One Woman's Story-Tonya

Soft White Underbelly interview and portrait of Tonya, a woman in Brooklyn, New York.
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#swu #softwhiteunderbelly #Brooklyn #documentary #marklaita #newyork #mentalhealth

[@zainvibes21]

I have worked with Tonya at the store where she is a manager. She is an incredible friend and truly an amazing person, the kindest soul you could ever meet. Tonya, I am so proud of you for being so strong. Your story touched my heart deeply, and it is truly heartbreaking. I wish you all the best in life, and please know that I will always be here for you❤Love you!

[@ThisStoryMatters]

Great story! She does seem like a nice person.

[@neeks4237]

was the store shoprite supermarket? I think I know her as well

[@JasonSpielberg]

did u poo in her tolait wen u worked their asknig for a friend

[@portiawebb533]

✨🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡😘🤗✨

[@tpflipsen123]

She seems like a cool person.

[@nijahk7583]

I kept saying this lady looks familiar and then she said shes the manager at a grocery store. I definitely see her at least once a month at my local…. She has helped me out a few and she’s very sweet. God bless her.

[@ellispcp]

I knew I recognized her! I shop there every week so see her almost every time I go.

[@terranceof2007]

@@ellispcphe’s doing interviews in ny now ? Seems like a sweet lady sad think she has a lot more to say too

[@janetcw9808]

Please pass on my best wishes from UK, I really admire her 👍🏼💪🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️❤️❤️

[@neeks4237]

is the store shoprite supermarket? I think i know her as well

[@marathongirl27]

@@neeks4237it’s best not to reveal her location. 💕

[@neeks4237]

i have worked with Tonya in the past at a local supermarket. She is a very respectful and kind woman. All my coworkers loved her. This is Nico Tonya i hope all is well with you. Shocking to here you went through this. God bless you and continue to be humble and kind

[@nancyoyola1562]

She’s a strong beautiful woman that’s been through so much. God bless her

[@JasonSpielberg]

she has never exparienced the horors of an itchy butt hole HELP ME

[@kerstiZweidorffDokken]

So sorry you had to go through that violence so young. The way this lady said "...and may be help others" in a humble way, was very impressing. You will be all right, take care and responsibility, and may God bless you and your family!

[@phillmellina]

One minute in, and I like this woman a lot. I know her already. My heart goes out to you.

[@bonniejean207]

No matter where a woman is (even in the streets), she should never be raped. Period.

[@ryakisi]

i was just thinking that. it was a weird question imo

[@drbvo9578]

She doesn't want to act like a victim, I think that is saving her. She admits she made some bad decisions but she knows by taking positive actions you can take yourself out of that. Short interview but a good message. Nice, intelligent lady.

[@kaylanewton4741]

Thank you for sharing your story. You are a strong woman and you persevered. So hard to lose both your parents.

[@JasonSpielberg]

no thank u

[@roshikay413]

Life got so easier for me when I started living for now & not later. Always choose you, because nobody else will put you at the top.

[@shawnee1153]

Ive adopted this mentality as well, im no longer worry about reaching my goals tomorrow or regretting not doing things in the past. I do what i need to pay for my essentials but i take more time doing things i enjoy. Reading, walks, playing games. I cut back on my work hours and live more frugally but it is definitely worth it

[@CallmeMeljustMel]

Tonya - It's never too late to earn a college degree, if that's something you truly desire. You could possibly study online. Thank you for sharing your story. Something that I learned throughout this life is that the many challenges and setbacks are mere chapters gearing us up for the next glorious adventure. Enjoy the journey. Many blessings ❤

[@aresleve619]

Very true...never too late. I'm 48 and slowly working on my degree ❤

[@dianemoxon9809]

This amazing, beautiful and determined woman exemplifies the best of our world. As a teacher I fought to keep kids in school even taught their parents how to advocate for them. School can be more than just a classroom, it has resources, and provides an example of "normal" situations. On the street there are no guardrails, no trust in others and rampant chaos. I am amazed and humbled by this lady's resilience and strength. I am so glad that she's in this world with us.

[@cookieb5029]

Proud of her to have overcome so much but is still moving forward 🙏

[@er1ns]

I appreciate Tonya sharing her story. She seems very real, self-aware, smart, logical and STRONG. Beautiful inside and out. I wish the best for you Tonya and commend you for overcoming so many hard obstacles in life. It’s not easy but you’ve done it.

[@ABrooklynClassic]

Tanya was my manager when I worked at said Grocery Store. She is a very sweet woman. In NYC minimum wage is $16 dollars and hour. I used to make minimum wage Tonya did not! She made more. She was also in the union and had been working for some time. I’m not sayings she’s making 6 figures but her pockets weren’t hurting. Yall be blessed tho.

[@neeks4237]

was the store shoprite supermarket? I think I know her as well

[@izzydeadyet7336]

I didn't like how mark almost tried to blame her for her rape! "Why do you think they chose you? Was it because you were in the streets?" Theres NO excuse for rape period!

