NYTN is the new Rachel Dolezal?

[@nytn]

➡Grab your shirt nytonashville.com/shoplola ▶Sign up for the e-mail list here! nytonashville.com/connect 🟢Send me a coffee!: ko-fi.com/nytn13#linkModal 🟢Watch AD FREE on Patreon: www.patreon.com/NYTN ▶ on X, twitter.com/ImFindingLola 🟢Grab your own Ancestry DNA test now*!

[@Facts-pp3tr]

Let's be clear... Rachel Dolezal is a white woman that has no black ancestors at all....NYTN actually has a black ancestor and it is ok for her to embrace her african side. The only person that would be bothered by that is someone that supports white supremacy, only because they think she should talk down on black people....How can you talk down on yourself?.....The only thing I would suggest is learn true african history, sit down and read the books that are not white washed...

[@ibnsabeel9466]

Mam you are trying to tell a personal truth that runs against the mainstream narrative that is being promoted by the system. You should be prepared for all types of pushback and outright censorship. Renee Sanders and others like her have been through and are still going through the same thing. Most Americans are brainwashed and programmed. I hope you are tough and have a thick skin. ☮️🫡

[@SchwarzSchwertkampfer]

I have a sister who is fairer than you. From kids at school to society's bueaty standard, all made her self conscious about her very full an thick Afro hair. Now she wears wigs and/or uses a lot of straighten products. That saddens me deeply, because I remember a time where me and my sisters used to run around with our Afros bouncing in the wind. Playing outside. *_Understand that there is nothing wrong with you embracing your natural hair_* . Do not destroy it with chemicals; embrace it and have fun with it. For me it was one of many connections to my father who raised me an who I miss hugging [RIP Sage old man]. We have to take care of our bodies because they are a gift from our ancestors. A gift we give to our kids. Naysayers be damn. Life is precious and too short, be happy as much as you can, love yourself as much as you can. Because the world is already negative and will break a human down. So resist it and be happy.

[@haydeesanchez2531]

This is unfortunate; why all the hating? I’m fair skinned, blue eyed and I was born with red hair! My sister is even more fair skinned than me. Our mom- a beautiful black woman from Arkansas. Our Dad- American apple pie white from Montana. I’ve been harassed in school for not being this or that- “what ARE you”? the perpetual question…. YET- I know who I am- unapologetically, my happy nappy hair and wide nose define my appearance- we really should STOP judging our people by our outward appearance. Poor Rachel got it wrong- she should have come in authenticity instead of deceit- that’s a personal fight within her own self.

[@SchwarzSchwertkampfer]

@@haydeesanchez2531 💯💜💯🇺🇸🦅🗽 Self-Love is important. Nothing wrong with appreciating the Temple of God, because that is what he calls our bodies. It is unfortunate that world is cruel. I hope one day there will be peace on Earth.

[@dolphins3291]

As a Black female viewer, I have always enjoyed this channel as a comfortable, respectfully narrated place to learn about the history of different minority groups in the US, and how our experiences differ or are the same. Never in my wildest dreams did I think someone would bypass all of that and fall to criticizing this kind woman's hair!! First of all, we should understand as a Southern Italian descendant, her heritage is derived from European as well as Middle Eastern & North African heritage, and her hair reflects that. And even without that, a lot of ethnic groups have naturally curly hair, even some Native American & Hispanic peoples. Furthermore, (IMHO) *so what* if she wasn't mixed? Do we have to be all up in her hair follicles, micro-managing how non-Blacks style their hair? I shudder to think how Bob Ross would be attacked if he lived today. We would have to hear all manner of righteous debating on social media about his hairstyle 🙄. If a White guy wants to have a 'fro (which happened a lot in the 70s) let him, for God's sake! It doesn't HARM us. What we *should* be monitoring is actual life-and-death issues affecting our communities -- not this vapid, irrelevant, worthless, divisive BUNK. 😤

[@elleanna5869]

Exactly as much as black women enjoying the "whitest" hairstyle like Beyoncé aren't hurting anyone , people has played with looks and styles since from the caves, maybe since the trees with their fellow apes😁 Hair as statement it's dated (and as an African hating little fancy braids which are eternal and rather hurting to do, I will enjoy a quick relaxing / smoothing fix to my hair , soo easier 😁, a chacun son gout!)

[@TdT2211]

Exactly. 🙌🙌 Her experience is 100% American. And not just the United States. The whole America, North and South. So why nit pick other than to be micro and sometimes be macro aggressiv? It is like dealing with the kid in class who would disrupt class.

[@nytn]

As a teacher, this is 100% accurate 😅

[@lamartinezola8507]

Do what you think is good for you...If u follow black Americans your head will explode. They complain for nothing and all the time.

[@miryamamar9471]

Bob Ross had a perm and stated that by styling his hair in that way all he had to do was to "pick it out". His hair is naturally straight.

[@moneeshamoxley5316]

Danielle I am black and I have native American and white ancestors and I love you and your channel don't let people's hatred get to you your channel is perfect

[@lyndoraburroughs-robinson5663]

I totally agree with you 👍 💯 👏 👌 🙌 😊

[@moonbay2399]

I agree also

[@darklightprojector2688]

Nobody's actually hating on her. She's just acting like there's drama because drama, real or fake, gets views.

[@psamtikbeneyahohdah5792]

Black Americans are the Real American Indians!! Please do your research! Hint: The Civil Rights Act of 1968 is best known as the Indians Civil Rights Act!!!!!

[@GhostSal]

@@darklightprojector2688I don’t think that’s the case, I think she genuinely lets the negativity from some of the comments bother her. I also think it shows a lot of integrity to address people’s concerns (concerns that are reasonable and/or concerns that are absurd).

