Being a Black Man | Akala, Shane Ryan, Ekow Eshun and Topher Campbell

[@inspirationalpostbyleverso6263]

Just noticed that the room should have been full that's the only difference when great things are happening we don't show up, but if there is a dance the room is full, this is why we struggle to come together and make real change. Picking up a book and read self awareness is key.

[@mosesainsz7002]

the gentleman sat the furthest from akala made such a competing opening statement/answer. It really drove and set the primary tone for the rest of the talk. Great stuff.

[@UKLeonie]

I could watch akala all day, what a blessings

[@Kevin.Anthony3]

100%. He's a very intelligent man.

[@daverees2985]

Me too. And I do. A man who's immensely inspiring. He's made more impression upon me than anyone has done for a long time. Akaka. Thank you. A gift to humanity. All of us.

[@Mj-pr2zb]

That’s what I’ve been doing lol since 8 am

[@gidgethrobowski3860]

Sis, I couldn't agree more. I wish I could meet Akala; I love his loveable humor, intelligence, & knowledge. I could listen to him all day long. He is a blessing.

[@RdonZOME]

Damn as a young black man watching this really makes me feel dumb lol. These lot are on a next level in the way they speak. Hopefully I can be this articulate in a few years from now

[@TheSupinesmokey]

if your going to university you will , as a fellow young black man about to finish undergraduate study i thought shit ' theses guys are cool' and they discusseda lot of the things i think about on a daily basis identity, manhood, black masculinity and finding inner peace and creative fulfillment in being yourself

[@paullouis7238]

Radafi Blacks anybody can sound smart...with those big english stupid words

[@quinnjin2]

Read read read... listen to inspiring speakers ....

[@MyKameca]

Education is the key. Reading books about different subjects; research; listening to other peoples views and the most important being observant. Be aware of yourself, your surroundings/environment, your past and others pasts and also the present. X

[@MyKameca]

Its all a learning process brother, you are smart... you have the potential to be smarter. Believe that you can achieve greatness x

[@ionasanaa3844]

Akala. This guy is one of Britain's best roles models for our Nubian men and I always have time to lend an ear.

[@LouisKing995]

Nubian people don’t exist anymore lady

[@gidgethrobowski3860]

@@LouisKing995 Why are you on here? This lady is the truth.

[@melohelloo1248]

@@LouisKing995 said who?? 🤣🤣🤣

[@LouisKing995]

@@melohelloo1248 Where is Nubia ? I’m not aware of any place called Nubia in the last 2000 years

[@Laura-sg6ss]

@@LouisKing995 so your span of knowledge only encapsulates 2000 years then? Okay 👍🏼 that's all we needed to know.

[@__ghostwolf__]

Watching this has made me just sign up for youth mentoring.... thank you Akala.. you came a long way from Roll Wid Us!

[@r1ch0007]

Hi, it's been 4 years; how has your mentoring experience been thus far?

[@gidgethrobowski3860]

So happy for you and proud you made this positive decision. I pray many blessings for you.

[@Laura-sg6ss]

@@r1ch0007 ooo I wanna know too. 8 years LOOL

[@thehoneyeffect]

Akala told the truth!!!!!!!! I hope he does talks on his own or with more people who are on his level

[@leahjoneswiley4313]

wow the first question is DEEP!

[@ionasanaa3844]

Yep! My mom did Black or pan African studies with us too from a very young age and I literally spent my childhood pointing out my teachers constant racist behaviour and my stance I will never put up with it whenever they tried to dish it out.

[@revol148]

+Iona Ayona but it's never been so bad in the white world that you would ever consider trying your luck in a black majority country? I'm sure there must be something great about Chad, Mali, Zimbabwe or Somalia - I can't think of any off the top of my head mind you!

[@ionasanaa3844]

@@revol148 I don't know you. I'm sure you alone can answer that. Why even pose that question to me? I didn't mention the countries you stated or living there being any better.

[@revol148]

@@ionasanaa3844 ....the impression seems to be that things may be better if whites and blacks live separate lives

[@prettygorgeous7989]

revol148 things would be better if we RESPECTED each other’s experiences

[@brotherfirst4388]

Feel free to see my playlist titled BroFIRST .....my street work.

[@reerbaadia1896]

I think Akala was into something profound about mixed couple relationship. white women seeing black men as only sexual objects thus hindersing long-term relationship. It needed more time to expand on it. that's the only regret about this discussion. well done.

