Glenn Loury, Ian Rowe, and Robert Woodson Debunk Myths about the Black Experience in America

Recorded on May 13, 2022, at the Old Parkland Conference in Dallas, Texas.
If there were a Mount Rushmore of American Black intellectuals, the three guests on this show would certainly be on it: Glenn Loury is a professor of the social sciences in the Department of economics at Brown, a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, and the host of his wildly successful podcast, The Glenn Show. Ian Rowe is the cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies and the author of the new book Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for ALL Children to Overcome the Victimhood Narrative and Discover Their Pathway to Power. Robert Woodson is the founder of the Woodson Center, an organization devoted to “empowering community-based leaders to promote solutions that reduce crime and violence, restore families, revitalize underserved communities, and assist in the creation of economic enterprise.” In this wide-ranging conversation, the three men debunk The 1619 Project, advocate for the restoration of the Black family and the Black church, describe their own very different upbringings and formative experiences, and discuss the many reasons why they are optimistic about the future of Black Americans, despite the narrative commonly expressed in the media.
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[@jstanley8342]

This discussion on "Uncommon Knowledge" is long overdue. Bravo.

[@ofiasdfnosdf]

Look up Robinson interviewing Thomas Sowell and Shelby Steel - very similar to this one.

[@DATINGSURVIVALGUIDE]

The Cofounder of Apple graduated in the same class with me from the Univ of California at Berkeley. One of the key reasons for my ability to compete in undergraduate and graduate school started early on when my mother and father would go to great lengths, multiple times, to pull me out of poor performing, violent schools and get me into better schools; but they had to fight to do it. It frustrates me to no end why the overwhelming majority of Blacks tolerate, even support leaders without question, who have pushed policies and laws for years that weaken traditional marriage and school choice and other things important to the success of Black families.

[@rosgill6]

oh hell yes, 3 titans of black acheivement willing to speak truth. great job Hoover Institution!

[@ofiasdfnosdf]

The fact that these guys (or others with the same philosophy, ideas and intelligence) are not running our institutions gives me great concern for our society. What will it take to turn people around and point them towards this light?

[@themailbox5879]

Who would vote for them? Sense does not win votes... emotions do

[@diatonicdelirium1743]

They are too level headed and nuanced. Unfortunately it is not knowledge or competence that gets you into a power position, you need strong elbows and an empty conscience. Here we have three scholars with deep knowledge and strong morals that don't fit that mold.

[@parochial2356]

Two things; 1. A change in the collective mindset of society in general and 2. A change in the culture of various sub groups of that society.

[@HeavyChordz]

This is one of the most impactful videos I've watched in my entire life. I cried, cheered, stood up, cried some more, and felt a sense of hope I haven't felt in a long time. I (and we) have some serious work to do for the future of our Black family.

[@georgeharvey3062]

What a fascinating conversation. I only wish it was twice as long. I could listen to these 3 gentleman all day long. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@jeanbaue8266]

This episode of Uncommon Knowledge has revived and reinforced my own sagging patriotic spirit after the past four years of being beat up by lies and false narratives. Your guests have eloquently destroyed and replaced those falsehoods with Truth and encouragement. My country is still the land of the free and the home of the brave. And all of you are among those outstanding, brave patriots. Thank you so very much.

[@bearowen5480]

When Bob Woodson mentioned the Navy's black officer candidate commissioning discrimination incident, and how despite the manifest unfairness of the Navy, the black candidates excelled, it instantly reminded me of the Tuskeegee Airmen story. The first black American military pilots excelled in the protection of our bomber formations against German fighter attacks and established an excellent reputation among white bomber crews in the European theater. After the war, the newly formed US Air Force initiated a service-wide fighter ground attack competition at Las Vegas AFB (now Nellis) and called it "Top Gun". The Tuskeegee pilots won the competition. Their victory so embarrassed the Air Force brass that they covered the whole thing up and refused to publicize the results in the press. Seventy years later the Air Force Association finally rectified that past injustice by prominently erecting a commemorative plaque at Nellis memorializing the Tuskeegee pilots' remarkable achievement. Justice delayed is justice denied. One of those black pilots who had flown on that remarkable Top Gun team, LtCol James Harvey, is still sharp and proud at age 96. He lives in the Denver area and is one of the most respected members of our Denver "Mile High Flight" of the Daedalians Society, a fraternity of US military pilots, navigators, flight officers, and flight surgeons founded in 1935.

