BLD PWR (Build Power) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization co-founded by actor and activist Kendrick Sampson. The organization focuses on engaging pop culture, education, and activism to build a community of storytellers and activists committed to advancing radical social change. BLD PWR partners with grassroots organizations and works across various social justice movements, including gender, racial, immigration, economic, and environmental justice.
Build Power aims to disrupt systemic oppression, combat state violence, and center wellness for marginalized communities. It is particularly active in mobilizing influential figures from the entertainment industry to use their platforms for social activism and liberation. BLD PWR also focuses on storytelling and hosting events that promote healing, mental health, and social justice.
KENDRICK SAMPSON
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Kendrick Sampson is an actor, producer and activist who leverages his platform and storytelling to shift culture for good.
Growing up in Houston and Missouri aka “Mo City”, Texas, Kendrick Sampson was dropped into a unique and deeply rooted culture of music and art.
His most acclaimed and notable characters from “Nathan” on HBO’s Emmy-nominated comedy series, Insecure, to “Ethan” in Prime’s popular romantic comedy
Something from Tiffany’s and his personal favorite, the surrealist satire “I am a Virgo” from Boots Riley – Kendrick has been achieving his lifelong goal of shifting culture through storytelling and uplifting nuanced, diverse, and authentic portrayals of Black men.
He uses his platform to amplify transformational grassroots work in intersectional mental health justice, sexual health and liberation and fighting state violence. Kendrick co-founded BLD PWR which includes a production company and social impact (501c3) arm whose mission is to “Reimagine and Realize the liberated future we know our people deserve” by organizing Hollywood and shifting the culture toward nourishing and protecting nuanced Black, Indigenous, and marginalized leaders and everyday people, especially our storytellers and their stories.“