Bill Duke Talks Racism and Growing Up In Poughkeepsie

[@kbear1015]

My mother took care of his mom at the Pines nursing home on the 4th floor in Poughkeepsie. I’ve live in Poughkeepsie most of my life and there were definitely some challenges with racism. They cleaning the streets up trying to make it a better place. I believe every town every city has its good and its bad. It’s up to us as people to make it a better place. It’s not the city it’s the people in it. Facts

[@donnellhicks]

I lived there too. My Mom and Grandmother knew the Duke family and sad to here the problems of his youth. I always knew of Billy and admired he was able to make something special of his life. We all have a story but we can't let that story have a bad ending. You are the author of your story, you decide all the chapters and how it will end...

[@hustler3540]

Poughkeepsie born and raised!

[@evp159]

Power kingdom

[@shamarwilliams6035]

I Lived Up The Street From Bill Duke and Family!! I Came Up From home North Carolina for A Few Years!! Guess What?? They Were.Crazy As The Folks At Home! Recall When Bill Left My Heart Wished Him Well Cause he Was A Very Smart Young Man!! Blessed To Know Him!!! Happy Holidays Bill, I Recall Your Family’s. Truck!!!!’ Continue On Bill Duke❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💋💋

[@dorothyvailes3447]

We All Have Had Different Experiences With Different White People.

[@bernardm.3205]

Dorothy They're not white more pinkish red!

[@moniquegibbes2793]

He's not lying tho . I live in Poughkeepsie, NY. Racism is alive and well , especially in nearing communities such as Hyde Park, Arlington , Wappingers and Fishkill but some of the people hide it very well , cause they know we will not take it lightly , our ancestors fought too damn hard for us to tolerate such crap . While on the other hand there are some loving , caring, down to earth white people who live here too ❤❤❤

[@eulaeemcfarlane3530]

Monique Gibbes I live in Poughkeepsie and work in Kingston at a nursing home, I am meeting the thorns of hell under the white people hands... this place is all about racist

[@moniquegibbes2793]

@@eulaeemcfarlane3530 Yes I believe you. Get out a there Kingston is hella racist!

[@eulaeemcfarlane3530]

Monique Gibbes ppl tell me about them... this particular nursing home is a hell. Even Monday gone I was attack again by this white guy, he don’t like Black period. And there is no one to talk to, everyone of them is the same...

[@deannachristine845]

PK WOW!!! I only watched this because it said my hometown....I grew up on lent st. And Park Pl.

[@pablolsanchez4021]

My former math teacher told me that Mr. Bill Duke and her were in love when they were young. She’s of Italian descent and her parents disapproved of her dating a black man. She explained her parents threatened to disown her if she continued her relationship with Mr. Duke. She explained how that impacted her life. She forever resented her parents and was scarred because of it. This teacher made an impact in my life and I always think of her story. I’ve never told this story until I saw this video.

[@EntertheBlackDragon]

If more black men did what his father did, you probably wouldn't have police acting the way they act.

[@darmadusa]

🤔 I understand your perspective, but no brother, we don't have a system in place to back such a group of men up like the present one in which THEY have. Sadly, like another commenter stated, "They would be dead".

[@EntertheBlackDragon]

@@darmadusa I disagree, we can easily say in 2019 that they would be dead. We can't apply today's actions standards, laws, and consequences with that of the era of our grandfathers. There was a time where black men held off klansman with firearms and balls of steel. If we simply had kept up that tradition, if this was our birthright to simply defend ourselves and our families, more black men would be alive and not shot down by cowards in uniforms and badges. I simply don't think fear wins, i think fighting you have a chance, when you've surrendered you have already lost. I think we as men have lost our ways. We come from an entire race of warriors who were never conquered, only stolen armed enslaved upon a rock that is not our own. Don't ever think that you don't have a choice and then apply it up and down history as if your point of view and fear were shared amongst an entire nation of beings that would rather die fighting than live in bondage. I may respect your points of view but it comes from both weakness and fear. You simply seem to think that in all history we are supposed to be cowards because of the systemic executions we see happening. As i listen to malcolm x louis farrakhan. I realize now how soft we have become. Time to "get hard". Gotta get back to the man thing. I'll let you in on a little secret, we're all going to die. The question is will you die in bondage or in freedom. Fighting or running. Afraid or fearless. Think real hard and dig real deep. Find out which one you are or which one you plan to be.

