Byron Allen On Black Ownership + Pursuing the American Dream (FULL Pt. 1)

It's important that as African-Americans we control our image and narrative. TheGrio recently sat down with Millionaire, media mogul Byron Allen to discuss his ownership, his family origins, the Black community and much, much more. Natasha Alford (@NatashaSAlford) reports from Allen's Entertainment Studios in Los Angeles.
0:28: Byron Allen on the history and importance of theGrio.
1:48: Byron Allen talks humble beginnings and childhood experience that inspired him to become more than just talent.
17:46: Byron Allen on negotiating and being valued for his talent.
20:46: Byron Allen on turning down job offer from Johnny Carson and being the youngest comedian to do 'The Tonight Show.'
30:09- Byron Allen talks transition from comedian to building Entertainment Studios.
59:21: Byron Allen on being a Black man in the industry and overcoming challenges due to race.
1:17:55: Byron Allen talks systemic exclusion for Black people and racial discrimination lawsuit against Comcast.
1:24:35: Byron Allen on making a seat at the table.
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[@adoze6325]

Sad this only has less Than 1000 views🤦🏿‍♂️ Nothing but 💎 being dropped

[@williemuhammad2863]

@Knowledge Is Powerfortunately or unfortunately yes he did but but but look at what that Blackman married to a whitewoman is attempting to do for Blacks. Just terrible ain't it!😐😂

[@TVeres-3dRm]

I grew up in mixed race communities my entire life. My parents taught me to Respect People of All Colors. I do watch The Grio Channel quite frequently, and oh, btw, I am a white, college educated female, who worked my way through college. Some of my best friends have been African Americans. I also love songs from the 50's through the present that are inspired by ethnic culture, etc. Let me just say, events in recent years have changed the dynamic for Everone, not just 'people of color'. Thanks Mom and Dad for raising me to be 'color blind', it has made all the difference. ❤☮️

[@seanjohnson4011]

God bless you but this dude Byron is suspect his speech is suspicious to me: it’s many opportunities for back people and all people. I’m 45 year old successful black man.

[@seanjohnson4011]

Sounds like he had a privilege upbringing thanks to his mom

[@seanjohnson4011]

He was around greatness

[@roslynwilliams4917]

We should be boycotting Comcast and Charter to support not only Bryon Allen, but he is fighting for us!

[@jerometaylor4243]

I totally agree! Let's stand up for him!!

[@user-wr5he7df6z]

He doesn't care about black women, ma'am. Dont be fooled by this guy. Don't support him financially. Your money is going towards his white wife and biracial children who will marry white. Your money will not benefit black people.

[@JusLivinAXA]

Byron Allen has a formidable mindset, which is attributed to the positive reinforcement that he received during his childhood. Even though he came from humble beginnings he was surrounded by intellectualism.

[@ThaRiddler]

Man, this guy is a miracle. Absolute, miracle. God Bless him.

[@starralliance]

Breakfast club brought me here they was weak interview over there to much playing...this was way better..thank you so much for buying this

[@jerometaylor4243]

IKR

[@ADWillio2]

Born 17days after his mother's 17th birthday in 1961 (17). Lots of 1's and 7's in his origin narrative.

[@ManPursueExcellence]

ADWill Create Ah, based on what you did with the year, you are a numerologist ( :

[@ManPursueExcellence]

Code Talk I hear ya 😂. Are you familiar with a higher form? Curious.

[@jerometaylor4243]

And I am the 17th LIKE you got for that comment!!

[@bloved7615]

What I hear from Byron and Tyler and I remember Robert Townsend’s story, is that if you have a vision, you want something bad enough (passion), you work hard, have faith in yourself in spite of the difficulties, you can win. Don’t give up. Now look at his wisdom, intelligence and courage. This is Black Power on steroids. Oh, and don’t overlook his character.

[@tracyreadytv]

Im digging Byron more and more... he's got all these Memphis roots (hometown hometeam)

[@zvigier]

Wow so he bought the Grio good to know now I can go and support

[@user-wr5he7df6z]

His wife is white.