[@shetarab4136]

1. I can tell your curls are happy! 2. People can be idiots by choice 3. Please keep up your amazing work!

[@xdshepard37]

Damn! What a great response.

[@carolwoodward6141]

Just💕your comment.

[@lamartinezola8507]

Do what you think is good for you...If u follow black Americans your head will explode. They complain for nothing and all the time.

[@nmr20067]

I don’t understand why people are so fixated on hair texture. There are a lot of Jewish people that have curly hair, too. People are just insane.

[@lamartinezola8507]

They criticize a European woman trying to look Afro, but they wear European wigs 24/7

[@danajackson332]

I love the curls. It's mainly because of you accepting yourself, which is a good thing. Don't let anybody bring you down.

[@catherinedavis1241]

Amein!

[@magdemighty8369]

Being on a journey to understand your own family ancestry and sharing your findings is interesting and educational. This is NOT a Rachel Dolezal situation. You're putting everything out in the great wide open of the internet -- the total opposite of the Rachel Dolezal case.

[@simonjusticier333]

There are those looking for validation and the only way they know how is by being passive/aggressive. They tend to play the victim to better attack their targets. People like that are usually not comfortable in their own skin and need a scapegoat. There's a saying that says not to argue with an idiot, because he'll bring you down to his level, then beat you with experience.

[@Theinfamouskiki411]

​@@simonjusticier333you ain't lying. I love being who I am period!

[@shunwashington3101]

Please continue your work.

[@creativeimpactproductions5292]

I tend to agree. Bringing her name up causes me to question the validity of this channel. One has nothing to do with the other but boy is she reaching

[@lamartinezola8507]

They criticize a European woman trying to look Afro, but they wear European wigs 24/7

[@myso-calledfastinglife9561]

Imagine "black" people who get reprimanded at work or church or out in public for stopping using chemicals on their hair and letting it be air-dried in its natural state. We are told our hair is dirty and unprofessional ugly and unacceptable if we don't smush or flatten it into a non-"black" appearance. This is a generation after generation experience of toxic prejudice against for our hair.

[@sweetlaughter78]

When I went natural in 2005, I got more negative comments from my own people than anyone else. 😅

[@chrishenry5665]

Victimhood. Can't no one tell you about your hair today, if they do it's their rightful opinion, if told in an institutional or professional setting, you can rightful sue. So stop. McDs is not making their drive through girls wear crazy color straight laced wigs. Knock it off, I remember in high school when contacts came out, us dudes used to wear light brown contacts "to some how magically fool the girls we were the pretty boys with light eyes". Thing is ya women are stuck, this fashion is like a sport and hobby for yall.

[@daharris41]

Unfortunately that’s white supremacy. They have taught us to hate ourselves. Especially black women. The Asian market makes billions of dollars off black women from hair products. Although I’m starting to see more of our women going back to their natural roots it’s still a very small percentage. Most still prefer to kill their crown with unnecessary products or wigs.

[@elleanna5869]

I think this is rather old stuff. In Europe people with natural bush and curls go long and natural since the 60s and especially 70s (ever watched the Brit classical "the Professionals"? There's one of the -white - dudes with a rather free and unapologetic flock of natural curls🤣) On the other hand we in Africa keep bushes under control with cuts scarfs and braids just because it can be really messy with daily life having too much stuff weighting freely on your head 😉 ironically people with "wildest" hair are often the ones with the softest jobs and life, that can afford a huge amount of time for daily care

[@GhostSal]

What you stated is historically true but is it true today? I mean certainly there are companies that have written policies on grooming. For example, men not to have hair past their shirt collar or to have facial hair. For women not to have hair color that isn’t found in humans naturally. For anyone not to have a Mohawk or visible tats. Basically it was to promote a “professional” “business” appearance at work. Many companies have a brand and want their employees to be representative of that brand. Now is that a dated and no longer something businesses should do? That’s certainly a discussion people can have and discuss.

[@Hillcountry_Catholic]

Wow. I mean like holy shit wow. People are so disgusting. Curly hair is found in almost all continents. As a wavy curly white girl, also of partial Italian ancestry, and also a southerner, who has found both slave owner and African slaves in my ancestry, I love your videos. I appreciate the open conversations that do not seem to be motivated by politics. We have to be able to talk about these things. And those who don’t want us to are motivated by something nefarious.

[@brantpadmore1395]

I’m am black and I appreciate what you are doing honoring Lola by sharing her story of a hidden history because of a time she was limited because she was considered black and had to move and pass as white to have a better life. Thank you for acknowledging your black ancestors the way you have and by wearing your natural curly hair which is a result of that black ancestry continues to honor that part of your ancestry that suffered so much pain. I also love that you are exploring other parts of your ancestry because it reveals we are all mixed and race is a made up construct by the evil doers to divide and conquer by your exercise it reveals that we are all part of one race the human race and if we can ever get that message we will treat each other better and the world would be a better place to live.

[@nytn]

Thank you!

[@batescave]

"Embracing everything that you've been given and passing it on with joy"!!!!! LOVE!!!

[@TdT2211]

Hear! Hear!

[@bendowns5737]

From a fellow Christian, thank you for sharing your faith! So refreshing in today's world.

[@deanjones2525]

We should learn to ignore certain people. We don't need to validate or justify everyone's viewpoint. Be comfortable and accepting of the best of yourself.

[@deanjones2525]

@@Sonny-wk3qs This is especially true if what they say doesn't inspire you to be better and tears you down.

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

​@@deanjones2525 🙂👍👏💯🏆🌟

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

YES! 🙂👍👏💯🏆🌟

[@RonNL1030]

I’ll tell you a funny story. A black lady was staring at me. Suddenly she respectfully asked me Are you black or white? I have straight hair and very light brown skin. I’m mixed. As simple as that. I’m human and a Christian as well.