[@darmadusa]

I don't have to dig or search for anything, for I'm fully aware of the situation at hand. My previous comment was based on an observation to a VERY REAL possibility. I wasn't eluding to Black men cowering. I was pointing out that such a move is not backed by a system that would protect them. There are reasons why you don't see groups of Black men (I'm SURE, including yourself) doing it. It's not out of cowardice, but out of caution and a greater need of organization and unity. Hey, I'm all for people getting together and standing up to the ills of this land, but we just don't have the numbers and COLLECTIVE mindset to pull that off. That's all. Sometimes, in the pursuit of being pro Black and woke, we shut out and insult those with varying views. Avoid that, please, and eat more fiber. 👍🏿 Peace

[@Derick912]

This is what I don't understand. This woman said that they are systemic racism, but a couple of white in the system help him. I myself have had white people in the system that had helped me more than black in the system.

[@kingbrent100]

From poughkeepsie myself,

[@tommarshall8471]

To say you hate a group of people is aweful! You can't blame everyone for someone else's stupidity! Judge each individual for their own actions not a group for one persons actions! You also can't live in the past, the future is changing for the better every day, we all need to move on and improve ourselves and get along for a brighter future! I wish you the best Bill Duke

[@laughingstalk1343]

Poughkeepsie, NY is Mel Gibson's hometown. Never mind his Australian accent, his family moved to Australia so his older brother could dodge the Vietnam War draft, like "President Bone Spurs."

[@niixzpk8726]

laughingstalk - nah he is from Peekskill NY.

[@derellodavis]

I live in Poughkeepsie I didn't know Mel Gibson was from here

[@laughingstalk1343]

@@niixzpk8726 oh, that's right. My mistake.

[@laughingstalk1343]

@@derellodavis Peekskill, my mistake.

[@alim.587]

Mel Gibson is from Peekskill by, my home town. Not poughkeepsie.

[@ronblack2700]

I met Bill Duke in 1992 at a restaurant I was working in at that time he was sitting with this beautiful black woman I guess she was an actress? I commented to him that I wanted to be an actor. He told me the basics get a headshot first and foremost and then just do it. I did I am and now I am writing a film myself. But it all started with the acting. Thank you Lord for your talent.

[@aidansantoro580]

This brother has a very inspiring story. I had no idea he was from my hometown until recently. Nothing but respect for you brother duke ✊🏽✊🏽

[@OpenMynd82]

That ain't nobody but The UNIVERSE forcing those who mistreated him to then SUPPORT HIM... the universe has an uncanny way of making your enemies your allies

[@MichaelSmith-fy1jj]

Yeah, keep holding your breath on Trump... The universe is uncanny but you'd make me a religious follower if he became an ally.

[@electricshark11]

Here at the 845 , i go to school and times have changed. Im friends with everyone in all diversities and I respect each one of them. Being hispanic was tuff at elementary but they saw the good in me and made them my friends :)

[@karenmartin5647]

I was bussed into Poughkeepsie High School during desegregation though at the time, I just assumed that is where the high school was. Racism goes both ways. It was a terrifying experience. Those kids were scary - pulling knives in the girls bathroom, walking in lines across the hall so you couldn't get through, reaching under your dress and grabbing you when you were leaving (while they sat on the door steps), taking the white priciple/dean out to the parking lot and beating him up. I had never experienced anything like the hate that festered there - and frankly I never saw it provoked so I don't know where it all came from, but it was real and it was ugly. I moved to Alabama when I was 16 - Blacks there were lovely, I thought, and capable of genuine friendship.

[@dbwilljr68]

l lived in Poughkeepsie for 10 years. Much has NOT changed. A very racist county Dutchess County! And yes, Bill Duke is a legend there... Really the whole Duke family! #FACTS

[@heartstringsventure1762]

I see Bill Duke in a whole different light than a lot of roles he acted ... In realities he seems so much more deeper than a lot of time he acted .... And I think that’s the racist type setting of Hollywood ... Hearing Bill speak and express himself ... you can see how deep that brother really is ... I think maybe now a days maybe we may have progressed in Hollywood enough that a serious deep role can be written such for some one like Bill Duke ... I think maybe he should write his own role one day , and act in it. Maybe independently well arranged ... C. B. (Clyde Bermingham ) (I USE MY Initials in case my artistic partner , Kevin Herbert May give his own comments , he might use his initials , K. H. to identify that he’s the one commenting , on Behalf of HeartStrings Venture ... etc...)