[@AS-Whitefeather]

Victim blaming or shaming is ever appropriate. I agree with you and hope that Mark did not intend to do that and/or learn that is really mean and inappropriate. No one should ever be raped or knows why the any human thinks to harm/violate someone is beyond me as I dare say it's beyond anyone's comprehension nor reasoning.

[@a.leehilliard4716]

He is here for the money. He didn't care how he comes across.

[@godsnotdonewithyouyet6955]

Yea mark is starting to show his true colors 🙄 he said in another interview "why does it seem like African Americans can't get it together always in trouble " 😵‍💫

[@AS-Whitefeather]

@@a.leehilliard4716 Where's your proof of such a claim?

[@GiGi_to_3]

​@AS-Whitefeather for those of us that have been watching this channel for years, we know that Mark cares. He is a photographer, not a professional journalist so he may not always have the best way of asking questions.

[@barbara6962]

Mark You are Awesome for what you do for people ❣️ Please Don't Ever Blame the Victim of Rape. There is Absolutely No Excuse For Rape! None! I Honestly think that You Owe Her a Apology. Hopefully You Already Did. God Bless Everything You Do For Others ❣️❣️ You Are a Earth Angel 😇🙏❤

[@CatContinuum-u4m]

Mark, what the hell?! Asking her about why was she raped?! Please mind your questions more and have some consideration.

[@tumbleweed1787]

This woman is an inspiration honestly, real and honest. I wish there was a way to help her.

[@nadiamurillo255]

Thank you for sharing your story, youre incredible strong and brave!! Sending you love and hugs!! I’m also from Flatbush!! 🇹🇹

[@nakiamm]

The pain in her eyes, god place your hands on her soul and give her strength to heal, forgive herself, and grieve in your embrace!

[@Tenacious1952]

Tonya is a beautiful person - inside and out.

[@sarah2.017]

Tonya is obviously a very intelligent woman, and it sounds like she finally has her life together. Keep up the good work!

[@Drekjenks]

Interesting to see Mark’s attitude shift through these videos

[@kittah1111]

Minimum wage is not a living wage

[@El_Chuncho]

Quit yer complaining! You just gotta pull yourself up by the bootstraps and stop being lazy! /sarcasm

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

It was never meant to be. That's why you train or get an education so that you can and will advance.

[@g-h-l]

​@@naelyneurkopfen9741 education is a scam unless you are working in a very specialized field

[@twinpyramid5985]

@@naelyneurkopfen9741it’s a perfect world to people like you, always have the answers 😒

[@twinpyramid5985]

@@El_Chunchoreparations for the FREE labor of Foundational Black Americans would greatly help!

[@judithwilliams5320]

I love you sis I know you're a strong woman I didn't know you've been through so much but it made you a stronger woman God is with you you are a hell of a mom a great sister I will love you to the end of times and beyond

[@Sew-Ronica]

That's a terrible age to have mom pass. it hurts at any age but 15 for a girl.....😫💔

[@crankiemanx8423]

Such an intelligent & beautiful woman inside & out.i wish her & her family all the best for the future.love & blessings from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤️ 🙏

[@ericameador7706]

I wish this video was longer because I really enjoyed listening... maybe we'll get an update video in the future

[@er1ns]

I agree. Would love an update with Tonya!

[@kencopeland3471]

Thank you for sharing your story. ❤ wishing peace and happiness 🙏🏽

[@msdemeanour]

The path of excess leads to the palace of wisdom. She is a wise lady.

[@Chocolatesauce-1]

So sorry about how life turned out for you ma’am You seem like a sweet person admist being strong… You’re a fighter!👊🏾 Thank you for sharing your story, and I genuinely wish you a happy and fulfilled life❤

[@abirdine1]

mark- it's not the victim's fault if they get rapped

[@kwikky22]

He says the most ignorant things sometimes. Apparently, rapes only occur in the hood

[@jenn8459]

Brooklyn NY 💛

[@SweetDreamz0223]

For sure, Brooklyn, NY!❤

[@janetcw9808]

It doesn't matter whether she was 'on the streets' or not, that girl was violated 😢😢👹. I wish she was my friend 🙏🏼❤

[@EnterGoldenAge]

i reckon Tonya's got some good stories to tell. even her account of taking a trip. i feel if she could get more warmed up she'd have so much more to say. might she come back?

[@dexternorman6283]

Awesome video

[@rubyredd6366]

Tonya has a beautiful attitude despite what's endured as a child. Tonya, in case you're reading comments, firstly, thank you for sharing your story, it takes courage! You're a resilient woman with tenacity, as mothers, we're always supporting our adult children. I believe in you, and indeed, life isn't easy. However, it shows how brave and intelligent you are in receiving your GED, a positive step in the right direction. Have you considered applying for a job at a university in Admissions on campus or cafeteria and/or throughout various extentions of eatery places throughout campus? Wages are more than minimum, healthcare/dental benefits. If you're now in California, Noth UCLA and USC are always hiring, there's room for advancement. Tonya, please keep om shining. You are more than enough! Meditate, pray, and exercise indoors, it releases great endorphins. Blessings! ✨️🙏✨️

[@justinwinn01]

Flatbush here 🇯🇲🇹🇹

[@donseiler1307]

Great video, thanks.

