Questioning Blackness? Giving Zoe Saldana Grace, But Not Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Karen Hunter Show

[@lpgilber]

I think when she was being heavily criticized, darker shaded black women were tired of being underrepresented and disrespected. Unfortunately, it was taken out on her. I wish her well.

[@xman9190]

I think the idea that she didn't understand this at the time is hard to believe. I think she understood the decision she was making. She just didn't know how harsh the backlash would be.

[@lpgilber]

@@xman9190 Part of the problem is rather than admit she was wrong, her reaction to the backlash was to be staunch and defend her decision rather than accept that she was wrong to take the part. Sometimes, people hit back when they are hurt. Only time might have made her admit and accept responsibility. Saying that, production should have felt the heat more because of making such a stupid casting decision.

[@J.A.G.618]

​@@lpgilber😮 but usually casting decisions are made by white people they are usually backing and putting the film together buy white on Major League studios even though they may have black actors anf maybe a few behind the scene black people working. The final decision is made by the white power structure that be from the selections of black wannabe or potential actors.

[@khismet]

Life is a never-ending struggle to grow. Zoe learned a powerful lesson and she has grown as a result. She deserves grace and understanding.

[@swaggyswag4999]

Remind me of Sidney Poitier no matter what movie you make someone going to criticize you for it she's no way in the same universe with Thomas I believe Nina Simone would have gave up break. Knowing the way she was treated in America

[@markneal6297]

Hell no, she does not. Anyone that's ashamed to be black need to be excommunicated from the whole. The same goes for the majority of Dominicans. I was raised to hate those that hate me, and love those that love me. If you don't rock with FBA's, we don't rock with you. Simple.

[@fp8901]

You don't know Dominicans. Many are very proud to be Black, or in their language "afro, moreno, negro, etc4."But any country that has white people is going to be racist, hence some of their anti-Blackness here and on the island.

[@rodb66]

I actually think India Arie would have made a better Nina Simone aesthetically.

[@erinmeggik391]

God told Samuel in terms of rebellious King Saul that he "does not go" by a persons height or stature. 🙄

[@generalinformation3507]

I was thinking the same thing rod. I believe she was a producer on that movie, she could have easily gotten India Iria to do this movie, it would have been perfect🤔

[@rodb66]

@@generalinformation3507 It would have been perfect.

[@rsweat25]

Omg FACTSSSSS!!!

[@WhiteysontheMoon]

Absolutely

[@deonandmichellecandia8285]

I really appreciate your humility in being able to say I apologize for my part in judging Zoe Saldana. It takes a lot to humble yourself.🙏🏾🥰

[@shlepmessing8703]

You want a star? Maybe some reparations for your hard work, Nog?

[@xman9190]

@@shlepmessing8703 It's telling that white people can't apologize and repent for the many bad things this country has done to people.

[@carolynfrink5569]

"There was never a time when I was human, and I wasn't Black!" Come through Babba Black!!!!! When you connect being Black with the African tree!!!! Hallelujah! I love being Black AND African!!!!!✊🏿✌🏿🫶🏿❤️🖤💚 I honor and love you, Sister Professor Karen Hunter and Babba Daniel Black !!!!!

[@jimmymcalpine6946]

You are a Powerful & already Identified Sister! Blessings upon & in you!

[@shlepmessing8703]

Maybe you should stop whining about your skin color for a change.

[@shlepmessing8703]

@@jimmymcalpine6946 LMAO! Stupid bottom feeders.

[@fukray-cistutub3again847]

Not really! Our Motherland is right here in the American South, not on a continent of over 50 countries, thats silly and misguided 😂 Stop chasing a silly spit test and instead follow your lineage through actual documentation. Here are the facts, Less than 4% of the enslaved Africans were taken to this land now known as North America. The vast majority were taken to the Caribbean islands and Brazil which explains their cultural similarities to the Africans. Contrary to what everyone wants to believe, our "African culture" was never taken from us because we've NEVER HAD IT. Here's the truth, those few enslaved Africans, Our African Ancestors, were taken to North America and they were out numbered; therfore, they quickly ASSIMILATED into the Cultures and Traditions of our American Ancestors, married and reproduced due to the conditions and experiences they were all under with the Dutch, French, Spanish, later Euro-Asian native Americans "Civilized" tribes, the British and the Irish indentured. ALL of these experiences and conditions further expanded our genetic pool and molded our Ethnic group into who we are today. No matter how much you Pan Africanist want it to be, our genetic strand isn't African, in fact it is far from it. We are a different breed of humans a totally different Ethnic group from the rest of the world. WE WERE ESSENTIALLY BRED TO BE GREAT!!