[@Simonsays7258]

I went to Morocco, and I had the same experience. Everyone kept asking me where I was from and when I would finally say that my mom was half Sicilian, they always exclaimed something like, "Welcome home!" They were so happy. They knew it.

[@xdshepard37]

Beautiful

[@tania0070]

Silly ... those are white-washed Moroccans who aren't indigenous to Morocco. Fakes and they are the biggest racist and very partial to anyone with lighter skin. Sickening.

[@moonbay2399]

People from Morocco I have a wide range of skin tones from ivory to the deepest ebony depends what area a person people from the south have deeper skin tones people in the North can have Fair complexions

[@zb7293]

Sadly Sicily was occupied, and Rape is real thing ..and sadly mess them etnicaly...goes on their soul...

[@remills1714]

Remember the story of Othello in Shakespeare? Also North Africa and Rome were populated by the Vandals. A minion of the Old Roman Empire.

[@justmyopinion9883]

NYTN, Your hair is beautiful! Don’t put any chemicals in your hair to straighten it.

[@AJ-ks9ef]

People are uncomfortable with being unable to put others in boxes. No one should have to apologize for the way their hair grows out of their own head. Criticizing you for wearing your hair curly is as ridiculous as saying someone is trying to act like someone else for cutting their hair. Most of us appreciate your work, your transparency and your conversations, so don't stop doing what you do.

[@amb7412]

Beautifully said. You have a right to claim it all and connect with it. I'm loving your journey.

[@jumpdumppyy]

Black people know curly hair is not the same as kinky hair Anyone can have curly hair, kinky hair is less common in non-black people but it can happen.

[@nickb839]

Some south Indians have it kinky.

[@PA-zt6xu]

Bingo!!!

[@kschindle1]

Brutish have some instances of kinky hair.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

Some ignorant racists are convinced that anyone who is not black or has black ancestry can only have straight hair.

[@HappyRoach1]

I used to think Andre the Giant was part black when he had an afro in the 1970's. I also thought Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage were mixed race. Both had those tans. Both sported a bandana or doo rag. Both used the word "brother" a lot. Both were from the south. Both were pretty religious, particularly Hogan. Randy Savage's hair looked like a black woman's relaxed hair. Turns out they are both Italian dudes from Florida. Super Fly Jimmy Snuka and Dusty Rhodes, I also thought they were part black. As you can tell, I grew up watching a lot of WWF/WWE.

[@Mistertwist.]

A beautiful woman exploring her ancestors and identity. Anyone having a problem with this is just looking for a reason to punch at Danielle. She’s gorgeous, you’re not.

[@xdshepard37]

Facts

[@ViraL_FootprinT.ex.e]

People are so damn obnoxious when it comes to stuff like this. Complaints like that come from am echo chamber of ignorance honestly.

[@xdshepard37]

Facts

[@kayschettini1453]

It’s jealousy and or envy.

[@mariannerichard1321]

Some people, really... Have they never heard of Italian and Irish with curly hair? The curly redhair Irish woman trope? The curly Roman Empire Venus statues? Did they live under a rock their whole life?

[@ColdandRain202]

Don't forget the Greek Goddess Curls. Most European countries will have someone with curls or waves - no biggie.

[@tanyaboyd7089]

Because some black is in their ancestry!

[@profharp]

@@tanyaboyd7089 YEP! SOME place , time or another......

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

​@@profharp NOT

[@profharp]

How did they get it?

[@Yeshua77-7]

Your hair is beautiful, and so are you.

[@stephcarlofc]

Are people stupid? You are one of the realest fuckin people out there. There are lot of people who are not black and have curly hair like you do. Do people that there are some blacks who have naturally straight hair like Johnny Mathis who don't perm their hair. Mrs. Romero, they hate the fact that you are holding up a 🪞 to 🇺🇸 society and you never sugarcoat shit, which I appreciate. You are nothing like Rachel Dolezal. You embrace who you are. Too many people want to run away from who they are. And that's why this country is the way it is. And another reason why mental illness is so rampant. Keep doing your good work Mrs. Romero. Much ❤️ and respect!!

[@BreezyDaze]

This! Said so perfectly

[@rocketreindeer]

Dave Chappelle also has straight hair. He says if he doesn't shave it like he does, he does not have a fro. I think he said he had a white grandparent. In my experience, people who hate on others have personal stuff they need healing from because their rigid view of how they say the world works is based on their own emotionally-based reactions to stuff.

[@nmr20067]

@@rocketreindeerYeah, Dave shaved his head because like men of any race, he started receding (going bald). You can see his hairline in the late 90s slowing receding and it got worse over time and he shaved it by the early to mid 2000s. The same happened to The Rock and many other men. It’s just that black men, we are more likely to just shave it all off…. Until now, black men were not good candidates for hair transplantation either. Though that has changed as of late. I know that’s all random sorry….

[@jjmars9160]

I think it's great that you have embraced all the various racial and ethnic branches of your humanity. Unfortunately, I met some people who run and hide from their ancestry.

[@CentralTexasAborigian]

I descend from a Mississippi Choctaw stolen from her tribe in 1809. She was born free and enslaved by a family who brought her children before the beginning of the the civil war from Shubuta Mississippi to Waco Texas. I was considered "black", however; I have change my status to reflect my historical genealogy. When we are born we already have 4 grandparents, 8 great grandparents 16 great great grandparents 32...you get the point, in ten generations over a million paternal and maternal grandparents.

[@user-dl1yc8cb4l]

I work my hair Pixie short for so many Years that so many people Who know me do not even realize i have curly hair. Now that I have let It grow back in long am I trying to be something ? No. I grew my hair back out. WTF.