[@zro3266]

Amerikkka will never change

[@keypoughkeepsie]

My white butt spells it amerikkka too

[@ladyboywonder9139]

Gabriel Prosser good

[@ladyboywonder9139]

Sanchi Hawkenrath so stop complaining and more importantly stop giving reasons for it

[@ladyboywonder9139]

Sanchi Hawkenrath You don’t have excuses but you certainly give reasons

[@leapfrog4561]

Gabriel Prosser it has changed. Don’t let the media fool you. All they try to do is divide and conquer.

[@38redbud]

Poughkeepsie New York. Almost half of my family from Florida is there.

[@777ikram]

Reminds me of a line in Monks Notes that says: "They tried to get me to hate white people but someone would always come along and spoil it."

[@beezewax3701]

Poughkeepsie. The Power Kingdom#845💯

[@alim.587]

I've lived in Poughkeepsie for 11 years. Never knew he was from here.

[@OS_SANDWICHMAKER]

I respect this man more then you know after what he said. He said truth about how he was bullied because of his skin color and that racism occurs from both sides. That’s how we end racism realize there has been hate on both side from the past and make a better future! Sorry you had to deal with that!

[@j.gyamayaka5826]

You liar! THIS MAN HAS PTSD from racist people and stockholm syndrome. Here you are thinking his trauma balances the scales. Talking about its on "both sides" gtfoh Nicole.. You know damn well who is doing what to who! That's like looking at the Jews and Nazis and saying it happens on both sides.

[@ContactBrand]

Shout out to Poughkeepsie people. I live borderline Hyde Park.

[@franklinthompson9487]

Small ass world, I live in wappingers lmao

[@Am_Hour]

@@franklinthompson9487 nice I'm in fishkill

[@cook4life312]

I grew up right next to his family's home they still leave there to this day in Poughkeepsie , Ny

[@keypoughkeepsie]

Word? My pops went to school w him I'm in pok..whereabouts..jus curious

[@cook4life312]

@@keypoughkeepsie I grew on Garden st one house down from his family's. City of Poughkeepsie where I grew up. He actually went to the prom with my kid's Great Grandmother.

[@tonymontana3162]

Just move from Bronx ny now I live in Poughkeepsie ny

[@ianmangham4570]

"I see you" "gonna have me some fun,gonna have me some fun" 🎬 🤟💯🤠🙏

[@jmkeupp]

A fine man. I remember when the Black section of Poughkeepsie was razed for urban renewal and the residents scatteted.

[@jsiccamore]

Duke your aren't wrong for what you felt when you were treated the way you was..I'm a Poughkeepsie native been through the good and bad side of this city...thankful for what I've went through on both sides ...some say as a white person I have privilege not funny at all I grew up with all races and still i was treated the same as you cause i dressed differently ...i became a felon at a young age and continued to struggle subjected to a fast life of growing up over here ...I now teach the young over here to look not at the color of your skin but to absorb the energy around you ...place yourself in the other persons you judge's shoes ...never judge a book by its cover...we are all gods children...I've given now more then I've taken...be humble ...be thankful...those gems that have been given when your struggles have approached will give you a new prospective ...life takes time to heal and forgive...with that said you are a strong individual as I am...not everyone in the skin they were given is the same as the evils they were subjected to!!!

[@Jason-nosaJ]

The same story with Long Island in the 90's. But Im from Queens and had a glock. They never messed with me again.

[@josephbriggs7067]

I think black people can be prejudice to whites but not racist.

[@niixzpk8726]

Wow...I wonder if this happened in the city or the town?! I never knew he was from Poughkeepsie...that’s crazy cause I’ve seen him in movies since I was a child. Poughkeepsie is only considered to be upstate by people that live in or right outside the city. It is the last stop on the Metro North so it just falls within the metropolitan area. People in the real Upstate NY always make sure to point that out lol. Someone commented that Mel Gibson is from Poughkeepsie but that’s not true... I think he is from Peekskill NY. Old 914..New 845...aka Power Kingdom 😆

[@streetgliderichie9724]

Hey Terrence, sorry to hear this happen to you. I live in Poughkeepsie and I don’t think it’s like that at all anymore.... - peace & love from a white brother

[@terrenceharris9035]

TH iz the One(KZbin)

[@streetgliderichie9724]

Oops. Sorry Terrence! I edited my response. Where did I get Bill! 🤔 Happy Thanksgiving!

[@anne-mareklepp5338]

There was no such thing as black and white areas. Only one street was maybe, Pershing. I think his best friend was white. This is not a reality who lived there and knew him.

