Brisk® Iced Tea has partnered with Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan for its new Creators Class program.

During a celebration of the initiative’s launch on Tuesday, Jordan spoke with EBONY’s Joshua David about brotherhood and the stigma surrounding emotional vulnerability within men. His latest role as Erik Killmonger in the groundbreaking Marvel film, which premiered nationwide on Friday, offers a rare depiction of Black masculinity.

“You aren’t any less of a man by showing emotion,” the 31-year-old California native said Tuesday. 

Jordan, who has two siblings, said he isn’t hesitant to show affection for his brother because of notions men shouldn’t express their love for one another.

“I think it’s just about being comfortable in your own skin and being comfortable to love one another,” Jordan continued. “I love my brothers. I’ll tell my brother I love him, give him a hug, kiss him on the cheek. That’s my guy and you don’t have to be ashamed of that.”

And he had to learn that lesson the hard way.

“Tomorrow’s not promised,” Jordan said. “I lost one of my friends at a young age and wish I would have picked up the phone the night before and told him that I loved him. Living with that type of regret and knowing that nothing’s promised, that’s what it’s all about. Extra noise is extra noise.”

The Brisk Creators Class facilitates collaborations and mentorships between young creators and experts in the arts.