[@williemuhammad2863]

@@user-wr5he7df6z we know. & he still needs our(Blacks) support!

[@Rocknsoulmusic]

Super inspirational around 1:15!!! About being black and how adversity can make you better then non blacks

[@MarkPeaceThomas]

What an incredible story and a fantastic attitude. He reminded me that I must be more careful with my words as a parent. A great role model for any business owner.

[@MoorishBrooklyn]

This was an excellent first part. I have been watching and listening to Byron Allen for years now, this is the first detail sit down I have heard though.

[@cameronw8930]

She is an amazing interviewer

[@cn5570]

This is gold. Thank you.

[@Terrytimemedia]

Inspired and Motivated

[@Roadrunner65553]

Byron Allen is very refreshing to see and observe.

[@user-cm4dc2rd2q]

Byron, Thank you for your speech at the GRIO Awards. As MLK would say, "Keep it simple". You made it simple by stating that we must celebrate the "truth". Knowing the truth is the only way that we are going to achieve true humanity and justice. Let's support the get out and right to vote in 2024 among African-American. We may loose our right to vote if we do not. Our ancestors fought for us to have the right to vote and to not take advantage of the right is criminal. We need to vote in local as well as state and national election every time there is an opportunity.

[@familyfocused1]

Well done!

[@chevalierdenoir754]

Before this interview, my knowledge of Mr. Allen was limited to that show he hosts on Comedy TV with comics. I knew he owned something major but had no clue he had such an amazing background in the entertainment industry would like to see him do more interviews like this. What an amazing life and so many amazing stories I had no idea he had this background. His mother was also obviously a trailblazer and an exceptional woman!

[@patdebonnett9544]

Byron Allen, I've always recognized there was something very special about you and I'm so happy I discovered you again on The Grio! Live on TV, focusing on cultivating the talents, abilities and value of Black people; a very significant part of the human race as all contributing God created human beings! Your life experience should be shared in our underserved schools and communities. It can give hope and increase options for young African Americans to discover their talents, abilities and purpose to make positive contributions to society at such a very challenging time! God bless you richly for sharing your talent, wisdom and wealth with African Americans and society through The Grio. Much love and appreciation, Pat DeBonnett

[@joybutterfly11]

Wow! Great story, good guy. From comedy, to sports, to media mogul. Awesome!

[@prolificgamesmanship]

Awesome interview! And thank you Byron for persevering through the struggles and challenges. 💪🏾

[@sexbykittypride]

MOST SLEPT ON BLACK MAN IN THE WORLD.... THE ONE GUY WE SAW ON TELEVISION AND NO ONE WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT HE HAD BALLS TO DO WHAT HE HAS BEEN DOING. ABSOLUTE INSPIRATION!

[@user-wr5he7df6z]

We saw him because he is married to a white person. He is no threat the white supremacy. His wealth is being shared with a white woman.

[@sexbykittypride]

@@user-wr5he7df6z It really doesn't matter who he's married to especially when all he talks about is Black wealth.

[@user-wr5he7df6z]

@@sexbykittypride Talking about black wealth and being an example of black wealth are two different things. Why don't we see predominantly white or Asian men marrying black women while discussing wealth for their communities? Have you ever wondered why women that look like you are rarely ever seen in the arms of black moguls? Stockholm syndrome is written all over your comment.

[@sexbykittypride]

@@user-wr5he7df6z As a counselor in training you have no idea what Stokholm syndrome is obviously. The reason why you don't see Black women on the arms of White and Asian men is because you're either asleep, living under a rock, or not looking. Being a native Minnesotan, now living in Atlanta, and actually been places outside of the US I've seen more interracial couples where it was a Black Woman with someone who was not Black. Oh, and they're wealthy. You don't see Black woman married to Black moguls because the media knows how to fuck with your emotions. So before you attempt to diagnose me with something you clearly know nothing about do your research first. In fact get out of the United States and travel the world and you will understand what I'm saying when I say he's married to a White Woman yet he is one Black Man in an interracial marriage that actually talks about and encourages Black wealth. Thank you.