[@markol7819]

I have lived in Poughkeepsie, NY. all my life, AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE NAMES OF THE PEOPLE THAT BEAT YOU.

[@josephwhite2402]

I'm from poughkeepsie I stay in VA now I live at 104 winnikee ave

[@markol7819]

@@josephwhite2402 ?????

[@ladyboywonder9139]

Marko L did you ever walk on lower Main Street, While being white?

[@markol7819]

@@ladyboywonder9139 I've walked on lower main, upper main, the north side, the south side and any place I wanted to. How about you Lady boywonder?

[@ladyboywonder9139]

Marko L I didn’t bring it up for nothing Also made the mistake of taking a bus one time too

[@anitajohnson7447]

Lol I live in poughkeepsie Ny know

[@BlueSky-cs9fp]

Me too.

[@Amaraaa23]

Me too

[@josephwhite2402]

Im from the power kingdom

[@alim.587]

Me too! Union st. District!

[@anitajohnson7447]

Cool I live in Kaal Rock condo's

[@pampeterson572]

Wow I grew up in Poughkeepsie was born in 1954. We all played together white and black. Never really had any problems. I went to school in Arlington where the principal Arthur S may became principal in 1958. I had another black teacher Mr. Fogden.... We just all got along. I love my Hometown and would never call it racist. My nephew became superintendent of schools Robert Watson and my niece is currently head of school board Felicia Watson... Oh yes by the way I'm white.

[@MichaelSmith-fy1jj]

Tell me more about how you lived a privileged life and are blind. Arlington? Must be nice. Take a trip through Poughkeepsie high school and tell me those schools aren't segregated by privilege. The difference is literally black and white. 46% graduation rate compared to 98%. Do I have to give you numbers on racial demographics? I imagine you can get a good idea. The TOWN of Poughkeepsie is very different from the CITY. Gentrification does that. Makes it seem great: pay no attention to the homeless, food shortage line or graduation rate. But hey, Arlington has a black teacher so it's not racist. I'm telling you straight up. The Police have a desecrated flag that violates the flag code; they call it Blue Lives Matter just hanging in the city PD, but yeah, not racist......

[@leyenda6149]

I had very similar experiences in PoTown

[@MichaelSmith-fy1jj]

I think it definitely is important to define the difference personal racism and systematic racism, but personal racism is still racism. I think it's important to point out: I think that's really awesome that he was able to receive that help from the college, but after hiring a Chief Diversity Officer, they are finding that there still is a lot of work to be done to aid the staff in understanding how to provide an encouraging and supportive environment for all the students as there still isn't equity and especially for people of color. I'm sure this is an issue across the board at colleges. Internalizing these experiences, it becomes very clear why that personal racism exists, and the fact it takes a handout to get some level of equity is disgusting. I think Killer Mike made it clear in Reagan.

[@pgangsta357]

Cmon Karen tho I get your point let him finish lol

[@KarenHunterShow]

let me live and enjoy!

[@KarenHunterShow]

@Steevy Horton I think homie has issues with me personally. If he listened to my show daily and can come here complaining, it's something more.

[@KarenHunterShow]

@Steevy Horton you said it all. Bless you!

[@themasterebrooks7136]

Which goes to show in this particular case that every rotten apple doesn't make every apple rotten as hell neither a rotten apple at all in the same barrel!

I genuinely thought this guy was 50's dad in 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' LOL😂😂😂😂.

[@gnarlydude2419]

yo man you hilarious man

[@2thomask]

In poukeepsie the railroad track runs along the hudson river

[@terryjohnson7413]

Pk845 thugsite 💪🏾💯

[@maxqualitycannabis4500]

4 eva

[@alberthollister9935]

This guy isn’t kidding my father went to school around that time and said similar stuff

[@khunigan]

Moral:don't judge a book by its cover.

[@umwtuiz1]

Smart guy, Bill Duke.

[@KarenHunterShow]

yes, he is!

[@shunblack1004]

That's was powerful right there. I wonder did he use that experience when playing his role in Car Wash?

[@80sfreak42]

His experiences were from an older time in history...racism isn't something you're born with you acquire it..

[@Tholmes8913]

Content of character always win in my book!!!

