EXCLUSIVE: Tyler Lepley On The Importance Of ‘Harlem’ Being A Voice For Black Culture Amidst Gentrification

As the star of the hit Prime Video series "Harlem," Tyler Lepley is no stranger to the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. And with gentrification becoming a growing concern for the historic neighborhood of Harlem, Tyler is speaking out about the significance of the show portraying authentic Black culture. Find out what he told us inside… For more than a century, Black Excellence has been a consistent force behind American culture thanks to its people, resilience, and diversity. People from all over the world have long been inspired and enthralled by the mystique, style, and history of Harlem, New York. In the hit series "Harlem," Tyler Lepley plays the role of Ian Walker, a passionate, creative, and well-studied chef striving to make it in the big city. But off-screen, Tyler is just as passionate about using his platform to elevate and represent the black community. As the star of the hit series "Harlem," Tyler Lepley is no stranger to the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. And with gentrification becoming a growing concern for the historic neighborhood of Harlem, the talented actor is speaking out about the significance of the show in portraying authentic Black culture. In a recent interview with YBF correspondent Jada Watts, the new dad again shared his thoughts on the significance of "Harlem" in today's climate. ”It’s something that’s so necessary," Tyler said. "It’s necessary to feel as an individual. It’s necessary to show and display as an artist. It’s necessary to consume and watch as a viewer. And it’s something I take great pride in" He continued, "As black people, having the pride that we have…specifically also being a voice for this culture in Harlem, which is just very specific, it’s rich in culture and it’s continuing to being gentrified daily. So, we have to fight for what we still got. We got to keep it here. It’s been an absolute treat to be able to be a voice for that.” The actor also spoke about how the show has resonated with audiences, both within and outside the Black community. He also talked about what “Harlem” means to him and how compelling storytelling can help us in the fight for what we believe in and what we take pride in. Watch our exclusive interview below: If you can’t view the video above, watch below: The first two episodes of "Harlem" Season 2 premiere Friday, February 3rd on Amazon Prime Video. Photo: Amazon Studios