WORDS BY BRIELLE FRASER

If the events of 2020 could be summed up in a word it would be: Loud. The anger, the unrest, the division, the tragedy, the love, the creativity, the unity, the hope, it is all loud. We as a nation are not only raising our own voices, but also amplifying those voices lowered by racism, sexism, homophobia and all other “isms” which are inexcusable for a nation as great as ours.

In the eyes of the All American actress, SAMANTHA LOGAN, our voices cannot simply be loud, they must be heard. The 24 year old, Boston native has been admired for her paramount roles both in Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why, as well as the CW’s All American, where she plays the ever so impactful and impressive, Olivia Baker. Olivia is no stranger to struggle, but views each challenge she’s presented with as an opportunity for inner growth. Like her character, Logan strives to pursue the fair and just for all, not just for the few. Her voice has been a warm, yet powerful reverberating reminder for voters both seasoned and novice to raise the volume on their own voice, so we, the American people, are heard.

What did it feel like to use your voice as an American when you voted for the first time?

F****ING awesome! It felt powerful to know I finally had a voice for my own future, to have the power to make the changes I want to see in this country.

What does voting mean to you as a human being?

My mom always says, "Vote your conscience, not your wallet”. When I vote, I’m not just voting for myself, I’m voting for social justice, for the black and LGBTQ+ communities, whose voices and votes have been suppressed by the system and for women to be able to make decisions over their own bodies. I vote for the health and the protection of all my friends and family who have been affected by this pandemic (where the president has failed to do so). I vote for the younger generation, the future of our country, who inspire me everyday. Human rights are on the ballot. Democracy itself is on the ballot.

As an artist do you feel it is your social responsibility to educate and inspire others to get out and vote in the 2020 election? Why?

Artist or not, we are all part of this democracy. Every American is "We the People" and it's up to us as individuals to take responsibility to use our power - OUR VOTE - to hold our elected officials accountable and choose representatives who will fight for what we believe! I'm lucky that I'm able to express my views in a way that hopefully encourages others to realize their power and inspire others to get active and to get out their vote! 

What are some of your hopes and dreams for the American people and for this nation as a whole?

This is what I lie awake thinking about at 2a.m.! I hope we can begin to heal from all of this division and come back together as human beings who have empathy and compassion for one another, focusing on what we have in common instead of what divides us. I hope to finally see the end to 400 years of systemic racism, starting by demilitarizing the police and redirecting resources to mental health, social services and equal education. Another super important hope is to take BIG steps to address climate change and to act before it’s too late!

What inspired you to do this shoot in specific?

This shoot found me, I'm so happy my friend Ali Mullin reached out to me with this amazing project! Like I said, this is the most important election of our lifetime and I got to combine my love for fashion with the passion I feel for voting. Everyone involved with this shoot had such a creative and vibrant vision to accomplish that mission, plus, it was SO FUN! 

How would you describe your own form of social activism? Do you have any organizations that speak to your heart?

There are so many amazing organizations working on different civil rights causes, and right now BLM (Black Lives Matter) has my full focus and attention. Having individual conversations to inspire others to join the cause, using my social media platform, and marching in protests, whatever it takes…justice still hasn’t been served. Rest in Power to Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and the countless other lives lost to police brutality.

You play an extremely pivotal and dynamic character on ALL AMERICAN, do you feel as though parts of Olivia shine through you in day-to-day life?

There’s an ongoing joke that the writers of the show have spies following me around because there are so many parallels between Olivia and me. Olivia and I share a lot in common - both of us are compassionate, empathetic, and take action to make the changes we want to see in the world. I've learned more about myself through playing Olivia and it’s been an interesting journey as her character develops, I love playing her.

How do you think Olivia would vote in the upcoming 2020 election?

BIDEN/KAMALA all the way! She would make sure everyone around her had a voting plan, Olivia doesn’t play around!

Although 2020 has been a year filled with many tribulations, what has kept you feeling inspired despite it all?

To be completely honest, it’s been incredibly difficult to stay inspired given the civil unrest and pandemic. For me, it's been crucial for my mental health to realize that I have power to affect change through my vote and activism, focusing on what's possible if we all band together. I’ve found amazing stories on social media showing frontline workers and especially healthcare workers who never give up. Also, the massive numbers of everyday people in the streets fighting for social justice and now the large numbers of early voters - especially young voters - using their vote.

Would you rather be trapped inside of a box with venomous snakes and spiders or have dinner with President Trump every night until the election?

Hmmmm… surprisingly, I would do dinner with the president. May sound crazy, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to sit down and try to persuade him to see things from a different perspective. I know it would be challenging, considering I am a bi-sexual, black woman (the trifecta), but at least I tried! And then you can put me in a box with venomous snakes, please!

What is something 2020 has taught you that no other year could have?

Tomorrow is never guaranteed, take nothing for granted, tell the people you care about that you love them everyday, live your best life, do everything from a place of love. Be kind always, breathe, try new hobbies, learn yoga, take up knitting, learn how to play the accordion, learn 5 new languages, lose 8 hours of your life on TikTok. Also, remember to eat your vegetables, drink water and floss. You’re welcome!

How do you view white privilege through your own lens of being a young, black woman raised by a single, white mother?

Growing up as a mixed-kid in a predominantly white neighborhood in New England was confusing, I didn't always know where I fit in. From a young age, my mom told me that even though I’m half white and half black, the world will only see me as black, to prepare me. I have so many experiences - I would overhear adults asking my mother where she got me, if my mom and I were shopping at a high-end store and I wasn’t by her side, I would be watched suspiciously, She could argue with cops but I couldn't. Things like that haven’t changed.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I think I’ll go with “VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!” And why? I think the title is self-explanatory!