[@SweetSoundOfStrings]

Amazing story. Shout out to the OG. And I'll see you on the next episode of Black Lightning. ✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽

[@melvinhart2280]

What a great story and lesson to b learned

[@Yankeerex]

I love all people. I don't judge, but I critic per experience. Bless all who are reading 🖖

[@johnpotts2250]

Lol it was racist in the 50s but you realize most places were go to pk now its pretty multicultural like many other places js. Realize its upstate NY. NY was never rocking with slavery. Slaves went to the North to be free. Also can we get a clear def of what racism is bc its very annoying and not credible when people make up there own defs of racism on the spot like that. Mb if people were clearer about it we could understand it and communicate better and work to avoid it and not continue that cycle of hate. Like lil wayne said i dont see the racism. Most my friends black and other ethnicities. And she said a black person cant deny a white person of work bc of there color but im sure its happened tho like there arent any black owners of buisnesses smh not saying that it hasnt happened a lot more and over time since slavery or taking away whats gone on to people of color but too completely rule it out hmmm def biased. Plus most people feed into that vibe of ohhh they must be racist like jeez way to jump the gun like it could be other stuff not too say it doesn't happen alot but when thats the first and only thing a person say hmmmmm how realiable is there opinion.

[@Ballscout]

You are wrong.....My grandmother's family were slaves in the Rhinebeck/Milan area and there was a lot of slavery in NY. Racism is institutional and can only be practiced by those who can affect the existence of others. Anybody can be bigots or have prejudice but only those in power can be racist which is why black people in America can never be racist

[@markol7819]

NY was one of the Largest Slave Holding States.

[@JJ-fq4nl]

This is why education must be funded equally & the truth taught in history. I’m not blaming you but whatever school you attended was crappy. NY had slaves. It was legal to keep ownership of a slave even when moving to a free state or territory from a Supreme Court decision.

[@michele7993]

I Love My City 👑💖💪

[@maryhollingsworth2856]

No lunch at kindergarten

[@amenahriggan8789]

Poughkeepsie ain’t that bad

[@streetgliderichie9724]

Hey Terrence, sorry to hear this happen to you. I live in Poughkeepsie and I don’t think it’s like that at all anymore.... at least not that I’ve seen... - peace & love from a white brother (I’m a Biker too)

[@lamonkincade9489]

We can name call but being racists no way no how

[@jazzyjones6375]

Deep and unexpected.

[@melbproductions1]

Makes ya' think... 👍👍

[@georgeparrella1142]

Karen didn't make any since to me... Every job I had(including military) there was someone black in authority over me and I reported to them or had a boss that reported to them....

[@MichaelSmith-fy1jj]

That doesn't mean institutional racism doesn't exists. Look, she doesn't have the clearest view of racism as she denies personal racism is racism at all, but it is absolutely true that there is a systematic effort that creates an inequitable and unequal advantage for people who are not POC. In real estate, there are policies that prevented people of color from moving into certain neighborhoods, while these policies officially ended in the 80s, implicit racism still exists. In every facet, education, health care, real estate...., there is racism.

[@thecultleadersthoughts2519]

Shout out to one of the most depressing places in the world

[@arobinsonneal]

There is a difference between as Mr. Duke mentioned, being racist or having racist feelings, and racism. Anyone can have racist feelings. As @KarenHunter said, racism is systemic and causes oppression of a group.

[@georgeparrella1142]

if that were true there would be no lower working class white people

[@kingofthanorth]

💯

[@jameswest7524]

Mt Carmel

[@briancanfield5658]

There was no segregation in New York

[@mariethequeen628]

Brian Canfield seriously?

[@briancanfield5658]

Ashley M. SANTIAGO seriously? There was no segregation in New York do your research

[@MichaelSmith-fy1jj]

There still is segregation in new york. In Poughkeepsie, just compare Arlington to the City district. The segregation is stark. You're just blind

[@briancanfield5658]

Michael Smith open up a history book or at least a dictionary and look up the definition of segregation! There were no Black only schools there were no white only schools, blacks didn’t ride in the back of the bus you ignorant ass. His dad went to get his GUN during segregation in the SOUTH blacks weren’t allowed to own guns you MORON try opening up a book

[@MichaelSmith-fy1jj]

@blakefeeldz1 redlining

[@TheDon2087]

Poughkeepsie is waaaaaaayyyyyy different now.

[@raslg7775]

rep PK!

[@marcoaf18]

845 wyaaa

[@cxrtibxndo]

Poughkeepsie born n raised

[@keeploc34]

Bill should of lived in Newburgh., across the water from PK... we didn’t play that shit in Newburgh

[@beltalowda7897]

Im not a fan of Poughkeepsie myself.

[@xvrrvg]

845🤟🏽