[@shlepmessing8703]

@@fukray-cistutub3again847 Blacks aren't great. In fact, aside from a select few, blacks in America are the bottom feeders of humanity. Look at their culture?

[@sharonlycorish3668]

Indeed this is a very powerful lesson. We all have been granted grace but we are way too judgemental and yes we must do better towards each other. Extremely powerful lesson.

[@wm8673]

I learned something... the difference between being wrong and short-sighted. Thank you for that lesson.

[@StayTunedReviews]

When it comes to Zoe Saldana, i respect what shes accomplished over the course of her career. But early in her career, the Black community wanted to accept and claim her, but she promoted her Latina heritage over being Black and outside of Drumline, shes never really been on a major movie where shes had a Black love interest. Now theres nothing morally/ethically wrong for her accepting roles with White love interests, but a number of fans in the community noticed this and they didnt accept Zoe when she finally decided to go back to doing Black projects, she wasnt given any grace. I think the overall community would have been ok with Zoe doing the Nina Simone movie if she did a better job at showing that she supported the community.

[@noeltaylor3594]

Its a movie role, y'all. I'm am so sick and fucking tired of being THE darkest person in the room, but not being " black" enough. I'm 60 and still hear that mess. Zoe Saldana didn't need to learn no DAMN lesson. She's . . .an . . .actress.

[@dorcas60]

Don't change Karen. Keep speaking the truth.

[@uzumaki3755]

The problem is, Zoe was told in great detail by knowledgeable folks why she was not right for the role because of the way colorism, featurism, hair texture, and anti-Blackness affected Nina in real life (even by Nina Simone's daughter) and she doubled down by putting on black face and a prosthetic nose that looked HORRIBLE on film. The reality is, she wanted to do what she wanted to do for Oscar bait, but instead, made a mockery of Nina Simone with a terrible film. She was so distracting to look at throughout the film that it bombed. Anyone else who wants to do a Nina Simone film will have problems because execs can/will point to that film and say "Zoe, a big star, tried to do one and it failed...so we'll pass on any others." She WILLFULLY disrespected an important legend and didn't care until the film came out. Then the weaponized tears and apology tour came about. All that did was make dark-skinned Black women who critiqued her look like the stereotypical Black Sapphire bullies jealous of a preference. I don't have a problem with some folks taking a long time to give her any grace, despite her late apology tour. In some circles, she will never be forgiven for that atrocity of a movie sadly. A hard lesson to learn. Neil on the other hand is dealing with his own self belief and not acting in a movie role, so most folks will forget about his remarks. No matter what Neil says, non-Black people will always see you as Black no matter what. Neil believes Blackness is limiting. That's his personal problem. However, we're stuck with a horrible film for life with Zoe. 😂 Great convo as usual, Karen!

[@FirstPersonHood]

Neil is too intelligent to play low IQ mind games.

[@melissagreye8445]

Hopefully a new director or producer will try a new make a new Nina Simone movie. There are other opportunities with streaming which could provide more room for telling the life story of Nina compared to a film.

[@xman9190]

Great comment! I think you summed it up perfectly.

[@ndominique32]

THIS…. All of this.

[@hdlc4635]

The 'What Happened Miss Simone' documentary is all anyone needs as far as a film about Nina Simone.

[@Mystique2u]

Your shows always leave me with food for thought. Each one teach one. Thank you family... ❤

[@anthonyjames3196]

Zoe Saldana is black. She had every right to accept the role of Nina Simone. Neil DeGras Tyson had a valid point when he said what he said based on how the scientific community has historically marginalized black scientist. He is a scientist who happens to be black. We need to stop this stupid infighting amongst ourselves.

