What's Your Story Part 22: Actress Abria Jackson on The Neoliberal Round by Renaldo McKenzie

The Neoliberal Round Podcast by Renaldo McKenzie Episode Script: “Faith, Film, and the Future Featuring Abria Jackson” Creator/Host: Renaldo C. McKenzie [Intro] Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Neoliberal Round Podcast. I’m your host, Rev. Renaldo McKenzie. Today, I’m honored to sit with the dynamic, ever-charming, and deeply talented Abria Jackson—an actress, mentor, and graduate student whose career and calling blend art, faith, and service. Abria recently starred in Night of Violence, which opened at the prestigious FrightFest in the UK. She traveled to London with her mother to witness the premiere, and we’ll talk about that powerful experience. We’ll also dive into her work on Law & Order: Organized Crime, her inspirations from Viola Davis and Halle Berry, her mentoring of young women, and her pursuit of a master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. [Segment 1 – The UK Premiere] Renaldo: What was it like, sitting in that London theater with your mom, watching your film open FrightFest? Abria: “It was very emotional. My father passed away a couple of years ago, and he was so supportive of my dream. Knowing my mom was in the audience reminded me that I have people who love me and support me. I also felt like my dad was there, watching from heaven. My mom was cheering, even when no one else was, and people around her were cracking up—it was unforgettable.” Renaldo: What did it mean personally to have her there? Abria: “It felt full circle. God was reminding me to keep going, that I’m on the right path. The fact that my mom was alive and present for that moment—it meant everything.” [Segment 2 – Acting as Healing] Renaldo: You mentioned Catwoman, a Black rock star, and Tanya from Mortal Kombat as dream roles. Why those? Abria: “All three connect directly to my childhood. They’d heal my inner child. Acting was more than entertainment—it was spiritual. Growing up, life wasn’t always glitter and rainbows. Acting gave me an outlet, and now keeping that inner child alive helps me bring truth to every role.” [Segment 3 – Balancing Faith, Career, and Self-Care] Renaldo: How do you balance school, career, and everything else? Abria: “I’m very intentional with my time. I write everything in my planner and make sure I hit my goals. But I also remind myself that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care matters. For me, that’s $5 Tuesdays at the movies—it’s my reset.” Renaldo: And your faith? Abria: “Faith keeps me going. My mom once bought a name meaning that said Aabria means faith. That’s my story. When auditions don’t come, when money’s tight—faith carries me.” [Segment 4 – Mentorship & Psychology] Renaldo: Beyond acting, you’re also co-leading a mentorship group for teen girls and pursuing a master’s in counseling. What inspired that? Abria: “Even in high school, people would come up to me and share their lives. It felt like a gift God placed in me. Now I want to perfect that gift—get licensed, gain knowledge, and help people in ways that blend spirituality and service.” [Segment 5 – Vision & Legacy] Renaldo: Looking ahead, what legacy do you want to build? Abria: “When God calls me home, I want people to say my life was an act of faith. Of course, I want roles that move people. But more than that, I want to be remembered as someone who served—who gave advice, helped people, and carried them through. What profits a person to gain the world but lose their soul? Character and service—that’s the legacy I want.” [Closing] Abria Jackson is more than an actress—she is a storyteller, a servant, and a woman of faith. From Philly to London, from film sets to mentorship circles, her journey reminds us that art and service can walk hand in hand. You can follow Abria on Instagram at @itsabriajackson and on TikTok under her name. And stay tuned for her upcoming TV series Losing My Pride, expected in 2026. Thank you for listening to The Neoliberal Round Podcast. Until next time—walk good.