[@amyj86]

ReerBaadia and a black man has no problem seeing a blonde white woman as a sex object too?

[@reerbaadia1896]

amyj86​ I don't think they discussed that!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@brendakabanda2181]

@@amyj86 no, white women see black men as sexual objects. I have had this discussion with white women and they have confirmed it. It doesn't mean some black men don't. Just like white men with black women. Malcolm X said it best in his autobiography.

[@mcr2356]

@@brendakabanda2181 Some white women have confirmed it to you. There are 450 million white women on the planet. They all don't think the same.

[@mcr2356]

@Lala Ghana-Love I understand discussing points in the context of wider society, I actually agree in some part with akalas point. However I was responding to the ridiculous comment of "I have had this discussion with white women and they have confirmed it". Just ridiculous and unhelpful. I think some white women probably do see black men as sexual objects. But to say they all do like this user said because they have spoken to "them" is just inaccurate. We can't attach a whole behaviour onto 1 large and culturally diverse group with no exceptions. It's dangerous and inaccurate.

[@getitg44]

This was so amazing, thought-provoking and honest. This honestly should have been broadcast on a large network, but I suppose the mainstream media prefers to promote the stereotypical black image. Articulate, clever and knowledgeable black men like this are not given the air time.

[@vickimcguire4378]

Most invigorating. And truthful set of facts spewed in 80 years.

[@bertramdavis7120]

It is Sad that we even have to this discussion. Being Black is what I know and don't want to be anything else.

[@israelliontribeoffaith1986]

we made any other race, and I have a recorded video of this event that took place in life. We are only tricked not to realize who we are, eugenic and transmutation have been on going for long.

[@suenewman8913]

It's never sad that we have a discussion it is only sad that we seldom do.

[@MegaDami3n]

The words of Ekow Eshun resonates with my soul... I will cherish this for all eternity..

[@saskiademoor8400]

33.42 "I do not know who is meant by WE" . Great statement. I try to ask regularly who people mean when they say "we" this and "we" that. It is amazing and shocking to learn who gets excluded when "we" is used.

[@Laura-sg6ss]

Yeah

[@killerkrok55]

Bui the statement of feeling like you belong in both camps but dont feel like you belong in any, completely hit home.

[@CalJonel]

Can’t believe I’m only discovering this now! More of this please. Awesome!

[@teknon0tice]

This video warrants more positive comments. Great stuff

[@simoncasson9572]

thoughtful and provocative

[@monicamariemandujano8406]

Wow, this is all so thought provoking. I'm so humbled to have seen this.

[@AllyArtemisia]

Powerful; every point made throughout the video. I am remiss to admit that it has taken me months to find this.

[@Usmanthemecano]

When will black people cease to be amazed at other black people's eloquence as if it's only inherent in the case of Caucasians???!!

[@israelliontribeoffaith1986]

exactly, speaking English eloquently does not mean that anyone is supreme to another.

[@EmpressChunkybabii]

You have to keep in remembrance that our people have been sold a certain way of living that is not ours.. A certain image... So being displaced from our culture and being born in this world as it is now and the laws that oppress us... some of us have only been exposed to that oppressed way of thinking. This is also passed on for generations and generations. I remember my man telling me about his upbringing and i couldn't have ever imagined or fabricated in my life some of his stories of racism and living conditions. When i was growing up i wasn't exposed to certain things that may cause someone to act a certain way or talk a certain way... So when an individual that looks like me speaks of wisdom, that inspires me because i wouldn't have been exposed to that and they've introduced me to a new way of thinking. I feel as though its a feeling of admiration and simply really not knowing...

[@mlungisidlamini9864]

@@vg1024 I don't believe that for a sec, being an eloquent speaker has anything to do with high IQ. We need to stop assuming that people who speak english well are smarter because that not true

[@mlungisidlamini9864]

@@vg1024this is a skill that can be taught to a person with an average IQ and my argument is that there are people who can't speak but who have a higher IQ. You find people who have extremely high IQ who can perform complex scientific theories but find that they battle in articulating or explaining themselves.

[@mlungisidlamini9864]

@@vg1024 Bobby Fisher is one of many examples. But that's not the point, the point is about understanding that you can not measure peoples intelligence based on how well or poor they articulate. If you fail to get this point then I am very sorry to waste your time and mine.