[@blackheywoodheywood]

Zoe Salanda said she is not Black, and Gina Torres has said she isn't Black. We must learn to accept and believe people when they say they aren't us, yet benefit from everything we've done in our country. She now is doing a mea culpa, she learned her lesson and some history too. It seems she has grown as a person. More Latinos need to be shaken up about who they are. It's not about skin color but a lineage issue.

[@musclehead8649]

Maan. A lot of us black people in the diaspora are really, really confused about who we are and really need a reprogramming of our minds. I felt the pain in Zoe voice. The sad part is too many of us worry too much about what people say/think about us on social media instead of just being who we are. Social media and grace doesn't go together.

[@darniusterix5774]

Karen Hunter teaching! Showing grace, wisdom, and how we move forward...collectively!

[@pamsegg1]

I love Zoe Saldana - I didn't agree with her Nina Simone portrayal - but we've all made horrible mistakes, perhaps not this visibly. Listening to her broke my heart: girl, start listening to Nina again! And as usual, Dr. Black is on point. Loved this.

[@liamwhit1]

I'm in love with Dr. Black (his mind)! Karen, keep bringing him on !

[@purpleness64]

Right? I just purchased one of his books...

[@petjeremiah8164]

Another discussion that make me realize why we need you Queen Hunter and Dr. Black, thanks for always making us smarter. 💜🕯

[@SangiovanniOmar]

This conversation is important. Thank you 🙏

[@ylwashington]

Hey Karen, i am in Knubia and twitter and listen to you every day on the app. But, i am loving this KZbin channel of yours that i am now discovering and able to see you and your guest in person. This is pretty dope. I am watching all the videos now that you posted for the week. Keep it up. I am also reading the comments and like the engagement.

[@KarenHunterShow]

Thank you, Ms. Washington!

[@hasanisimmons6290]

Why don't we take the same approach to these rappers and other actors who are out here scraping the bottom of the barrel and promoting it as "black culture"?

[@ruthgilchrist1126]

She shouldn't of been blindside. There has always been colorism, she knew .

[@legalmemories]

Thank you for this recognition of Zoe Saldana - I have always liked her since she played a dancer in the otherwise silly movie Center Stage, and her interview on CBS this morning was beautiful and her hurt over the Nina Simone controversy was touching.

[@marlonsmith1400]

I am so glad to see this growth in zoe.. However, I am also Afro- Latino (Afro-Panamanian) and lets be clear we never had to discover our blackness. There were actual interviews and videos of Zoe being interviewed saying that she doesn't like to be called black. and that the very notion of it is offensive to her.. So I'm glad that she has grown and come to a better understanding.. but she got dragged not for just playing Nina Simone but for the very public statements that were out there on record about her being called Black. Had the revelation of her understanding of and for Blackness 'evolved" before she took on the Nina Simone then I believe her public treatment would have been different.

[@rosettafields]

Oh my goodness. This was powerful

[@kissoflove14]

"...even in the WOMB I was BLACK..." Sir!!!!!!!

[@donesecarr3570]

This was an amazing convo. It about 17 min Dr Black got me misty eyed sitting in this parking lot. Thank you!

[@bobbywilsonfunfaithfamilymusic]

Professor Hunter, Dr Black, thanks for sharing for and making it plain, kudos.

[@fredferguson5467]

I totally get Dr. Hunter’s opinion on NDT. However, I think you should take In account the audience he was speaking to. Most likely a white audience. I believe he was speaking on how they perceive him when being announced as a “black scientist”. If you’ve seen the movie “A time to kill” with Samual L. Jackson, there’s a line he says when speaking to his defense attorney. “You don’t see me as a man. You see me as a Black man.” I believe that’s the spirit Neil deGrasse Tyson was speaking in.

[@os2958]

yes!

[@wfwilliams75]

Completely agree! I don't believe the Neil deGrasse Tyson has an issue with being black whatsoever. I received his statement similarly to how you described it.