[@metroteacher]

I’m TOTALLY white. But my hair has always been curly. I used to wear Shirley Temple curls, then my Senior photo is having an Afro (‘70s). At 32 I developed cancer and suffered the required chemo therapy and now my hair is almost straight! And white (formerly brown)! I’ve never felt the need to explain, apologize or excuse my changing hair texture and color. Everybody should MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS!

[@canelo1728]

Curly hair is a Caucasian feauture. Blacks have kinky hair, not curls. Only when they mix with white they get curls.

[@pkmcnett5649]

*Lots of people in my family have curly hair. No black at all, no Italian at all. *mother, great-grandmother, niece, nephew, sisters. My husband's dad's nickname was "Kinky" because he had very curly, black hair. No African blood their either.

[@babyboy562]

Afro? Sure Karen gtfoh tragic fixed Mulatto smh

[@beaujac311]

I'm black and when I was a child I hated to get my hair combed because it was so kinky. It was hard to pull that comb through my kinky (nappy) hair. Black people used combs with wider teeth because there was no way to pull a finer tooth comb through really nappy hair. That was then and now that I'm in my 60s my hair is no longer that nappy. I can now use a mustache comb to comb my hair. Hair texture changes as you age.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

Genetics are funny like that. Thanks to some Native American blood, I have straight hair (my facial hair tends to be wavy) However my brother, cant grow facial hair however his hair is blonde and wavy. Typical, males of European origin after puberty do not have straight hair. @@beaujac311

[@rondoellsworth]

Your natural hair texture is your natural hair texture. Let your soul glow and pay no mind to the haters. Quiet as kept, 'black' and 'white' aren't colors and you're not colorable (as in the legal construct). You're a natural person who understands the complexity of identity. You're courageous enough to go on that personal exploration to understand yourself, how you fit within the human family and are graciously having this conversation publicly. I applaud and appreciate your work They're just mad that you know yourself and they don't. Keep moving forward, Danielle...

[@xdshepard37]

What an awesome response.

[@josephsoto8294]

I just wanted to say that i appreciate your videos immensely! You're talking about racial/cultural/ethnic identity, within American society, and giving it some historical context, which is not done nearly enough! You are doing this in an intelligent and articulate way, i should add...which is great! Thank You ! 🙏 😊

[@MISTERALSTON]

People are just terrible. Danielle, keep doing what you are doing.

[@saywise1106]

The sad thing is that the whole "What am I and what does that mean?" issue should be a total non issue. The fact that "race" is so important to people is sad because the person, not the race, should be the important thing!!!

[@RendallRen]

The bright side of having a bigger audience is that you have so many more people who love you and gain value from the work that you do. Seek us out. Highlight our comments. If you give attention to these people it will just attract more.

[@nytn]

This is a great idea! ☺️

[@erinmac4750]

​@@nytn Also, if you are addressing negative comments or trolls in a video, you might want to black out their name, or not show their post because of a lot these folks do this to get attention and engagement. Even though these two examples are a little more articulate than most trolls, I would still consider them such. And, don't hesitate to report ones crossing the line. More may pop up, but if they're ignored/reported, depending on the comment, they'll eventually go elsewhere. It's crazy that we have to deal with "infestations of trolls" in our internet-scape. 🍀✌️😎

[@nytn]

That’s a good idea!!

[@RbNetEngr]

There are so many people out there who lack confidence in themselves, and have low self-esteem, and social media makes it easy for them to anonymously pour hate onto other people and get away with it. Don’t waste your time acknowledging these people, or trying to help them understand your thoughts, motivations and ambitions. Keep up with the great work you are doing, and ignore the haters. It is a real enjoyment to follow your ancestral explorations. For some, you are helping to define some worthy paths that they can follow to pursue their own ancestral backgrounds. For others, include myself, I have very similar ancestral background to yours (Sicily) and I have learned more about this side of my ancestral background as a result of following your research.

[@dorrissmith1427]

Thank you for being such a critical thinker and sharing so much of yourself. I love your channel.

[@xdshepard37]

Facts

[@christopherwellman2364]

Not even close, somebody's jealous 😭

[@ThepurposeofTime]

This woman is doing very important work. Too bad so many people are too stupid to understand that shes breaking the nonsense we've been forced to believe for hundreds of years

[@xdshepard37]

Facts

[@jeffreymassey5541]

Don't pay any of the "haters" any attention. No one on this earth can control who is in their ancestry and that's a fact. Keep up the good work. 👍👌

[@abrahambendavid.7474]

All black people here in America 🇺🇸 have white ancestors 😂

[@KAH-7]

Not all of us, and I've s👀n ancestral DNA test results that have shown so, but the Vassst, majority of us do. I'm an African American 47 year old man, from the year before Rachel and Kanye's, who's 25% European ethnically/ancestraly.

[@gagoomt4076]

True. In Ghana we refer to African Americans as “obruni” (white) they get very offended because they consider themselves as far from white West Africans see them as acting and appearing as white people though (mannerisms, values, etc) It’s a big shock for them to be called “white” as they have been placed as the global vanguard of “blackness” by America

[@sesaydeen]

Most white Americans have black ancestor too.

[@canelo1728]

@@sesaydeen Nope. Only blacks and you can tell it in their features since they dont look exactly like somebody from central africa.

[@mickey10jb80]

I think most do that have lineage from slavery

[@S5King7]

I like your hair! I don't know how anyone could think someone's natural hair is appropriated? You just have to ignore these negative people.

[@Sonia-xu5dv]

Your hair is what it is, beautiful curls your heritage from your family, not even close to Rachel's situation...!!

[@Gift-ll4nv]

But Rachel does actually look like she has distant black ancestry.