[@mairusu1]

Very good discussion. We gotta share thisss.

[@AdamX42]

The last statement was the drop the mic moment. Being anything other than black for me would be boring as hell.

[@WILBriscoe]

great conversation!! sixty minutes was enough time however the panel was comprised of four articulate, Black intellectuals. It is really hard to find brothers so conscious and mindful of such issues going on internally within our race. As a proud Black Man, Black-ness is cherish daily

[@WILBriscoe]

***** My vision 20/10 and There's many shades of Black people so I just generally identify myself as a black man. It's very simple I don't see the complication.

[@WILBriscoe]

I LIKE YOUR INTELLECT. you have a compelling argument here. Literally, my skin is brown but I like identifying myself as Black. Tell me more where you're going w/ this.

[@jenniferdyer7990]

*****

[@GirlyEnglishGamer]

***** The human race is a race but within the human race there are different ethnic groups

[@revol148]

that's the first time I've read the words "black", "articulate" and "intellectual" all in one sentence - it just shows what a rare gathering this really is !

[@fabs1979]

The body language at 49:00 onwards of the others when Akala speaks about black men hating black men very interesting....mirroring each other. Think the truth in the words may have hit home for them.

[@Gr8P]

Interesting observation. I hadn't noticed that but watched the video again after reading your comment.

[@gfunkin2]

Or they disagree, as do I.

[@ouruhuru]

Yes but he’s missing the fact the reverse is also true.

[@WARISCOMIN2023]

It's awesome to hear different views and each person's revaluation. He has a awesome mother. This shines a light on the issues mixed ppl have to deal with.

[@520mrcoke]

At the end of the question at the 55:07 mark I immediately thought of how the media portrayed trayvon martin as no angel

[@INCBMX]

Very true very true, when in fact he went to the store for candy and iced tea in a somewhat gated community where he father had lived and the media talked about the smoking pics and trouble in school all while brushing off the fact that he was where he was supposed to be and was then followed by a stranger all while heading home

[@lilahdog568]

Trayvon Martin wasn't an angel. No matter whether u support him or Zimmerman, just because one is a thug doesn't mean the other was great. In my opinion both trayvon and George had severe violence and anger issues and it didn't help when they ran into each other

[@nokwandasthokomkhize5218]

I was today years old when I learned that people of the UK diaspora experience the same thing as black people in America😭 guys thank goodness for the internet because I would’ve never known!

[@zeinabadam958]

Stay strong we know in the UK things are very difficult, as they always have been but more so because of the international spotlight on you guys. We have very similar and different experiences the level of racalised violence is much worse in the US. Listen to Akalas discussion on the google platform with an American youll find it useful too! Take care x

[@chillhomie7]

Why would you think any different for fucks sakes? Why? Why would racism be specific to white Americans. Only a incomprehensible amount of historical ignorance could create such an uninformed world view.

[@Diamondintherough22]

Blacks around the world experience the same thing when people of lighter skin tones are involved

[@2eddietheeagle]

I have to say I recently read pedagogy of the oppressed by Paolo Freire and Akala is a really good example of how it can work

[@LoudMinded]

My favourite type of KZbin comment, a wonderful book recommendation. Thank you

[@London_miss234]

Great interview. We must love one another.

[@londonsfynest]

Shoutout to Akala for the Boondocks reference, knew I saw lot of Huey in him.. definitely a Riley in his early days

[@rhaveenatwal4414]

love Akala! what a leader.

[@Ferozius]

obvious troll is obvious.

[@raymondstewart1972]

+Michael Craig McGee. why? Because he brings up the history of white Europeans? whenever; we talk about your ancestors we're race baiting. You can't tell people how react to anything. okay.

[@joannlewis3559]

This is refreshing - to hear that across the proverbial pond Black people go through the same experiences. I had to instill in my children that they to had to be twice as good to get half the way through this world. How you handle it is up to you, so develop skills that will allow you to live the life you want and desire. Wow, he is so right - my son married a white woman, marriage lasted 2 years - he got custody of his kids because she had no interest what so ever in her children. She has two grand children that she will never know unless they reach out to her.

[@Girlshine]

A very interesting debate by 4 articulate black men. I wish there was more.

[@ellec497]

There are many

[@metalsaw666]

Linda Chastine I think she meant more to the debate or more separate debates, not more articulate black men.