[@xman9190]

That's a lot of logical calisthenics to try to give Zoe a pass. Aside from any death threats (which are pathological and unnecessary), it's hard for me to feel sorry for her.

[@os2958]

exactly

[@Solo-kr3ec]

PERIODT!°

[@adnaloy9025]

People who deny they are not black or talk about black folks being "ghettofied" do not deserve to be included in our tribe. We are not a monolith but I love being black. There aren't any degrees. That Saldano person denied being black for many years. I don't have anything against her but it's the "I'm not black" that gets me. She has taken a lot of roles from black folks, for someone who isn't black. She is full of sh*t about the traditional character. She has taken many many roles that could have been black actresses or rather actresses who always were black. The other afrolatina actress said the same thing... uh, I can't remember the other ones name but she was married to Lawrence Fishbourn. And why do people who look like her receive grace but people who look like Nina Simone do not receive the same grace? The tears... Tandy Newton did the same thing. They bullied me. Whatever. We are always giving grace to ones who deny us but crawl back to us when they need to be a part of something and the group they wanted to be in denies them.

[@jesushateswood]

Listen, there were Black actresses that love Zoe but felt she was WRONG for the part. But here's the bigger issue. Nina Simone's adult daughter, read the script and disapproved of it. (I think you can find an interview of her on the talk show The View.) The daughter said the script was lie and a misrepresentation her mother and people in her mother's life. Zoe and the producers decided to make the film even though the daughter did not give her blessing. The film flopped. The producers and Zoe deserved to take that L. They were arrogant and disrespectful.

[@jennbrooms8058]

I didn't know this 😮

[@os2958]

thank you. we need to acknowledge that they were indeed wrong. Zoe has to come to grips with her mistakes as do we all. i nfeel the protests were appropriate.

[@xman9190]

It's not always wise to give family the right to approve a script. They're, rightfully, biased.

[@williejohnson8928]

I did not take Dr. Tyson's statement as saying that he is not black or that he in any way hates his blackness. I understood him as saying, don't limit me because you only see my blackness. I have seen him proudly promote his African ancestry so many times and dispel lies from people trying to place limits on the facts about African creations. I do not fault him because his method of promoting his blackness is different than your method or my method. I have stopped nitpicking every word a black person says unless I can ask them directly about it. His actions have demonstrated the person he actually is, not a sound bite. On the other hand, Clarence Thomas's actions have demonstrated who he actually is, not sound bites that I have heard him saying about how much Affirmative Action helped him and that it was a good thing. I am an Engineer, if people called me a Black Engineer every day, I would probably say, please just call me an Engineer. I know that the powers that be see my blackness because of the glass ceiling that I am stuck under, yet rarely do they verbally point it out directly to me. I have heard white people call Dr. Tyson a black Astrophysicist so many times, that maybe that time was the last straw. We all have our moments Professor Hunter. Professor Hunter, you have a forum that will allow you to ask Dr. Tyson to explain what he actually meant by his statements, if you truly want to know. He is man enough to truly express himself about his statement.

[@joandrahollis2511]

Without a doubt!!!!!!!

[@robmcgowan5493]

Zoe has repeatedly stated she wasn’t Black, she’s Dominican. Folk repeatedly told her how misaligned it would be for her to take this role… beforehand! NOW she’s apologetic… hmm Tyson said only what Black professionals and entertainers have been saying for decades, but he’s the villain??? Make this comparison make sense….

[@chandraboone3741]

Speak, Dr. Black!! Zoe is a Black woman!

[@aunapublishing1797]

Although i appreciate the brother's passion, he simple OVERread the statement. Degrasse is not saying that he sees blackness as a limitation, he's saying that by labeling him as a Black scientist, instead of a Scientist who is Black, THEY'RE trying to put limitations on him.

[@erothawilliams266]

Exactly. Contrast him with Saldana who explicitly said for years she didn't want to be viewed as black, wasn't black etc etc.

[@SeasideDannyB]

I'm glad I had the chance to hear Zoe speak on this. Racism is so unnecessary.

[@K-newborn]

i know its almost like get a job and follow orders and dont defend police unions you hate and life will be good

[@aquickconversation1013]

The independent movie The Blackening touched on this very subject!! And how blackness is multifaceted and should be inclusive.