[@sexbykittypride]

@@user-wr5he7df6z PS You should probably ask yourself why you are not married to anyone. Better yet... focus on what you are doing to contribute to the world. Just a thought.

[@jadrey09]

Thanks for a great informational interview.

[@angrysoccermom]

Thank you for this! I will spread the word. This is truly terrifying and cannot be allowed to happen. Thank you Byron Allen... you are truly amazing.

[@AljoniMusiCo]

Great stuff here!!!

[@nicwalker2175]

💜💜💜Mr Byron Allen, thegrio, and the interview was excellent. Arkansas roots here. Thank you for all you are doing for us, much respect and appreciation.☺

[@rightlung1]

One of the best interviews for anyone in business or wants to get into business !

[@intelligentfool09]

Breakfast club interview brought me here. Much respect.

[@MJM8715]

Elmer L Same here!!

[@1sirgrandmastermrkingrober216]

Good job.

[@creeewing6700]

Love the Interview

[@CJCtelevisionnetwork]

Someone needs to do a movie on Byron Allen.

[@takeover08]

Janet Burrus we don’t want to see Byron in a dress

[@CJCtelevisionnetwork]

takeover08 😂

[@CJCtelevisionnetwork]

Janet Burrus 😆

[@dorissmith6800]

Thank for giving us the correct information so we know what we pray for when you win it is victory all black.

[@myjoyquest]

Love this content. I have a similar upbringing. Byron is absolutely right about the "take"...we deserve to reap what we earned. Carry on Mr Allen.🦋

[@AVBNOW23]

Thank you

[@ytrbro1041]

incredible!

[@terryforyou5956]

Excellent I love it

[@johnrivera4]

What a great interview.

[@haroldrogers950]

Man..I had no idea this dude was that amazing!!! I've watched like 10 videos Ina row and got caught up with his accomplishments...run for president sir! YOU HAVE MY VOTE WHATEVER POLITICAL SIDE YOU ON!!!

[@mikellblackonblackluv645]

Very good content 💯❤

[@ms.g.]

Kudos to you Mr. Allen

[@thrie8149]

I am soooo proud of Mr. Allen that words cannot convey and express my pride in him. Thank you for sharing this interview. Also, though unrelated to this topic, I think it would be a great idea for theGrio to have discussion with or about author Ron Dalton Jr. on his body of work entitled, Hebrew's2Negros both in book and video format and currently available on Amazon. We're making History across the board and history is NOW. Our grandchildren will know about men like Mr. Allen and Mr. Dalton and many other men and women paving the way. Just the suggestion. Peace!

[@sophiasmith5949]

I hope everything works out for his good . hope he gets the desire of his heart.

[@abba3629]

Byron, you have the Potential to reach out to everyone. Diversity is Your Strength.

[@bigsix7]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 Azz interview

[@phenixnunlee372]

I am super excited to interview my wonderful boss was in essence the introduction

[@skywilliams323]

I remember back in the 90s' he and I were on the same flight going to Hawaii i was on my way to work on a cruise ship and long story short we made eye contact and he waved and I waived back i always did like his character every since I first saw him on the tonight show hosted by Johnny Carson.❤😂

[@boombusy2444]

Let’s Get It

[@ariesblack78]

If you're 35 or older and didn't know who this was before KZbin, your tell-lies-vision was on the wrong channel.

[@CJCtelevisionnetwork]

I love Byron Allen..

[@GaryWay-gh7tz]

"Real People, ignite" 😊

[@sandrachatman7820]

I'm so proud of you

[@dreofonusteesdotcom]

Thank you for this. Truly.