[@WhizzingFish12]

What an incredibly uplifting message. Should be required viewing in every majority minority school. As an educator, it breaks my heart to see how young black children are psychologically disempowered before they ever get a chance.

[@michaellawson6533]

I wish our black leaders in South Africa were as honest and forthright as these three gentlemen.

[@orangetuono38]

As we wish our "Black Leaders" were also as honest and forthright here in the US.

[@roberthumphreys7977]

I agree with Ian. The issue is not the poor performance of black children in education, but the poor performance of American children across the board. The problem was identified decades ago. Since then, it has become worse. What government is offering children is not education at all, but indoctrination. It turns out that poor education outcomes are more or less color blind. It's just plain bad for most children.

[@petermathieson5692]

Glenn Loury "The government cannot make families stay together". Correct... but it can and has incentivized families to break apart and never form.

[@Marko-1]

We must do what's right in spite of what we're incentivised to do. :)

[@moritz9362]

How so?

[@mgtowdadYouTubeSucksCoxks]

Think about how much easier it is to break something permanently, as opposed to building something permanent.

[@obito2575]

Sex education has normalized fornication to the point were we accept it as way of life. Pre 1960 how many people waited until marriage? Nowadays how many wait? There’s a reason fornication is a sin in all religions. It’s has a sever impact on the ability for stable family units.

[@Bongofurry]

Even though the families did at one time ...

[@kirkmcmillan1974]

This conversation needs to be heard and appreciated by many. I'm grateful for it and for the men who engaged in it. Thank you all.

[@tompirro3040]

My grandfather told me , if you consider yourself a victim. You'll always be a victim.

[@Rawbtube]

After all we've been through over the last several years, hearing this conversation felt like a small healing in my heart. I felt lighter. Less like I was insane and "hateful". (Hateful because I dared to feel that there is more to this structure of what and why African Americans are facing such a crisis of suffering in our world than what has become the monolithic accepted narrative) At the same time as I listened to these brilliant men I was frightened. In fear that not only might this video disappear but that people like them might as well.

[@phearlesspharaoh3697]

Why can’t there be more conversations like this ? Calm, factual and logical.

[@lorigraham2496]

I live in a poor rural area o the country. Welfare has similar effects on whites.

[@SirGalaEd]

The amount of clear headed intellect in the room is mind boggling. I love that they all laugh at the notion " the New York Times knows what the problem is" 🤔

[@chrisblahout7969]

These 3 gentlemen are American Heros! Their messaging should be shouted from the rooftops for everyone to hear - especially Black Americans! Thank you for your honesty and wisdom!

[@scuffmacgillicutty7509]

This should be mandatory viewing for all of us.

[@diatonicdelirium1743]

The simplest of solutions: show schooled and educated gentlemen & ladies like we see here in the media on a regular basis - give people something to aspire to and a voice of reason to listen to.

[@christinamjp]

Wow this was probably one of the most meaningful lectures I have ever heard thank you.

[@davidrussell9730]

Robert Woodson has a great understanding of the black experience in America.

[@staffordlee1430]

Power house panel of brilliant men! Thank you for hosting! Americans need Americans to look up to, learn from, model exceptionalism, and who stand firm in their knowledge of our present, our past, and the sound and prosperous futures available to all Americans.

[@fiorevitola880]

As a white person, I have to say these three men are a inspiration to everyone whether he or she is black or white.