[@quietstorm677]

Preach Dr Black. I am African American

[@enoughstuff333]

Zoe's tears tug at my heartstrings. Also, I loved her in "From Scratch".

[@maryburrell3948]

She did a lovely job in From Scratch

[@morrismims5327]

Great movie

[@Lculp76]

Thank you for breaking it DOWN!

[@karenl7786]

Whew, I had to delete my 1st comments. I've been irritated with Zoe Saldana for a long time because she has said in past interviews that she didn't see herself as black, and she and her sisters never talked about race growing up. She seems to have gone out of her way throughout her entire career to not have black male love interests in her movies once she had enough star power to do so. And yet, I needed to listen to this whole thing before I rushed to comment and judgment. Thank you as always Sr. Black and Prof Hunter. Consideration and thought should always come first.

[@novsophiah.150]

Thank you so much Professor Hunter. I hear our brother at 13:20. - we are not yet perfect, but in the process - we are in the process of being saved - Acts 2: 47.

[@pixiestrixie3543]

So much love there- so much appreciation here

[@meibelyn100]

this was such an amazing conversation

[@kyanadavis7237]

I have always said that it was wrong to demonize her for a decision that came from Hollywood producers and directors. She didn't make the movie and she didn't cast herself. I will say that I found very little about that movie that honored Nina Simone. Maybe she felt that she could provide some kind of depth to a character that was written as self involved, callous, and borderline psychotic, but I was so hurt when I saw how Nina was portrayed that the blackface was a minor annoyance

[@johnramos9145]

I think Neil recognizing that no other kind of scientist would have a label in front of his accept a black one is being underestimated. I feel him. Don't announce me as a black anything.

[@royaldixon779]

Hallelujah brother!!

[@phoenixr6811]

Growth in life is important and admitting your are wrong about something takes a lot courage 😊

[@Solo-kr3ec]

Then I just googled her husband....we have to STOP apologizing for calling her out! She had ZERO business stepping into this roll when she was advised against it by notable people. I wasn't moved by her speech.... they dismiss being black but want grace.

[@raesunshinehomecleaning1379]

Exactly

[@cel1945]

All of mankind began in east Africa as Africans

[@SollieWalker1906]

Zoe has said some very problematic things over the years. That's why they came for her and she said out her own mouth that she is Dominican and not "Black" she didn't get religion till after they got on her.

[@najaahamari4199]

Dominicans from Dominica.... Ghanaians from Ghana.... Iranians from Iran.... Indians from India... Blacks from the Black Sea???

[@tracyclark7560]

don't owe Zoey no apology, need to accept her New, present growth version of herself, and not constantly hold up what she said on Jay Leno show that she wasn't Blaack, she was something else --Latin.

[@moniwill]

No forgiveness for Zoe. Absolutely not.

[@powerman5797]

Light skin people go through it too, as a dark-complected person. I never looked at light skin people as less than black than me, I see them just as black .. in fact..... I remember years ago, a light-skinned person responded to me .. on a KZbin comment section on a KZbin video pertaining to light skin privilege... Because I explained that I have seen light skin girls being bullied by other black girls, because they were light- complected... For some reason, LOL .. they like to go for their hair,.. every light complected girl I met, .. I always asked the same question. Have you ever been assaulted, (other girls cutting your hair in School) Almost every light skin girl said yes.... So, someone, responded to that comment.. She was telling me that she was bullied, and that she contemplated on suicide many times throughout her life, and, she also said that the only thing that's keeping her alive.. are her grandchildren.. That her grandchildren is the only motivation for her to live... I think that light-skinned and dark-skinned girls (particularly) Because I think that skin complexion effects females more then it does the guys.. As a guy, I got dark skinned comments here and there.. particularly when I was younger. But no big deal... But it affects women way more than guys,. I think black women need to talk to each other and have conversations about their.. well, about everything LOL.. But specifically about their skin complexions, because that is a serious issue that needs to be discussed In this community, dark skin light skin girls need to come together and talk..... Skin complexion is a big deal in this community, it conjures up so many feelings and emotions, and we end up fighting each other...