[@Girlshine]

ViNcEnT RoSs I did mean more debates and not more articulate black men as I know there are many. Thanks for making that clear.

[@suenewman8913]

more articulate black men or more debates?

[@Girlshine]

@@suenewman8913 - More debates. There is no shortage of articulate black men.

[@kayykayy6314]

Thanks for all of you being four beautiful men strong , leaders of good,loving and blessings so many people I just want to say that’s what make a black man so special y’all overcome so much and still love, smile,protect and give back yes loving y’all always Amen

[@eprahs1]

The Biracial guy gets it

[@jamafrican657]

Because he's the "Blackest".

[@c4ghts1]

jamafrican657 Blackest? lol

[@dhoti190]

The others seem like they're being annoyed by the discussion. As soon as the focus shifted away from them they "clocked out".

[@dannygarcia3863]

+jamafrican657 I wouldn't say that

[@dannygarcia3863]

+jamafrican657 'blackest'? what does that even mean?

[@bertramdavis7120]

I don't want to be anything but Black, even knowing we are the most hated people on this planet. However, if you are a Black person you should be a powerful and intelligent human being, if you are not trying to be then you are not trying to be a true Black person. Because, the hatred of others should be the fuel for your forward motion.

[@artisticagi]

I am a black woman, and watching this is important to me cause I will one day have black children

[@rudeonestar]

business and economics is the x factor imo. when you dont rely on the ruling class for anything the battle field (so to speak) evens up

[@asage5801]

Can’t help but think: We are still trying harder to get them to accept us rather than working harder to create our own nation.

[@ReverendParasite]

I'm white as fuck and this helped me.

[@JN003]

Would be interesting to know the perspective of a modern day African that was brought up and lives in an African country (both formerly colonized and non colonized countries). Living a life where you haven't been defined (or don't define yourself or place much thought/emphasis by your skin colour).

[@Uncle_Buchi]

Born and raised in Nigeria, then moved to England a couple years ago. The whole race thing seemed a world away to me; I knew it was real and played a vital part in how the western world operated, but like Akala alluded to, I had far more in-my-face issues to deal with. I never cared about that a white man was doing because I had my fellow people doing direct things that hurt me and those around me. Maybe external forces had a hand in it, but that's chiefly because of collaborators that choose to sell out their pwn people. Having moved here, I've had to navigate issues like deciding how important race is to me, primarily because other black people have pointed out how important it should be. Not to say they are wrong at all, but it was a worry I never had, and have had to reluctantly take on board. I'm dating a white lady and I've had to deal with somewhat interrogatory questions from other black people as to why that is. I do appreciate that I lack a grounding in racial relationship/experience/interactions that people here have had their whole lives to understand, so while I feel like they blow things out of proportion, I'm aware of some the reasons that motivate that. The feeling of being a room and being the only black person there was something I've had to digest often and get comfortable with. It's a learning curve that I find rather interesting. I'll stop rambling now😅

[@TheNoirAlien]

We can all put more effort into respecting each other and into supporting each other to achieve our goals.

[@Gri0t]

I love how Topher does not change the pitch, tone, lilt, lisp or other gay affects and stereotypes that can define the culture.

[@Smarterthanyew]

Why? Because it makes you feel comfortable?

[@Uncle_Buchi]

@@Smarterthanyew I think it has more to do with showing that it is okay, possible and even admirable to be your authentic self in a space where doing so makes you an outlier, and could breed further issues like - in his words: " ...having to come out again and again".

[@ashonpar3]

I agree this gay stuff has got to stop in the Black community....And you can I attack me I dont care I am proud father of 5 kids ,never been in Jail,work on the same job for 15 years,,This is what we need to promote

[@Coonsandwich]

But why can you not promote both are gay blacks just supposed to sit and shut up?

[@ashonpar3]

I promote life.Life is love and love if Life

[@nerdytall5525]

damn brother, you been working the same job 15 years? it's time to start making moves for the community.

[@zvigier]

Agree with you. Something happened to him that needs to be addressed as to what brought him to that point in his life as to why he finds desire for other males as okay

[@dbn281]

Being gay is entirely influnced by hormones on the foetus...stop this ignorance

[@unlostm8]

Akala's just brilliant

[@markscott554]

Just as a cherry on top, I'd liked to have seen Darren Lewis on stage. His journalistic and sports angle would have been very interesting. I always like listening to him on the radio - even though he's a Liverpool supporter.