[@registereduser6542]

Glenn is simply a boss. love hearing his views on pretty much anything

[@timffoster]

Victimhood breeds hopelessness. Hopelessness breeds decay.

[@janecoleman6450]

I love these men. When your parents or someone is pushing you to do your best, your life has to amount to something, so as to not disappoint the people who see you as an achiever!

[@drnobody7934]

Thomas Sowell put into words everything we have felt and watched unfold in America, over the last 50 years, but could never communicate…

[@eyestothesky6331]

This is the best round table discussion I’ve heard in a long time. All 3 men have my admiration for their wisdom and achievement while still being humble in the face of adversity. God bless them!

[@frankhauptle2744]

These guys need to be put in charge of a university. Together with some asian mothers.

[@mepjfj220202]

Along with the history of Ronald Reagan's speech at the Berlin Wall, this Uncommon Knowledge interview is the best and most substantial you've done. Congratulations, Peter.

[@paulsymanski489]

Thank you to these thoughtful men. Politicians ...ugh!

[@godswatching2863]

This was so exciting and touching. It breaks my heart that conversations like this real people trying to get to real issues never seem to happen in the mainstream. It breaks my heart that the vast majority of this country will never hear this conversation and the only thing they hear about race or these issues comes from a 10 second clip on the internet occasionally.

[@mr.majestic8713]

Excellent these three men give me hope for our country.

[@lesliemiddleton1357]

Mr. Rowe, I will be purchasing your book for my 13 year old son. Thank you.

[@garygarner2945]

I loved that so much thank y'all for sharing the truth with us all God bless y'all 🙌 🙏!!!!

[@tabithadorcas7763]

Excellent discussion! Thank you to the three distinguished gentlemen and to the host! (Loved how Glenn summed up so much through his statement: "The Chinese are coming!")

[@tg2535]

I don’t know if these men have spoken to students in colleges and universities, but they would all be inspiring. I believe young adults are hungry for truth and common sense.

[@petermathieson5692]

Bob Woodson, a giant among men.

[@riledmouse4677]

This was absolutely beautiful. I’m deeply touched and eminently grateful.

[@dennisstrasburg7105]

I might very well be wrong, but this could be the best and most positive and uplifting of your programs. My library has "Lessons from the Least of These" and it will be on-hold for me as soon as I stop typing this.

[@denisships2861]

It all starts in the family chore. Government can't do nothing compare to the stability and support of a two parent household with faith and community

[@davedee4382]

Greatest mind in the past 70 years: Thomas Sowell. Great man. Smart man. Listen to him. Listen.

[@ryanjanssen6221]

Fantastic conversation as always. I hope Uncommon Knowledge never ends!

[@barbarabennett5385]

Thank you gentlemen for sharing your philosophy, ideas and intelligence. I agree the government cannot correct the problems. I teach children in school and the children do not show racism. They are friends, working together and finding unity in many areas. Teachers work hard to provide the support children need. We do see that families who are united, stable and working with their children are so helpful. I noticed that as the children reach accountability at age 8 the responsibility teachers are encouraging more self-control, responsibility, and looking for ways to identify the strengths of each child. I agree the family, church, community are so vital. Benjamin Franklin shared that our form of government relies on a moral people. I agree. I was raised by parents who were both deaf, and low educated. They had common sense. I realize there came a point I took responsibility not to be a victim but to work for a goals that I wanted. It took a while for me to overcome victim mentality about age 24 and I woke up. I forgave, I set goals and worked on my weaknesses. When I was in school and they knew my parents were deaf no one wanted to say much. I had to realize the opportunity was there I had to change myself and my mindset, my education, my hopes and dreams. Now I have raised seven outstanding children - 6 college educated and one a self made businessman. I realize my dreams for my children so wonderful. It does not matter our skin color but our hearts and minds and choices we make.

[@Muchjoy..]

Thanks so much . Much love and respect from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@SailaSobriquet]

Absolutely OUTSTANDING discussion! As always, thank you.