[@uchidaoginome]

I love when Dr Black laughs after dropping a jewel. Sometimes he laughs before he actually says it, and that sets me on the edge of my seat, like, "Uh-oh, he's got one in the chamber!"

[@dreadee5757]

Idk anyone Black that gives Zoe Saldana grace. She can go somewhere.

[@3RDEYELOVE]

I'm happy she came to this realization

[@ylwashington]

wow i can hear the pain in her voice.

[@kwamesusu6248]

Personally, I don't view Dr deGrass Tyson as a self hating blackman. I have seen him "school" Joe Rogan and others on History, and Science as it relates to accomplishments of of Africans, and the black diaspora. I understood Dr. Tyson explaining Joe Rogan and others desire to unfairly place baseless labels on folks in an effort to divide people.

[@angellover02171]

If teenage Zendaya could step away from a role the community didnt want her to play, then Zoe should have know better.

[@KarenHunterShow]

apparently she didn't...now she does.

[@uyoyouu188]

Facts. The most disrespected group of people in the history of mankind are people with brown skin tones!

[@breshanaalford1369]

I absolutely LOVE Dr. Black!! Thank you so much for the introduction❤ The Urban View channel is the only reason I pay for radio!!

[@KarenHunterShow]

I appreciate you!!!

[@wendyfaye8066]

As usual, this was an outstanding show. I would like you to do a show where you interview Isabella Wilkerson about her book, CASTE. And yes, I agree with you about Zoe Saldana. Honestly, I did not know about her being in a Nina Simone film and some of choices during the filming of Nina Simone. Yes, I saw that CBS Sunday Morning show where she was interviewed.

[@wraithx7]

Instead of trying to analyze what he said and making assumptions about how he feels about being black, Karen should invite Neil back onto her show and ask him to explain his statement.

[@KarenHunterShow]

how do you know I haven't?

[@wraithx7]

@@KarenHunterShow I don't know. I'm just saying that you should ask him if you haven't already so that he can clarify his remarks. I'm a firm believer that we shouldn't always automatically assume a person's true feelings or intentions based on one statement. In the case of Neil, he has written a chapter in his last book about how racism is dumb and when he was on Joe Rogan's podcast he didn't pull any punches about how all of those racist things that white people say about us being like monkeys and chimps actually applies to them. He talked about how white people are the ones who like to hangout in trees by building tree houses and how white people get lice and we don't. He also said that the smartest people in the world are from Africa. Of course, I don't know Neil personally and he very well might hate being black or is trying to be the "good safe negro", but we won't know unless someone asks him and he answers the question.

[@TKALYPSOX]

Fun fact: Neil deGrasse Tyson mother is Sunchita Maria Tyson (nee Feliciano) and is of Puerto Rican descent.

[@Theinfamouskiki411]

Zoe Saldana has light skin privilege? Ummm....oook. she is darker than half my family! But to me skin color isn't an indicator of blackness. And define who or what is black? What is black? Those are questions that no one answers. To me it's an individual feeling and experience. Being black isn't limiting but to OTHERS it is. Even other black people. For African Americans it's one thing to afro Cubans its one thing and etc. Whiteness is made up and black culture here is mostly made up too. So yes Africa has to be our source!

[@KarenHunterShow]

you know hair texture and features play a role in "light-skinned" privilege as well. It's complicated but not. We allowed them to brainwash us into these categories (brown paper bag tests, etc.). Time to throw off the yoke. #weareONE!

[@dariusvbryant.]

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@liamwhit1]

I'm with you, Columbiana is one of my favorite movies.

[@jamesdavis7017]

I never really understood the hatred toward Zoe on the Nina Simone issue when we ignored Michael Jackson’s transformation over the years. Sometimes we are worse than white people when it comes to attacking our own while selectively not checking those who also need to be reminded of who they are.

[@EasyAttack]

I am curious if you have ever ACTUALLY heard Neil DeGrasse Tyson speak on Black people and Africa or are you just judging him by this one soundbite from VladTV?