[@centurionguards3819]

A very good talk overall.

[@Xsyuanari]

Ohhh, I must have been a hyper aware child. It took one class in kindergarten for me to see that everyone else was lighter than me and the teachers talked to me a little different. Some of them very different. I was always aware of my status. I was always quiet. 😒

[@LoudMinded]

Sensitive kids have it worst in a world full of prejudices... Speak up and laugh loudly!

[@leesimone2]

I am with him....I have always said, if I was from another planet and the scout came back to inform the rest of us that to assimilate we must choose from these different race groups; because it's how things are there on Erath. I will choose the Black Race everytime.

[@revol148]

+Sum mer it's just a shame you blacks can't find and depart to another planet - I'm just not sure what you are going to do when it comes to inventing things as you people mainly live off the backs of others (mainly white skinned) when it comes to driving civilisation forwards....

[@thesoulsofourancestors]

revol148 and yet here you are in the comment section of a video that’s centered around Black people. #BlessYourPoorIGNORANTHeart

[@markscott554]

@@revol148 Surely you've heard Frankie Boyle's line, "Some of my friends are racist. But they're black - and they've got a point!" You should think why Simone commented as she did. FYI, I'm middle-aged, white and ginger. As for inventing things, make a list of inventions and just see which, the BIG ones that got us going were, as you put it 'mainly white skinned'. And 'off the backs of others' is about as ironic and hypocritical a phrase as you could ... er ... invent.

[@revol148]

@@markscott554 (a)I've heard Frankie Boyle's comments about racism along with vicious comments about Katie Price's son Harvey, people who voted against Scottish independence described as "cunts" and endless possibly hilarious jokes about pedophiles - if you regard him as credible then fair enough (b) Please take time and look at the list of white skinned inventions and compare that to those from black skinned hands - and report back after first calling me a waaacist.(c) those that live off the backs of others is not hypocritical - it's a fact - if the world was 100% we would be stuck permanently in the 14th century.Feel free to point out the transatlantic slave trade (whilst ignoring the black contribution to that luctrative industry) but it really is not going to win this argument about innovation v race.(d) "middle aged, white and ginger" - I guess you also suffer a degree of self-hatred as well - right?

[@revol148]

@@thesoulsofourancestors Perhaps it's me keeping an open mind on the subject - always ready to alter my opinion if/when the facts change. You on the other hand regard this as your own personal echo chamber (safety in numbers especially with people you already agree with) !

[@sheritownsend7525]

I love this. Akala has a new follower.

[@Megaredronin]

+Sheri Townsend ikr? me too!! recently discovered him its like a new awakening i was in a deep slumber of self denial!!!

[@Ali920a]

+Megaredronin educate yourself his nonsense will reveal itself.

[@ensolo7852]

Me too, binge-watching every video with him in it, he's blowing my mind

[@someperson5628]

@@Ali920a bahaha! Keep dreaming moron!

[@Amethyst_Friend]

@@Ali920a No nonsense about the man

[@cocobean7960]

At the point 48:00 i thought about KENYE WEST!!!!

[@inspirationalpostbyleverso6263]

We need more forums like this all year round,,beautiful to see black men in a beautiful way in a different place.

[@kyraocity]

22:05 Debate with a white teacher. White teacher says to mixed race black youth that KKK was same as Nation of Islam. 22:50 His explanation is powerfully critical. But then she says... at 23:20

[@topgurl9313]

20:38 This part. Yes we have all noticed this, let's discuss it.

[@jefersonvilaede]

wow, that is the only question, well said. When do you become black. So, to further innerstand this question we say, when do you, human being born with no knowledge that you are THIS/THAT, become aware (become initiated in this narrative to better put it) that you are as they say, black. If there was no racism whatsoever, or at least, diminished to a very low point, then the identity attachment of being BLACK would dissipate. Not meaning you would forget culture and past, but it would matter less to identify one-self with being black, or being anything by that matter. We only identify because there is DIVISION and separate-ness.

[@whitebeltforlife]

Akala for prime minister!

[@Amethyst_Friend]

Shame they didn't have another hour to explore all the questions and ideas!

[@ashonpar3]

AKALA,,MMMMM he did hit um deep Uncle Ruckus IS REAL...