[@batescave]

And I have resented the "color" boxes forever!!! (since 1970s) I've always wanted the "light in the winter, darker in the summer" box!! haha!!

[@nytn]

Yes!!

[@calinola7957]

A lot of non black people have curly hair. I say this as a black person, the root of OUR issue is that we (meaning the black American community) need to stop identifying people who do not have 2 black parents as a black person. This would solve a lot of confusion and unmask a lot of racism. This woman clearly is not black even though generations ago someone in her family was and there’s nothing wrong with that.

[@kantakouzini]

Exactly! Beautifully put

[@sillysil2006]

We didn't invent the one drop rule so we don't have to do anything!

[@mickey10jb80]

I don't think you have to have 2 black parents to identify as Black.

[@mickey10jb80]

There are people that are mixed but look Black. I'm not saying a mixed person has to identify as Black but if they choose to, I don't see the issue.

[@coreylevine8095]

You can have Black Ancestors but still be classified White no matter what other people think

[@davidbudka1298]

My question to the viewer’s comment at the beginning: “What if you are of a complex ancestry, not white, brown, black, what have you?”

[@FedUpSista]

Race is a Social Construct.

[@nicoperrin1060]

That's right you are correct.. there's only one race that's the human race. The Bible only use the word race to describe different people at all so yes you are absolutely right

[@nemomarcus5784]

Yep.

[@javierdenardo2607]

The way it is handled, but people are not all alike in appearance.

[@fodaykamara9440]

I appreciate you sharing your story. I’m a West African and my wife is an Italian/Irish American. Our daughter has my wife’s complexion. I do think ethnicity is important to understand when discussing history. These hateful people are too caught up on the real truth about history, culture, and heritage. Some of these people would be shocked if they checked their DNA and stopped looking at history from a biased narrative.

[@stephanienwadieiiamhybasia]

Ignore haters. Telling your story is just that. There is no “race” police here. I enjoy your sharing. We have similarities and differences, which makes us interesting.

[@down-to-earth-mystery-school]

It’s sad that people don’t understand curly or straight hair is not necessarily assigned to particular ethnicities. 51% Irish, very wavy hair when I air dry. My good friend is Mexican/native, hair very straight.

[@moonbay2399]

Unfortunately some people can't wrap their head around people being mixed😢

[@jjdinanno4147]

So good. Love your approach to the trolls. This is how you change hearts and minds. You don’t get angry, you go deep. I spent much of my childhood wondering why people would so directly tell me and my family we weren’t Italian because we are too white. It screws with your self identity. Hated it. Then, I spent two +weeks in Italy being frequently identified in Italian as a fellow Italian. I knew then, deeply, that there was nothing off about my ancestry. There are many shades to Italy and Hollywood has painted us all one shade. As much as Americans would like to think the world is mixing like we mix, it isn’t really. An American with identified mixed ancestry is an anomaly to the rest of the world. It confuses them. Which brings me to Dolezal. She desperately wants an ancestry she doesn’t biologically have. I get that. Maybe there is a mix in her dna that she can latch on to. I dunno. But, I get wanting to be a part of a group, any group one has an affinity for. There is a human need at the core to understand ourselves as individuals.

[@-parttimeartist-7379]

I'm sorry you experienced that ugliness. You'll have to excuse some of us. For a certain segment of the U.S.A we have been lumped into a category despite our protestations for centuries. This category has dehumanized us to the extent that a lot of us have troubling reconciling the past and present. This leads to people being irked when they feel like someone can pick and choose when to be categorized with us. Your journey has been elucidating and great to watch as you discover where you come from as well as where you are going.

[@mariashawver8843]

It's your natural hair and its beautiful! Keep being you!

[@carolwoodward6141]

If you change your mind to straighten your hair from time to time, it is OK. Us girls change our looks sometimes. Lighten up, folks.

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

I remember discovering your channel in the Finding Lola days and things were so much simpler. It’s amazing how agitated and worked up some have made themselves as they dig through the “crayon box” looking for that one crayon that matches you. 🙄 I like that are continuing with sharing your discoveries regardless of the “ones in the back”. 😉 TFS! ❤

[@pete6300]

@ 10:11. I totally agree with this sentiment Danielle. I am a mixed person that was an oddity growing up in the south because I refused to choose. I have always referred to myself as mixed. A lot of "white" "black" and Latinos made fun of me. I did it because I loved and respected both sets of my Grandparents. Denying either side didn't feel right.

[@zigm7420]

I feel your pain. When I decided to stop relaxing my hair, some people were appalled, especially since I’m pretty pale, and accused me of hiding my background and having pretended to be something I’m not, due to my hair having been straight during the time they knew me. I definitely lost some friends over that, which is just so ridiculous.

[@mickey10jb80]

Isnt it confusing and complex? The way America has mixed race and ethnicity together but they shouldnt be interchangeable. Because in reality there is a Black culture that is much deeper than skin color. BUT on the other hand when we use terms like white, we arent talking about culture 🤔. So I see what you are saying. When we say Black in America it encompasses more than skin color a lot of the time. For instance, if im doing an internet search for hair products or styles, I put "black" in the search and what I need comes up. If im looking for certain music, dances, makeup, literature, recipes, or art, if I put Black before it, what Im looking for comes up. Its culture. I dont think the terms "white"(race) and "black"(race and culture) mean exactly the same thing all the time in America. What are your thoughts on this? I think the Black subculture created in America is so unique because its not from Africa. Its not African traditions. It was created here in America. They are Black American traditions.