[@deborahblackshear3325]

❤Thanks Karen and Dr Black. It's a soul issue not skin. Help.

[@tebowers05]

Zoe Saldana can play both sides of the ethnic/race category. She may have the complexion of dark brown skin but she still is categories as Latino which gets put in with white category on the census. We have to stop with the construct of grouping people by colors of race and go back to ethnic category. You have multiple indigenous and aboriginal groups who may have dark skin (melanated) but do not call themselves black from other countries. The term white in law dictionary categories as to what status you are. Once you view the color construct is based on a status category which connects to what your financial status is, you will see this differently. Research Bacon's Rebellion.

[@1hotshon]

Zoe is a meh actress... Her role in Colombiana really is the only time she she stood out. People told her from the jump about how she presents herself as Latina only in Hollywood, NOT black. She DIDN'T care UNTIL the backlash of Nina Simone. This was sooooo dramatic. She was absolutely wrong and no one owes her that much sympathy. She hasn't actively DONE anything to move better. Actions speak louder than words (and interview tears).

[@parisjames37]

So much unpacked here… “Sleep walkers awake” - Lauren Hill.

[@taynaburton5828]

Come through, Dr. Black with that Black statement! OMG! That comment spoke to my soul! I am unapologetically Black! That Degrassi sees Blackness as a limitation or something inferior, that's self-hate. He just used a scholary way or interpretation to express his self-hatred. It's just sad!

[@LigoWelle]

I somehow missed that film. Will have to check it out.

[@purpleness64]

PREACH

[@MsBloo]

Good intention but wrong example used with Zoe Saldana. That lady stood 10 toes down and deep on her taking on that role despite our community continously attempting to educate her on it. She only showed 'remorse' once consequences in the form of cancelling actors and actresses and boycotts became enough of a force to tamper with the baseline....their bossess money. After this alot of other actors/actresses that performed the same behavior started doing their own 'apology tour' before, they too, became a target so their pockets were not tampered with. Making it all too insincere. When it comes to Neil DeGrasse Tyson he has spoke for our community and corrected the host, I think it was, Joe Rogan(? ) when it cames to topics about race and educated him on it. He simply refused to be pigeon holed as a diversity scholar in his field that would come with being introduced in interviews as a black scientist followed by his name as opposed to simply his name and correct title.

[@KarenHunterShow]

and she has changed her position. Are you the same person with the same beliefs today as you were 10 years ago?

[@dgf6275]

I thought that Chadwick Boseman's portrayal of Thurgood Marshall was misleading because it "white-washed" how his proximity to whiteness gave him access to education, power and being heard.

[@sugashy45]

Yes Professor Hunter Colombiana #1. Oprah did a show once called how black is black enough. I was in the audience and it got heated as people were expressing themselves . The show never aired. I was upset initially, then I thought it wasn’t for public view. Shortly after that the Oprah show focused on PP’s dysfunctions that was satisfying ❤

[@5hineepropertyofleetaemin]

You should add some links to your books guys

[@B4uLeap]

Take us to church Dr. D

[@a.musaahmad5229]

I don't think people are rejecting her for the Nina Simone portrayal I think they reject her for the proximity to whiteness and silence on black issues. Everyone comes into whatever blackness is to them at different points in time. However in a time of strong anti blackness tolerance for ambiguity isn't high. As for Neil deGrasse- Tyson he is deliberate in his perspective. He has to be held to a higher standard than any entertainer because academics shape opinions that will accepted as canon when it comes to black people. Mr. DeGrasse-Tyson is far more dangerous.

[@johnenoch6200]

Because humans are not colors so immediately they're creating confusion.