[@Theonlychild1988]

To most of you'd response to the first questioner. You all were trying to grand stand educationally and/or provocate. What he is talking about is 1. BEING BLACK? Having Black skin and people attaching certain ethos to that which many (not all) Black people ascribe to; For example, education and articulation IS CORNY, DRESSING A CERTAIN WAY IS WHITE / CORNY, etc. That White people treat us a certain way and have automatic bias on sight of a Black person. DO WE GIVE UP acknowledging that BEING A BLACK MAN is looked at as OTHER, DO WE AS BLACK MEN RECOGNIZE THAT WE ARE OTHER (to say the least, VICTIMS) do we ascribe to that or do we chuck it and assimilate.

[@wendysalter]

I think you're all great! Just be black and beautiful and happy

[@syedecole4099]

Being black is powerful, wonderful and so much so, if we didn’t matter would white supremacy fear us and what we could be and maybe what we use to be and that is powerful, enlightened people

[@jpowers55]

I click on this video and the first thing I see is a middle aged white woman holding a microphone... WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@donnp491]

Same shit I said then I hear Their accents wtf gtfoh!!!

[@thehoneyeffect]

donn p get a passport and travel

[@Coonsandwich]

+donn p this is exactly what they are talking about! you saw them and expected them to talk in a certain manner. :/

[@micawilliams2391]

donn p Where are you from?

[@beastmode4617]

Exactly! Then we have to listen to a homosexual black man go on and on about being gay." This video brought to you by your friendly white liberals"Smdh

[@ArcaneShadoww]

Being a mix of Australian(mix in itself), English, Scottish, Welsh, Chinese and Maltese(mix in itself) I was/am confused as fuck as a child/now and put in 'black' classes in school also while being labelled a genius. I love all of these different views except I'm so lost I think there is no way back. Also what am I trying to get back to?

[@yomidahl8323]

+Austin º @ You need to look at the racist system of Australia then. If you are not even black, yet just because you have mixes of the 'other' races in you, you are not considered white, then you really need to open your eyes up to the ignorance of white ppl that exist. Also its an insult to say you are put in 'black' classes yet still seen as intelligent. Are you saying if you are not black yoy can't be intelligent. For your information, Africa was civilised before Europe. This is a fact and you need to look it up. When European were living in caves Africans had empires, and universities. It ONLY after the Europeans exploitation and colonisation of Europe that it was broken. So in fact if you were put with black people indeed you would have been mixing with the intelligent ones!

[@reerbaadia1896]

Don't even define yourself with location. moving out of Australia might be a good thing. try usa, uk, African continent.

[@DCI-Frank-Burnside]

I like what Akala said about blackness being a go to explanatory for everything negative. For example some black guy jumps the queue, in your head you go "Fucking black bastard, typical of them". Then compare it to some ginger guy jumping the queue, you go "Fucking ginger bastard". Ginger hair doesn't become an explanatory for bad behaviour, or the behaviour of gingers in general as the way black skin does.

[@darrenmcdonagh]

my uncle is mixed raced. My dad and uncle grew up together, but from the stories I have heard separating them is disgusting

[@sowhat...]

Darren McDonagh what race is your dad? are you implying they are half brothers?

[@afroeurolove7466]

Yeah he is

[@T.image79]

By 11:15; The main issue hear is not yet being touched on. If “when do you become Black?” Or “when do you realise you are black?” Or “when does SOCEITY (or some racist individuals) first teach you that you are black and therefore different?” If these questions are to be taken seriously, then they very nicely and subtely avoided more significant question. This is: “What was your self image, in your fantasies and imagination before soceity woke you up to your blackness?” What I am trying to get at hear is that millions, if not the majority, of Black children adopt a white self image as children when fantasising about being the beautiful princess or superman or the handsome Prince. 6 year old black girls break down in random tears and say “they are ugly and black” after internalising all the negative imagery around blackness and the positive imagery around whiteness. This is the stage when some of them are *confronted* with the reality of how soceity views and sees their blackness. I wager that up to this point most of them fantasised about themselves being pretty little *white* princesses, despite having been black from birth. Young Black boys go through a similar experience but they don’t express it in the same way. If soceity has to tell you that you are in fact “Black.”, then what did you think you were before?? This is the bigger question. Not enough Black families in the UK take control and power over blackness or the imagery of Blackness. We leave it to be defined by a world that has always seen us as “less than” and probably “evil” or “savage” or “backwards.” A very important question would be for the panelist’s to discuss their self identity and self imagery in fantasies when they were imagining themselves as the hero or brave prince or superhero saving the day. If the world tells you or reminds you that you are black then *what were you before that moment*? *how did you perceive yourself and why*?