[@edwardmiddlebrook5919]

This brings tears to my eyes. Thank you so very much, gentlemen.

[@fanta2493]

What a great program. This 3 gentleman are amazing and so beautiful to hear them speak. More of this. Best Regards from Mexico city

[@maryblackmore5360]

Wow the wisdom of these 3 men makes me smile and wish government could use this knowledge to better all Americans ❤

[@friarnewborg9213]

I LOVE THIS INTERVIEW... and the way these Guys THINK and INTERACT

[@janetpoludniak1938]

Thomas Sowell was such a great thinker. His intelligent common sense was so powerful. These 3 gentlemen are a breath of fresh air. Way too often, laws intended to help issues have only succeeded in worsening them: minimum wage is one example, and yet that continues to drive the economy deeper into problems. Recent philosophies also seem to be increasing, rather than decreasing division and hate.

[@johnmartin4152]

As far as I know, Dr. Sowell is still alive. He retired from writing columns a few years ago but he has not passed away.

[@joelbwrites1996]

Thank you for this discussion! Definitely sharing this with family that generally hears only one perspective on "The Black Experience."

[@TedSeeber]

This is why I say we don't have a racism problem in the United States, we have a marital infidelity problem. Want to make a difference? Support heteronormative lifelong monogamy, the best welfare program ever invented!

[@macgreeze8287]

these men are truly inspirational thank you to the uncommon knowledge and them for putting this work together.

[@acommon1]

Spot on!!!! I love my country (USA). Need more of these discussions. And, yes! Why isn't more focus and research on those who've done well. I have a HUGE concern with people teaching the youth to dislike / hate their native land. My goodness. I'll always struggle with those who "Pimp Poverty" as academics, liberals (and conservatives, etc. We've come so far.

[@AiUchiMe]

Powerfull conversation. Compliments

[@muskratdove]

Peter Robinson does fantastic interviews, and reminds me of an old favourite Canadian CBC radio broadcaster named Peter Gzoski who could pull amazing interviews out of almost anybody, humbly and effortlessly with real warmth. Mr. Robinson does it too,, making big problems more manageable, approachable.. A lot of ground was covered in 59 minutes; I was actually soothed as I listened, could have taken a double dose.

[@sandiadamson1754]

A truly awesome interview. Such intelligence is beautiful!

[@petermathieson5692]

Oh, I am so looking forward to this!

[@Brommear]

What a wonderful discussion! Thank you gentlemen!

[@barbarataylor8101]

Take a trip to any American Indian reservations and you will see true disparities. Poverty is the defining factor of education

[@tg2535]

Thank you Glenn, Ian and Robert for your insight. This is relevant good information for all races. We need to get rid of the victim mentality. We need to seek God.☦️🙏✌️🇨🇦

[@sonnylee8128]

Thank you gentlemen. I wish everyone would listen to and read your words.

[@darrenmiller6927]

These guys are terrific! Great talk, great show.

[@OTOss8]

What a captivating talk. I could listen to these gentlemen speak for hours. Thank you for posting this discussion.

[@mariojorge9529]

Thank you very much! This one was great! May God bless you and us all!

[@barbarataylor8101]

What an amazing conversation

[@dpharr100]

I feel smarter after watching this. A great conversation as always

[@godswatching2863]

I think every student white black and anything between should have to sit down and watch videos of Thomas soul and gentleman like this. At least the vote sometime in high school for kids to hear a counter's perspective and more importantly give motivation and confidence to people that may be under the impression that they're a victim and will never succeed.

[@Irothelegend1]

If you can please bring Thomas Sowell back on. It would be nice to see how he is doing.

[@johns.7297]

People like narratives more than they like evidence.

[@ronb7481]

Yet another, excellent and sane Hoover Institution talk.

[@joliver1267]

Great conversation among superb intellectuals with intensely American ideas.