[@kissoflove14]

I felt her pain as well. Ugh.😔

[@StaceyNelsonTVNetwork]

Yes, I love Zoe Zaldana in Colombiana. That was a wonderful action bad ass movie.❤️😄🎬 Hollywood doesn’t do good with casting Black people anyway. I remember when the late legendary beautiful Cicely Tyson played the legendary and beautiful Coretta Scott King. Great show. Blessings Beautiful 🙏🏼🥰 Salute Sir, and thank you for the term “Melanated abuse” that is so appropriate !📰🥰💯

[@Theinfamouskiki411]

Yes indeed!❤

[@pamjohnson975]

Dr. Black and Professor Hunter. I only allow for listening to the clip you played from DeGrasse, so I am limited only to what I heard and was played. It's important to listen or watch any media not once but many times. I listened to your clip and heard DeGrasse speak of what other persons "of non-color" European-Americans, namely, begin to think of him and how they treat him once they know he is Black. He was not talking about himself, but his experiences as a black man with Euro-Americans. I believe that was his intent in his message. As you know, McLuhan said, ""...the medium is the message." We need to be slow in our reading, listening, viewing, and thus interpretation of messages because media too often. Slow down. Also, I loved what Dr. Black had to express about the process vs. perfection. I thought of writing a book for us about the idea of how so many people are held back because of the fear of failure, not being perfect from the Get-Go. I don't believe in perfection. I believe in improvement. We don't need to be born with a brain naturally inclined to mathematics, or writing or dancing to learn it. It or they can be developed via practice.We as a people have that fear as a part of our culture. It keeps us from trying. From taking risks. Combine that with lack of opportunities, and racism, and you can see the results. We have taken the easiest path that which we "naturally" catch on to with instant insight. Pam Johnson

[@tracyjohnson3394]

I don't care what folks think about Neil. He's the ultimate truth-seeker.

[@BlindMellowJelly]

This works if in your own family someone told you black was a disadvantage but in many households we were never taught that. Being Human and upstanding was the theme of the day, stating the obvious is kinda silly when they already know we are black.

[@paulatrent60]

It's amazing how some of us have smoke and flames for these folks but so many of us are ok with donning blonde hair's salute to whiteness.

[@divinebynature7056]

Strange after all the anti-Black events in the past few years that the blonde hair trend is rapidly increasing among BW and poc's. Images of Albinos and Melanasians are rare in mainstream, so they are definitely saluting white women.

[@lizabetx483]

To say that your are black but not African American is an identity crisis in itself. I am flabbergasted by members of the Black community who object to being called African American. The racial term Black came out of slavery. The word is derived from Negro, the Portuguese/Spanish word for black.

[@ByronOdenShabazz]

Off topic apologies it what is the name of this song???

[@KarenHunterShow]

no worries...I don't know if it has a name.

[@t.nickson3734]

Lesson Avenue is a two-way street at minimum; at all times even during construction activities.

[@Vincentedrawit01]

Afrikanity!!!!!!!!

[@DRGeorgiaYoungbloodBey]

Hey, we hurted her heart so she is heartbroken. I love her with all of her action movies she is excellent as a sista.

[@jocelynemayfield3261]

If I may, I am from the South as well like the esteemed professor. My childhood was spent during the1960's in the waning days of Jim Crow. I attended HBCU's. The experience did not transform Black from being synonymous with Negro,Colored and Slave. In answer to the question "Why do we keep apologizing for being Black" Because Black is not enough. Lineage, ethnicity and nationality is the glue that holds people groups together in solidarity. I agree with the professor that we want to be Black without being African we also want to be Black without being American.

[@maxinefowler1186]

I worked with Zoe on Norbit with Eddie Murphy. I am Black and Native American, I am also Ivy League. Here in Hollywood it's, run by mostly Jewish Executives, and quite frankly they are all obsessed with LIGHT SKINNED BLACK PEOPLE HERE! I SEE THIS MESS ON A DAILY BASIS, DURING AUDITIONS. 99% OF THE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES ALL HAVE EXTREMELY LIGHT COMPLEXION. I have heard them discuss a Cousin of mine, She was just visiting. My Cousin has a darker complexion & She's a Engineer. She's just dark what is She trying out for. My Cousin wasn't a Actor at all. It was strange!

[@Platypus-Dreams]

I remember the first movie I ever saw in the theatre was Cornbread Earl and me. I was 5. Even then I knew that being black was to be limitless and that their ignoance limited THEM. I grew up on 103rd and west end ave surrounded by melanemic people and it was obvious at least to me that they were not greater...