[@dottyx1]

Akala is my hero!

[@Jesterisim]

lady @42:00 needs to chill tho

[@trudy_triad]

lol! Damn straight

[@dannygarcia3863]

chayz she went in

[@gayedavies2797]

Read as much as you can;be curious;don’t believe the hype. As a disabled intersectional woman I am expected to conform which is a daily task. I refuse to abide by the rules. I get to determine the world on my terms. Being called ‘bugs bunny lesbian now elderly’ which defines me to others. These prejudices play out. I did get attacked by black people as revenge attacks. I get it. It was terrifying. I m old now and see pale male and stale. I don’t see black academics teaching and this is why .. BAME people are excluded. Women were told we had different brains and excluded from university til 1940s

[@swabes1]

It's good to have a diverse amount of opinions..but it's unfortunate that black men were not represented..some of the questions although from individual experience in no way represented black male thought generally..a missed opportunity 😔

[@ishtaroshun7429]

This was beautifully raw

[@Theonlychild1988]

AKALA, THANK YOU! When I heard your interview on VLAD TV, I thought it very articulate, educating etc. The reason, I said to myself is BECAUSE HE'S LIGHT/MIXED and those people "you" have/get difference privileges than Darker skin Black people. THANK YOU FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THAT! Even though you had/have your struggles with being quote unquote Black, YOU ARE HALF WHITE AND THAT GIVES YOU A CERTAIN EDGE UP IN BEING BLACK!

[@afroman5160]

Theonlychild1988 True but it is obvious what side he identifys with.

[@grgr487]

Where did they find the black people on this panel and in the audience? Akala is again the only good thing about this debate..

[@therealLoydna]

41:40 Fuck yeah!

[@georgemccutcheon7794]

Word.

[@winluvwinluv3734]

I love this brother Akala.

[@syedecole4099]

I am a fan of Akala and love learning so much from him.

[@kyraocity]

0:00 - 7:19 to be black and gay

[@bossmanbossy]

All the comments below seem to be posted by women >_< I guess that kind of says alot

[@eddierocksteady5740]

Each one , reach one and teach one.

[@tiddlerz]

wow 2nd guy amazing words

[@TheNoirAlien]

Akala.👊.

[@shinebrightlikeadiamond6411]

Honestly for me I didn't have a clue what racsim is until I came to the UK at 17 yrs old, for me I thought all white people are nice, because that's the side they show us when they come to our cou3of Jamaica for holiday. But now I know the real truth what most white people thinks about black people, absolutely shocking. And I don't mean any offence to anyone.

[@carmealpalmer4589]

I'm from Jamaica to ,came here when I was 27 never know anything about racism untill 2019 my 14year old daughter was a target at her school,the white man teacher say that she hurt him and at the end of the day he's got a family to go home to 😔 I went full English Jamaican 🇯🇲 on his ass . You know what I notice to , they will never admit that they were wrong 😐.

[@gmain1977]

Don't you study racism , how can you not know about racism in Britain when British slaved Jamaicans ?????? If Jamaicans do not know about racism in Britain that is their ignorance. Because many Jamaicans came to Britain in 50s and suffered horrendous racism that still exist today

[@patriciasanderson2171]

Most people are nice! What a generalisation.

[@gmain1977]

@@patriciasanderson2171 no they not , most ot them would vote to put us back as slaves if they could

[@buzanimnguni9449]

Hello l love in South Africa, l started looking at racism in 1995. In my research l found that while racism denigrated Afticans using the clourd of the skin,the really issue is about economic opportunity. I would like you to come in Africa and have that discussion. Am on face book. My name is Buzani Mnguni.

[@Cuisinepourmoi]

First time I hear hear "black hues" being used. Is "hue discrimination" a new term?

[@page2741]

it's called' colourism' but i prefer 'hue discrimination'

[@gushutchinson8758]

my eyes are so bad today ...I read it as ...buying a man in 2014 buying a black man. !!!