[@liezlcamacho500]

Thank you for bringing this round table discussion for us to listen to! I wish that it was longer. I could listen to the talk the whole day. I have learned so much! - Love from the Philippines

[@larreye8451]

What an great group to see together, and what a interviews for the last decades. Wish Sowell would've been part of it, but it seems he's not that keen anymore to attend such conversations these days.

[@Trump145]

I don't know about you but I enjoyed every minute of that, not only that but I actually took notes very very wise man I love listening to them I wish more blacks such as myself would open their minds to receive such wisdom and knowledge from these Great Men.

[@jacalynbaglieri801]

Wonderful, fair and cogent conversation.

[@idaliaamigo1346]

The introduction of Medicaid/ food stamps in the 60's has not helped! Instead of jobs/training !!

[@BaydhaboWarrior]

OMG. About time!

[@shikyokira3065]

Regardless of your race, the Church is the place with all 3 important values that you need. Family, Purpose and God

[@ect2012cool]

I really enjoyed this presentation. Very informative and encouraging for me. Thanks!

[@davedee4382]

The comment about racism in the very DNA of the country, whatever idiot said that really needs to be shunned. The idea of a country having DNA and it being filled with hate and racism that’s just so self-serving madness.

[@avarihurin760]

Peter, you could give a 2 hour more interview on many topics, lol. brilliant interview!

[@AN-jw2oe]

I wish this conversation went on and on…

[@john1425]

We have to figure out a way to recreate the values typically shepherded by faith communities in a secular community institution. Those values that are so important are tarnished by fairy tales that reasonable people cannot believe.

[@jothompson1903]

A wonderful debate. Thank you all for your ability to bring clarity to us.

[@dougvanscoy2842]

Mr. Woodson is an amazing man. Very much enjoy these conversations.

[@GDMan-fb1jx]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge and wisdom truly Brilliant 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@umiluv]

The issue is the metric being measured. It’s based on material wealth and not on spiritual and emotional wealth. We need to stop measuring success with materialism. It’s why the neo-Marxists can so easily coerce the masses with their arguments. Both capitalism and communism focus on the material realm. And because of that both cause severe lack of meaning in society. There’s more to life than material wealth and pleasures of the flesh. What should be asked is whether people feel fulfilled in their lives. Someone making $40k as a janitor might feel far more fulfilled than someone making $125k but because our metric focuses on material wealth, the $40k janitor will be put into the “underprivileged” bucket. But he doesn’t feel that way. So why do we insist that material wealth = better outcome? Edit: I’ll also add that by focusing on material wealth as a metric, you ensure that spirituality and emotional values become secondary to the material focus. The focus will defeat the goal.

[@kp6215]

Good example is more important than stressing too much negative a middle path

[@billymadison1466]

Brilliant guys I love listening to their wisdom

[@jazznoteblue5393]

Thank you for enlightening us! I enjoyed all if you. God bless America!

[@lesliex4599]

What an amazing and lovely discussion these men had. I wish more youth would listen to these men and Thomas Sowell more.

[@3516mos]

Brilliant discussion!!!

[@chriskenney4377]

This segment made me tear up over and over again. I do have a question, "are there cultural issues and societal issues within the black community that also change after 1965 which may have contributed to these issues?" I understand that Moynahan wrote a treatise on the Civil Rights law; but I do wonder.

[@ibeamy]

Thank you for introducing me to these amazing men.

[@acommon1]

YESSS!!! No a single Black American has EVER been convicted of TREASON. I've said the same thing for decades. More appreciate living and being born here in the USA than given credit. #ACommon1Connectivity for progress. #TakeUpTheMantle to #OwnTheNarrative!

[@pathacker4963]

Fantastic discussion. And much needed.

[@sarahg2653]

Haven't watched yet but I had to give a like. So fun to see Glenn on with the Hoover Institute! Reminds me that I need to re-watch all of Sowell's appearances on here. Thanks for bringing on men like Thomas and Glenn, Uncommon Knowledge:)