[@ADOSRonin]

Thank you, Mr Allen for being a true champion for real economic justice and inclusion and doing what so many colleagues some consider your peers refuse to...📺💻🎥💰#AmicusBrief #CivilRightsLaw1866

[@JusLivinAXA]

Take it! I love that, in every sense of the phrase, including the same force with which our liberty is being denied consistently for 400+ years. If that approached was so evil, the seat of democracy would have put an end to the practice 250 years ago. From America's approach, we can deduce that the approach of force is just another part of the life of the powerful and therefore we as a group of melanated must hustle to become powerful and then we can do as powerful people do, if that action is seen as necessary!

[@thomasmalloy6268]

True hustler, be inspired!

[@TheIHVPNetwork]

I really wished I had watched this 4 years ago, just before the pandemic, however this interview should be one of the interviews that makes it into our U.S. education system because they're not going to teach what Byron Allen just presented here---- which is better than Gold in 2023! Peace & Love for this share! Assuming only makes an ass out of the person who is doing the assuming. I make no assumptions about who owns anything. Until today, I'd never heard of The Grio. Reason being: There's so much nonsense media out there that it's equivalent to chopping down tall weeds and bamboo just to get to the path of the good stuff.

[@egbutler114]

As many in this country suffer from growing inequality, poverty and other economic issues due to the very system that allowed Allen to become a billionaire, why wasn't there any questions regarding this disparity between the classes!

[@rodb66]

Thank you. Finally, a realistic comment. Nothing against Byron Allen but why do we celebrate all these billionaires regardless of whether they're black or white when so many people are struggling and the middle class has been declining? The wealth inequality is really out of hand and it's by design so that the rich get richer while others struggle.

[@teal1010]

"You have to make it clear ..No we deserve this!"

[@ernestinemorrison2799]

Looks like from our African ancestry the word griot would be attributed to Black culture. At least from where I sit/stand. What a compelling testimony to the authenticity of the African American work ethic and contributions to this country.

[@KiamKweli]

Information on the Comcast and Charter lawsuit starts at 1:17:56

[@marcopolo2230]

Let’s pull back the curtain!!....The talk is most Blacks do not want to support Byron b/c they feel that he will turn his back on Black People again, after he wins his Billion dollar lawsuit against those racist networks and cable companies. And the talk on Black Twitter is we haven’t heard from Byron until he needed the Black Communities support. And they notice that he is keep his wife behind the scenes b/c she is White. I’m not hating on the man at all, just stating what’s not being said. Unfortunately, we must support Byron b/c this will affect ALL MINORITIES.

[@shirleyjbaker1096]

RALEIGH NC

[@calpag]

I respect what this guy is attempting to.do. I wonder though if he is not just aspiring to be a Black Oligarch for himself. We don't want to have just Black Billionaires while we have poverty in the rest of the Black community. I am not saying what he is doing is wrong, but we also have to be true to ourselves and our communities. What has he done for the Black community? His marriage to a white blond woman is an indication of his commitment to the black community. His wealth when he dies will go right back to the white community. The way he spoke about his Mom, does not fair well with his choice of a woman. Are black women not good enough for him? I would like for him to explain his choice of female. If he did not achieve the fame he did would the white woman he married want him?

[@taharqa332]

Caleb Page You need (if you haven’t done so) to watch his breakfast club interview. This man is a BIG thinker. I truly believe he has a love for his people...black people. I don’t see him as a political activist who promotes black families- he’s a man looking to get us included into the much larger economical conversation- who he’s sleeping with isn’t as important as who MLK slept with and made children with. One key take away from Mr. Allen’s Breakfast Club interview is that when asked by Charlemagne “What about programming for black people? Black tv shows and movies” Mr. Allen’s response: “The first movie I put out was “Meet the Blacks” can’t get much blacker than that. But I’m not here to play in the negro leagues. I want a seat at that table...I’m not asking; I’m taking. I want us all to be GLOBAL players!”