[@jamesdoyle2769]

"I don't think the terms "white"(race) and "black"(race and culture) mean exactly the same thing all the time in America. What are your thoughts on this?" My thought is that you're absolutely right on this. Black refers to a community, basically an ethnicity. White doesn't. White is a basket term like Asian or Latino; none of those imply a community with a common historical experience or sense of solidarity. (Pay attention to the way "Latino" is received among many Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. They are La Raza and proud of that.) You're also right about the uniqueness of African-American culture. It has African input of course, but there's Celtic input too, and it's pretty English in some ways, but that hardly makes it European. The music in particular is absolutely unique.

[@mickey10jb80]

​@@jamesdoyle2769 Yes! You get it. I think a lot of confusion comes because sometimes when people hear "black" they think it's only about the skin color and physical features but a lot of the time we are talking about our culture. Our shared experience and all the beautiful, unique things that came out of that. When people sometimes say they are colorblind, it feels like they are refusing to acknowledge that a real Black culture exists here which feels like disrespect and an attempt to minimize who we are and our identity. BUT maybe there is a miscommunication. I hope people can eventually understand that Black America is a subculture

[@mickey10jb80]

@Mimi_622 I agree with you on that. There are also those that are black by race that live America but not African American or Black American. Haitians, Jamaicans, Afro Latinas etc. That's why I say it's so complex. Black is a race and there is also a separate culture. African Americans or Black American culture usually refers to those that "lost" their culture through slavery. A lot of the culture was created during and after slavery. Now Creoles created their own culture. There may be some that are considered black by race but not part of African American culture or Black culture

[@tylerdurden7142]

Clearly some of the posters left bad faith comments while others have a warped perception of what ancestry and "race" actually mean, without realizing it (i.e. many, perhaps most of us in the Americas have backgrounds with genetic admixture from around the world). You've addressed your detractors in a concise unbiased informed manner. Hopefully they can develop an understanding that the world is not and has never been black and white. Their mindset drives so much of the world and it's toxic and unscientific. What's wonderful about you is that you embrace your entire lineage whereas many of our ancestors either denied their heritage in shame or out of necessity/safety. Fortunately none of your detractors can make you reject any aspect of who you are, nor can they rob you of the joy in knowing who you are. Your passion and curiosity is infectious. Very happy that your channel exists.

[@danschneider7531]

Some of these commenters are just insane. Look at it as they are giving you free topics for videos; in essence you get to monetize their insecurities directed at you.

[@JustRyanFromNola]

Look,I’m mixed by way of Sicilian,mixed with German,mixed with Irish ,mixed with African,mixed with some Mesopotamian linages,and I’m from New orleans.. If they don’t like you,or it,or what you’re doing,and if you aren’t already married,we can just sit around and pretend to be confused to them together,because I get you.. Otherwise,keep up the good work..

[@teena4rl211]

I love your channel. It is honest, open and real. Many Americans know they have mixed ethnic ancestry. However, until commercial DNA testing, most of us did not know we also have mixed racial ancestry. I am proud of all of my ancestors, irrespective of their race and nationality. Their courage and determination to survive by whatever means necessary--whether it was to cross the Atlantic in steerage to seek a better way of life or pass for white in the segregated South--is the reason I am here.

[@user-im1qn8wi8l]

Hello Danielle! I love your channel, your approach, your curiosity, and your willingness to share and explore. Thank you for always providing thought provoking and insightful (and darned interesting) content. Keep doing you (I know that you will)! So much more that I could say, but perhaps it is enough for me to let you know how much I appreciate you. As always, I am looking forward to whatever comes next. 🎉❤😊

[@GhostSal]

My sister’s hair is very much like yours, she used to iron it but has gone natural for years now. Don’t let people that define their entire existence by skín color and race get to you. People like that aren’t worth the stress and they will never be happy. Thank you for sharing your journey and sharing some Italian history in America as well.

[@carolwoodward6141]

Please don’t objectify people by their hair, skin color, or physical characteristics. We are all human beings. Go, Danielle!

[@sunspots6077]

You shoulda seen my permanant fro back inb the 70s!.... What I really like about NYTN is her straightforwardness and how she does not get caught up in all the nutty trolls BS

[@ThePillsburyDoughperson]

That side by side picture is hilarious!

[@TheLauren1113]

Lots of people of fully European descent have naturally curly hair. That’s ridiculous.

[@malindamcpherson6156]

Absolutely 💯! It's like thick frizzy wool if it's not taken care of ! Both sides of my family are Northern European Caucasian and about 7 total have that hair , the rest do not .

[@Србомбоница86]

You look like typical southern italian to me ,here in Europe no one will think you have ANY black in you,I have to say I do notice you definitely going pro black on your channel ,I dont mind it, but I notice in USA you have to be very careful when talking to blacks so I notice it with you aswell,that you soften your talk when talking about anything black, but I LOVE your channel ,I think is very unique , keep doing your thing

[@canelo1728]

Exactly

[@MsPeabody1231]

You clearly don't know many people of mixed heritage.

[@minichris11]

"pro-black" what do you mean by that? Is she so-called "pro-black" because she doesn't shy away from her African ancestry or speak disparagingly of it? She seems very authentic to me and comes across as a woman who is accepting of everything she is. She is also American, so perhaps you being European you don't have a very good understanding of how things are here. It can get very volatile around discussions around race. Our history has similarities to that of some European countries, but still unique.

[@Gift-ll4nv]

@@MsPeabody1231 I agree, she her mixed race heritage is very apparent with her hair natural.

[@BluEx22329]

thanks for being mature

[@batescave]

And the first time I heard you say that you straightened your hair I thought, "Why?!?! I love curly hair!!!!" Actually, I love everyone's natural hair, but I appreciate that some people love changing their natural to something else and that's good for them.