[@Theonlychild1988]

3rd Speaker, "KEEPING IT REAL" in HIP HOP had nothing to do with being KOOL, DETACHED, ETC. It had to do with rapping about what you lived or how you lived, in particular pointing at Gangsta Rap, DO NOT RAP ABOUT SHOOTING KILLING AND/OR SELLING DRUG if that is not how you ACTUALLY REALLY "REAL LIFE" "KEEP IT REAL" Lived. To your point, which you were on but still a little off on, about being cool, etc. That, as a Black man and a few other things came along with being denied opportunity and a sort of pimp drug dealer cool antipode of White American way of being; that has been passed down through generations of culture and some hold it near and dear, rather fakely or authentically. PLEASE DO NOT EVER SAY HIP HOP "KEEP IT REAL" WAS ABOUT MASCULINITY AND BEING COOL, HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT!

[@mikeltruss9695]

A great lecture from Akala on the legacy of Mandela. BBC: BBAF Mandela Lecture- Akala, Founder of the Shakespeare Company (Long)

[@Drgametime123456789]

I loved his comment about people who saying light skin people from africa are not black. Always fucked with me. I am a dark skin man but between 30 and 60% of my family is light some with blond hair and blue eyes and in my opinion they have it at least as hard as black people in slavery times they had it worst for obvious reasons. " I will take the field over the big house any day."

[@sowhat...]

Drgametime123456789 so you agree that light skinned people are not black? and what "obvious" reasons are you talking about?

[@T.image79]

At 49:22. “Some of the worst white supremacists I know are black.” 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 Helloooo somebody. Candace Owens and Jesse Lee Peterson, to name a few.

[@shababchoudhury327]

Is there a 'Being an asian man'?

[@zeinabadam958]

Why don't you make it

[@Mickyboy]

I’ve just finished Akala’s book “Natives”. A real eye opener. I knew we had a problem with racism but being white I had no idea the level of it. Shameful.

[@Amethyst_Friend]

Ditto. Superb book

[@georgeroberts7462]

Radafi, start the journey now, and get her done, and one day u will be out there, articulate, and teaching the next generation of children that to be worth more than slaves, will start right where we found the truth, reading every book we could get our hand on and then rearranging the truth in my own head

[@crusadercrisps]

25:09 Boris Johnson?

[@ifrah-7704]

Now that he’s prime minister this is hilarious 😂😂😂😂

[@ellismarcelle321]

My interpretation of my journey, as a black man (both parents being Afro-Carribean) is one that has taken me through all the highs and lows of stereotypes, discriminatory thoughts and behaviors, attempts at emasculation, thoughts of self-hatred, race-baiting ideology, and mental violence against racism and white supremacy. And then I grew up, elevated and began to refocus and redefine myself, my perception and my thought process. This became the most fruitful accomplishment in my Life; more than my beautiful wife, my wonderful children, degrees, career, or any other superficial, tangible accomplishment. With FAITH in God (the unchangeable truth and absolute good in principle), FAITH in His Son, Jesus (the perfect idea in divine consciousness, brain-child of the absolute good), and filled with His Holy Spirit (the power, authority and ability to take the divine perfect idea, in divine mind and bring it in to existence) I am able to overcome ALL obstacles. Akala's wisdom is an inspiration and his insightfulness represents another star in the constellation of guiding lights, put in my path, to guide me to divinity and everlasting Life. He, like my mentor, Dr. Emmanuel Osei-Acheampong, has inspired me to be a better man. Although I do not know him personally, I feel the connection through the kindred spirit that drives us all towards, truth, justice, and civility! PEACE TO ALL

[@JwiseTheRealist]

I dont feel there is anything stopping me being successful because I am black .... it's just an excuse many blacks use over and over again

[@JwiseTheRealist]

@@vg1024 do you live in America I just need to know before I answer

[@JwiseTheRealist]

@@vg1024 if black people are at such a disadvantage why are there so many successful black people in Atlanta???

[@JwiseTheRealist]

@@vg1024 my friend life isnt fair and is also full hurdles. Let's say Blacks have it worse ... still not an excuse for failure or being lazy

[@JwiseTheRealist]

@@vg1024 nice bro good to have a sensible discussion ... stay tuned

[@Smarterthanyew]

You aren't black.

[@ifrah-7704]

41:43 one of the gems of this 😂😂😂😂

[@dablackangel]

Akala is one of my heroes ✊🏾