[@calpag]

@@taharqa332 It, not just the big ideas that one has that makes one great or well accomplished. I look at some very simple things in one's character to determine, future relationships with his community.. I don't know whether Byron tried to give the chance, to black women, or they were just good enough for him. if his marriage is just of a monitory reason, then that is a character flaw. Byron Allen's success is the result of black leaders despite their flaws, who have been arrested and killed in the struggle against racial injustice, yet he took audacity to criticize Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Stokeley Carmichael NAACP to benefit goal. That is pimping.. Go back to the research the history of the 50ties and the 60ties.with respect to the civil right struggles

[@ecclairmayo4153]

I have nothing against interracial relationships but when he talks about black ownership and wealth so much its hypocritical because his wife owns half and most likely all of it when he dies. She more than likely wont give to black causes when he is gone

[@rodb66]

You make a great point. It seems that all that black wealth will be back into the white community so does his success do anything for black people as a whole. Is he even contributing to creating well paying jobs for black people or is he all about "I got mine so you get yours" narrative?

[@rodb66]

​@@ecclairmayo4153 I think he should stop trying to push black ownership with that white woman sharing his wealth.

[@sandrachatman7820]

I need to talk with him about doing show with him

[@sandrachatman7820]

❤

[@savygarnr9526]

Well I'm looking at it now but can you kind of like fix where they're out of sync and talking is out of sync

[@melvina628]

42:32 That meant that Byron was on to something very big if they didn't want him to have it.

[@obiewordlaw4640]

Follow the Money from A to Z 100% "We should be at this Day and Time to always Check All Angles knowing what is in our Interest. and what is Not .So we can know how we should Play Offense and Defenses For the Black/African Diaspora Every Every Thing is Related to Economic .It's Time for us stop being the Margin of Profit in Every thing WE TOUCH NOT JUST LISTEN ,"GET INVOLVED .WHAT EVER LANE YOU IN THAT WILL IMPROVE THE BLACK,AFRICAN ISSUES ,BRING IT TO THE FOREFRONT AND LET'S SEE WHERE IT FITS A TO Z 100% GROCERY STORES HARDWARE STORES ETC,ETC, AND BEYOND ....FROM A to Z 100% AND ALL NATURAL RESOURCES ...

[@thepanafricanman]

Byron for president?

[@borngreat-4-life930]

That's if we all stop been hypocrites in America, we can grow and live in Truth.

[@elainelockhart55]

💜💜💜💜💜💜♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@TheNeophyte99]

Prime example of the real Anerican Dream. Let's NOT fuck it up America!!!

[@shawnwatsondavistv5202]

🥳🥳🥳

[@davidval7188]

Who is the lady.

[@lizzardzilla]

Its always interesting to me how a black men speaks on raising black kids, yet have kids from white women.

[@sandrachatman7820]

I need to talk with him

[@eyeswideshut6004]

This story shows how good GOD is not America. SAD when people don't acknowledge their CREATOR.

[@tduncan1564]

My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge.

[@davidmuhammad8960]

because they reject knowledge, is the second part of that verse

[@kavodellasode383]

@@davidmuhammad8960 can't reject what you truly don't understand

[@davidmuhammad8960]

@@kavodellasode383 you got it backwards Hamite, they don't know because they have rejected what was being taught, the initial rejection is why they don't know...damn you simple

[@kavodellasode383]

@@davidmuhammad8960 Not sure how this open conversation is reduced to naming calling. This may have been an opportunity for both of us to learn from each other point of view. I guess this what you mean by rejecting knowledge. All is well.

[@davidmuhammad8960]

Your name seemed like a Hamite name, so I was addressing your Biblical ethnicity. That's not name calling, name calling is when Hamites call Hebrews (so-called African Americans) Akaata. Anyway, there were some major holes in your logic. Shalom

[@angelwilson4111]

Some of these comments remind me that we have got to be the only race that constantly belittles those of us who succeed for "selling out," "not being black enough," etc. I never see other minorities do this to each other at the level that we do, and it confirms to me that the very ones who think they are "woke" by putting down the successful blacks are still abiding to the divide and conquer mentality instilled by slave owners. Just...try being positive, for once. Try raising your brothers and sisters up instead of knocking them down just because they don't fit your definition of "being black" or because they figured out how to navigate the white world. Just try it, that's all I ask.

