Kevin Hart (Keith Major for “Ebony” magazine)
Comedian Kevin Hart is riding a wave of success, and in a new interview, he’s insisting that he stands by his race.
The actor is currently gearing up for another season of his hit BET show and a new stand-up comedy film. In addition to his work, he also discusses his love of the Black community.
Hart has spoken up about race in America before. In July, he urged fellow celebrities not to let the media “force a race war.” The plea came after the back-to-back fatal shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police that month.
But Hart previously faced criticism for his film Get Hard because of its problematic approach to race and incarceration, according to The Wrap. In a conversation with Ebony magazine, the comedian embraces the support he gets from his race.
“I love representing my race all over the world at the highest level,” Hart said. “Where people have to look and go, ‘Hey man, that strong Black man right there is a smart individual. He’s got it together; he’s trying to do some positive things.’ ”
He also clarified why he has not been more outwardly political when it comes to issues about race.
“I love my people. I have never not stood by my people and by my race,” Hart said in the magazine’s October/November issue.
On the work front, Hart has stayed busy. He starred in 10 films in the past three years, including Central Intelligence and The Secret Life of Pets.
“There’s a little battery in me that goes, ‘Ah, man. The minute you go to sleep, that guy who’s next, that guy who wants the spot you have, is working.’ ” 
He also has more projects coming soon. The new season of BET’s “The Real Husbands of Hollywood” begins Oct. 11, and Hart’s new stand-up concert film What Now? opens days later on Oct. 14.
His hard work ethic doesn’t just stem from his acting and comedic chops but his wallet, too.
“I spent $13.8 million on it myself,” he said of his upcoming movie. “If you’re going to roll the dice, roll it on yourself.”
The film was taped at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field in front of a crowd of 53,000. Hart is the first comedian ever to headline and sell out an NFL stadium.