[@panchovilla1404]

Ignore all ignorant comments and be you💯

[@DerekFrazier2014]

You’re doing great and I love your quest. F the gate keepers ❤❤

[@64north20west]

Many people are scared to be as honest as you. Stay the way you are!

[@user-iq2yp1dn1q]

A thought that always occurred to me is how I relate to my ancestors in terms of how I live my life, I do not live my life they way they lived theirs. More specifically, I wondered what would really happen if I were to face a distant ancestor in person, what would they think of me, and what would they think of me being their descendent. I imagine a lot of them would distance themselves from me, or worse. It is interesting to consider the relationship from their perspective, in the times they lived through what would they think of discovering us as their descendants.

[@giorgiorusso6639]

Don’t listen to the haters you’re content is really important. People really don’t understand anything outside of the boxes and lines that our society has written. Your content and your research are great and insightful. I am also a Louisiana native with strong Sicilian bloodline.

[@stephanienwadieiiamhybasia]

You right. I see You.❤ Sharing your face makes you a real human being, just sharing a little more about your roots experiences. Well done.🎉

[@Danny-fs1hk]

You are as authentic as they come. Forget these haters. They need massive therapy and a hug. Thank God that you’re not related to them. SMH

[@michaelrochester48]

The thing about ancestry and identity is one can claim to be any nationality you want to be, but the DNA doesn’t lie. It’s up to us to embrace whoever we are and get to learn about the cultures that we genuinely own by our ancestry. We can admire Ancestry of people we have no connection togenetically but to claim we are people we are not is ridiculous, infantile, and disingenuous

[@elleanna5869]

Dna lies a lot and fails often. People are very poorly informed about it and take these mainstream tests too seriously. Also, the fact is that your real belonging is your culture , your history, the ancestors that actually shaped your life and can relate to - not some weird bedmate from centuries ago that happen to leave his/her dna by chance - violence or whatever. Dna happens, nationality and ancestry (family you can relate to) are real life and identity.

[@HabitualLover]

I saw the title and ran over here. I subscribed a while ago after watching a slew of your videos. I know that's your natural hair. I like your channel because you are doing honest work, and you are not using your racially ambiguous appearance, nor your measure of African-American ancestry towards any negativity or harm to unambiguous African-Americans (such as myself). It's deeply bittersweet to me that it's only the lack of African features in you that gives the amazing information you have credibility with the type of skeptical, indoctrinated individuals society is now overrun with. Thanks for all your work and research. Please don't let others' ignorance stop you nor corrupt you- because you are actually a godsend in a way- giving visibility to people who have been pushed completely out of the picture (because the algorithm's programmers don't "prefer" us) but here you are with the appearance they do prefer telling the same truth we would tell. That is rare and amazing. You're a treasure.

[@user-ky8wb7qy9e]

People who are insecure about themselves tend to project those feelings on others. I deeply dislike when others want to put me in a "box", and usually tell them where they can stick that box😊 Your natural hair is beautiful, and the way you're exploring your ancestry is just awesome. Your words and the expressions you make while talking just radiants love. Only a person with "issues" could find fault in that.

[@bl8550]

Well, this is social media. It hosts a community of bots, clowns, negative-dwellers, and more... in addition to those who impart value and share knowledge. The sentiments expressed by most commenters on your videos is all that's worth caring about.

[@remlemac]

Danielle, just keep being you, it's so refreshing. ❤

[@nytn]

Wow thank you😌

[@EastTennesseeMountainRanger326]

Curly hair is not just a black thing. I have two female cousins, a redhead and a blonde, who in the seventies and eighties had natural 'Froes', so to speak. Their mother, my aunt, straightened her hair in the same manner black folk do because she had very tight curly hair too.

[@user-pw3uh5zn2r]

Keep going forward Danielle, your doing good. Thank you for your programs.

[@douglashoppe310]

I think you do a great job traversing a sometimes sensitive subject. All of your descendants will be proud you and the work you are doing.

[@nytn]

That is such a compliment, thank you

[@Benny_San]

Keep fighting with the truth ! No matter the reactions. Humanity is full of lies and emotionalism. Push back can be expected

[@erics9213]

The conversation on race & colorism is masterfully navigated by you and I continue to be amazed by your posts. Fantastic work.

[@andrewoneil2191]

It’s amazing how these people choose to criticize you because of your hair and completely ignore all of the facts and historical background you provide with total transparency. You have been completely upfront about who you are and what this journey means to you. It bothers some narrow minded that you challenge their perceptions about race.

[@KeseSoprano]

You're amazing. Keep following your heart & path. My family is super mixed so I understand, hear & feel you.

[@BluEx22329]

i went to Mauritius (mostly east Indian and black African people) in 2030 an as soon as i ties my locs back, the locals thought i was from that country. phenotypes an anthropology are an interesting thing. i have a small bit of Pakistani genes in me an they said i could see it, but i think it was just cuz i tied my hair back lol

[@profharp]

East Indians and Pakistanis carry Black genes, too. No coincidence THERE.

[@TheKitschBitsch]

Ignore the trolls! You never needed to explain yourself, be proud of yourself with your head held high. You have educated so many people about the Melungeons and have discovered my family may be part of this ancestry. Without your channel, I would have never known about this. Keep up the good work. You’re amazing!

[@ronwinkles2601]

As far as the Melunguns of Hancock Co., TN, it was always said of them, "They are just Black enough to be beautiful." I must add this applied equally to the women and the men. My wife and I are delighted to have a Melungun daughter-in-law and her entire family as part of our family. My ancestors have been neighbors of the Melunguns since 1794, and they are all considered "Over Home" kinfolks.

[@DavidLongo22]

LOL! No. YOU have integrity. I grew up with very curly hair (I was born with it).