[@user-wr5he7df6z]

He is a sell out because he married/transferred wealth to a nonblack woman.

[@angelwilson4111]

@@user-wr5he7df6z I am sorry you feel that way. I know plenty of black people you would consider "sellouts" by that definition who still manage to be avid supporters of our race. My best friend (a black woman) is one of them. But thank you for reaffirming my point, I guess. 😒

[@dannygeorge1928]

Angel Wilson seldom generational wealth comes to black race,don’t think this one will, just saying.

[@user-wr5he7df6z]

@@angelwilson4111 Byron Allens intention are good, however his efforts would be more effective if he had created a strong black family a presented an image that encouraged black people to unite in love and marriage. Instead, he perpetuates the idea of white is right and white women as the symbol of success. A truly successful black man is one who obtains wealth while maintaining his self respect, dignity and has his black female counterpart on his arm showing white people that he values his OWN existence. Black men who have access to the elite black women world wide, and still marry out ...do not value black life.

[@rodb66]

Why do some of you compare us to other races. We're also the only race who has been systematically denied this so-called American Dream through written laws

[@lukecage6140]

✨💖✨💎✨💖✨

[@oxclan3149]

Grio is owned by African immigrants or was I misinformed?

[@HrsheysKis]

You're misinformed..... the grio is owned by Byron Allen himself.... he didnt create it but he damn sure bought it

[@oxclan3149]

@@HrsheysKis he brought it there you go

[@HrsheysKis]

So it's not owned by African immigrants..... there you go

[@oxclan3149]

@@HrsheysKis I've read articles where writers were saying silly things about ados

[@chocolatedivamom4618]

I enjoyed this interview, but I think I enjoyed his Breakfast Club interview more. Either way, exceptional information has been shared.

[@TanRicky321]

More views?

[@angrysoccermom]

I'm doing an open message live show if anyone has a comment about this case. I will read what you message and we can discuss it. It's on my Angry Soccer Mom KZbin channel tonight from 9:00 pm eastern until around 10:20 pm.

[@Ladaloo]

@TYT NETWORK

[@rocphilly1]

Is it just me or does his speaking pattern resemble Obama, anyway great interview and we have to pay close attention to this guy and make sure we support him

[@txexmxiii2125]

Wow mandate supporter listen to words speak like politician yet tells you his evil. Can u catch his smoking mirror sales job bs

[@Mathin3D]

That Grio television is complete she it. Light TV was way better...

[@creeewing6700]

His Lawyer Is Not That Great.. A PETITION TO DISMISS SUPREME COURT'S VIOLATION TO DISCRIMINATE, Regardless of 💯% Race, Age, Religion, Gender etc.... DISCRIMINATION IS A CASE BY CASE BIAS INFLICTION...

[@egbutler114]

It is very disingenuous to promote his rags to riches story when it is extremely unlikely for that to happen. Social mobility in our economic system is extremely rare and was completely ignored in the interview. This interview only benefits Allen and the 1% by giving the audience false hope to maintain the status quo.

[@Steelaz1966]

How many people watching this realize that all of his hard work and talent would not have meant anything if someone with power didn't make a way for him. There are way more people just as hard working and just as talented who don't make it. Why do we continue to push the 'everyone can be a unicorn if you work hard enough'?

[@rodb66]

I can't believe they're still going with the rags to riches/self made stories. It's supposed to be aspiring but the system is made for everyone to be rich. That's why there is so much wealth inequality.

[@rmac1828]

No one knows who tbis guy is and he does more than the Jay Z' s, Michael Jordan and all these black people with money

[@marglenn3152]

I understand what Byron is saying, but there is a disconnect for me with him. He's married to a white woman which sends such a bad message. The image and narrative that so many successful Black men (like Byron) have created is they value white and other non-black females over Black girls and women. I want my Black daughters, nieces and sisters to see themselves as wives, girlfriends, and love interest of men (especially Black men). Byron talks very passionate about the African-American image, but his image is such a disconnect because it does not reflect pride in being an African-American. He speaks with forked-tongue.