Good! As long as they're being as safe as possible and they agree to play, I have no issue with it. It's their health they're dealing with.

It is no secret that you are an activist and very pro BLM. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience hitting the streets protesting?
It originally started as a way to show my son some activism, but when you get out there to protest and see the impact it has on the world and you learn more stories of tragedy, you can't help but be overtaken by it. I thought I'd be out there for a few days, but almost 300 days later I have a non-profit and WERE STILL STANDING!

There is a big worry about the momentum slowing down some. What ways would you like to make sure things keep moving in the right direction?
Do something every day. Period. You don't have to be in the streets protesting everyday but share information and actively be about social change in your everyday life.

Speaking of actions, you recently co-founded the San Fernando Valley-based non-profit organization “The Valley Of Change” along with Latora Green. Can you tell us a little bit about your new non-profit, and what inspired you to start it?
We are a community-based team of people who wanted to see change and decided to assist in the progress. We were tired of seeing and hearing about police brutality, corrupt city officials, homelessness, and joblessness in our city. 'The Valley of Change' was born of that need for change!

How is “The Valley Of Change” different from BLM? Are you working directly with BLM?
We're smaller and not as nationally known, but we're basically about the same ideals. BLACK LIVES MATTER shouldn't be political.

What are your biggest hopes for the BLM movement and how would you like The Valley Of Change to play a role?
I hope eventually the Police stop brutalizing Black people and people of all colors. I hope racism ends in my lifetime. I hope equality is something all people strive for. 'The Valley of Change' is there to assist in any way possible.

There is a lot of frustration out right now about how the Trump rioters were treated in comparison to the BLM protesters. Can you tell us a little bit about your thoughts on this?
It's nothing new, but crystalizes how the police deal with crowds of different colors and should show everyone why the entire system needs to be defunded and overhauled.

How would you like to see more people get actively involved in the ongoing fight for equality for all?
See something, Say something. Do Something every day to push for equality.

How are you staying positive during a shelter in place?
Lots of TV and podcasts! A few Books.

What is your motto in life?
Stay ready so you don't have to get ready.

To learn more about Reggie Watkins please follow them via the following links:
Instagram: @Coachwithreg
Twittter: @ReggieWatkinsJr
Clubhouse: @ReggieWatkins

Photography courtesy of Reggie Watkins.

Reggie Watkins Is Creating Systematic Change As An Actor