[@rocketreindeer]

Thanks my sister for framing it in such a thoughtful, clean, and positive way. I've dealt with this kind of stuff for all my life - when I'm dark, getting treated one way, and when I'm lighter, another way. This concept of others having the right to decide other people's identity from their own subjective standards is political and not spiritual. And in my understanding is not honoring of ancestors. A friend of mine from the Rez who has naturally dark skin and once black (now grey) hair told me since they've grown personally and found healing in themselves that they no longer feel the need to question the identity of different-looking people who tell them they're Indigenous. Because my friend no longer has the personal feeling of sensing everyone's out to get them, and is secure in their identity. Now they're an Elder and at home in their own skin. That's what we call hearing the drum the Creator gave us. The people commenting that you mentioned.. I wonder how they'd feel if they saw a Native grandmother with dark skin and black hair with a blonde, curly-haired white kid? Because I know people like that whose kids and grandkids are a different color. Are they gonna go up and tell them, "your kid's white, they shouldn't be allowed to dance at a powwow." This is a very thin puddle to live a life in.

[@nytn]

You are right. This is often a reflection of the insecurities and pain the other person has experienced. Not that it makes it right, but we can try to understand “why” and maybe bridge the gap. Not always, but it’s worth trying.

[@rocketreindeer]

@@nytnI remember when I was young, that person being very suspicious and terse with outsiders because they felt they were all out to destroy Native people and them personally. When I was acknowledging this kid at a cross-cultural day on the Rez who had white skin (not olive) and curly brown hair, and said, "you know what? That kid is Native on both sides of her family and that's the colour she turned out!" And the elder broke into a kind, warm smile and said, "that's awesome. When I was younger I never would have believed that was possible. But I've changed." Now whenever I introduce kids from our youth programs to this elder, she beams warmth and kindness to them, even if they are pale and don't tend to resemble photos of people by Edward S. Curtis. Another elder who was taught by an uncle who lived to 99 yrs old and knew the culture, told him many times, "being Indian is not a skin color."

[@nytn]

That is really beautiful. Maybe the Irish will accept me now ♥️😅

[@rocketreindeer]

@@nytnI used to subscribe to this channel, I think called "Irish Girl"? She was nice but I mean, I don't need to subscribe to five million channels. But she was saying once that skin tone is not how you judge someone as Irish necessarily. Obviously there are racists everywhere, but not everyone in Europe has the binary black/white skin colour stuff we're taught in North America. When I travelled to Fiji and other places with friends, I saw that whole paradigm blown up. The whole world does not see things the way we do in North America. Like, some of your trolls are so, "this is the way it is." It is not.

[@nytn]

I will look her up! Also/ I’m glad you are here with me on mine!☺️☺️

[@omarkelly5478]

I'm black I mean black and I'm a fan through you discoverying your own family lineage I have learned a lot of things I didn't know about the history of African/black history in the Americas and to me you have shined a light on the contribution of African/black people that lead to today's society and guess what we're all mixed that's just the way it is and there's nothing wrong with it as long as you acknowledge it and learn from it in a positive way but it seems some people are still triggered by this and that's not your problem it their problem

[@joebailey3133]

Excellent work as always, my sister! I have learned a lot from your videos. Many of us will never know our history more than one or two generations back in parts of our family because the elders were embarrassed to tell their decedents due to slavery, later mixed marriages and hidden inbreeding done between close cousins to keep their light skin and the privileges it gave them and some were even lighter than Caucasians and couldn't tan more than most of them. My 100+yr old Cousin once told me something similar to this when I asked her about a picture of a teenage girl from the early 1900's in her scrapbook that looked just like my Mom at that age, and she explained why she didn't know. I have gotten some good clues from you about light skinned free Blacks of that era during slavery, just after slavery and later, that our DNA testing can't really explain when giving percentages. Thanks for all your hard work. :)

[@elligilberg1564]

I’ve watched from the beginning- it’s been a fascinating journey. You’ve been honest with yourself and your viewers the whole time. I have said before, I love your curls and wish I had them! Keep up your work- go to Ireland- we will follow!

[@nytn]

I’m trying to get Irish citizenship! My great great grandpa was born there, but I think I’m once too far removed

[@corykeyes6635]

Hello, Danielle. I really enjoy your commentary. Your topics touch on many historical and sociological studies in academia. I am very interested in talking with you about this. I, like you, have questioned the roots of my ancestry; and as I have gotten older, I am taking the correct steps to ascertain my ancestry. In my family, both my father's and mother's sides, identity was talked about: one side was very color-conscious and the other was not. My birth city, Chicago IL, has a dark history regarding perceived race, and ethnicity. There is much I would like to share with you. Please let us have a talk. Thank you for the commentary.

[@giorgiodifrancesco4590]

You are American. It's normal for you to be mixed, precisely because you are. Don't let anyone pigeonhole you. You are yourself. The only thing I'm sorry about is that a lot of people are fighting to tribalize your society. They want to pigeonhole people into tribes and then identify the people who are guilty (regardless of what they have done) and the people deserving of compensation (regardless of what they have done). This is not good at all.

[@bayyinahzhaxx7620]

We all have our history and battles. I'm learning right along with you. Do you!

[@NashvilleNative3113]

Omg... I'm so glad to have found your channel! I've been binge watching you. I'm also in Nashville but I've been here my whole life... Welcome!

[@nytn]

Welcome!! So cool

[@zillavale]

The comment you made about people not saying reds or yellows anymore is such a thought-provoking point. I've been eluding at the fact that identifying by these false colours is so silly for a long time

[@MJ-hg1mk]

B/c none of it (skin color based classifications) makes any sense. & Everyone who studies the matter formally knows it.

[@zillavale]

@MJ-hg1mk yeah but the issue is that MOST people don't study it and that's why it's annoying