[@justyne8627]

She had me until she mentioned stabbing a woman in the back. But then, I don't have the horrific background she had. And the sharpest thing about me are my words, given the background I did have. But she sounds completely honest, maybe more than I would be about such matters. I just think there's a problem with life itself. It's UNFAIR. It can be hell. I realized only fairly recently what a sick sex hunt exists for women and children and anyone who can be prey. I hope she's out of those fires for good and finds peace within herself - and has a much better future. So many on this show and everywhere you look really deserve so much better out of this crazy existence.

[@Zarasha1]

Wow I grew up in Brooklyn NY Flatbush and also Utica Avenue, in Brooklyn.

[@Etrielle]

I did not see the attempted murder coming 😱

[@regi3875]

@10:16 Mark, gang rape is not part of being in the “hood”. It can happen anywhere….suburbs, elite college campuses, military, office parties. Sometimes Mark will ask the weirdest questions.

[@beckymiller2006]

Awe, I love her! What a strong woman & so smart.

[@rickymilon8753]

Definitely will like to share some ideas and thoughts with her

[@jefryt67]

Love her accent

[@lf1496]

A real New Yorker. Unfortunately our accents are a dying breed. The South Bronx is still in my speech pattern💯

[@SweetDreamz0223]

That's our New Yorker accent!!!

[@NN-ht1lp]

Thanks Mark.

[@shondelbryant936]

No reservations thank you for sharing

[@mjp2615]

Excellent interview. Tonya, I wish you the best. ❤.

[@BeeKay4444]

Hi Tonya! You are a beautiful, strong woman. I wish you the best of life for your future 🩵

[@lindasamson62]

Mark sounds weary in this video. Whip I can only imagine his reasons to ask the same questions during these interviews, he seems tired and a little bored tbh.

[@OrlanduHolySwordsman]

Well, that escalated quickly.

[@truecrimewithdc]

Bless Tonya. I didn’t like the interview style. He seemed to blame her. It’s never the victims fault when you’re on your way to a friend’s house and you’re gang rapped by four guys.

[@mayamelina6]

I’ve said the same thing… I have to think about the what ifs so that if it does happen it doesn’t hurt so much…

[@lisakrieg3076]

She seems like a nice lady... hopefully she stays out there safe. ..

[@ashtonhammond1302]

Strengthen your weaken ego to forgive unforgiveness. Let go bitterness with proper action!

[@mariemasters1728]

What a beautiful soul

[@Love8907-o1q]

And I hope she didn’t paralyze that young lady stabbing her in the back. I’m sorry but she should have got more time for her crime that’s awful

[@PamAftertheStorm]

Being Assaulted is not part.of "Being in the Hood" or even "Being fast".....Seems conversations are Reverting here a little bit 🤔🤔

[@kfern099]

Where is this wonderful "hood" you speak of? I'm sure all the impoverished people that currently live crime-ridden neighborhoods would like to know. They aren't necessarily choosing to be surrounded by violence/crime.

[@PamAftertheStorm]

@kfern099 Since you took my entire comment out of the context it was written in, I will leave YOU to figure out where a " Wonderful hood" is

[@regi3875]

Expect more ignorance for the next 4 years from people like him. We work with them and even some of our family members are married to them.

[@kfern099]

@@regi3875 ok sheep

[@regi3875]

@@kfern099ok dude

[@blackcat1115]

Love to her ❤

[@cruelladevil1001]

Good for her on not pulling the race card.

[@tommyryan1311]

She sounds like a great strong lady!

[@myad3871]

I wish this video was longer

[@michellebouchard4427]

You can make a living off from minimum wage. Places are paying 20$ a hr to flip burgers at McDonald's or burger king. Look back in the day when minimum wage wasn't even 5$ a hr.

[@sup393]

No McDonald's is starting anyone at $20 a hour. Federal minimum wage is 7.25

[@holmanty5679]

Minimum wage is $20 in areas where the cost of living is high. It’s still not livable. I can’t do anything with $20/hr out here in the dc area. You have to consider region. $5 minimum wage is when everything wasn’t so high.

[@RobertSimone-u3t]

If you raise minimum wage the prices go up. Does not solve the problem.

[@michellebouchard4427]

@@sup393 get your head out of the clouds minimum wage started going up after COVID McDonald's and Burger King starting rates are between 15$-20$ and hr.

[@sophiko-lagvilava]

Thistoo short interview

[@candicebaker2663]

She's so sweet!!!

[@kailynplacko2586]

The way I feel like I needed to hear this story I’m from Trinidad my grandmother name is Tonya I feel like I understand her more from watching this

[@sylviaguerra440]

"Anybody can be dealt a bad hand." I loved Tonya's explanation at the end of this video. It's not all about her. It's about so many people that get overlooked. Thank you, Tonya! 💗

[@Itsjuststacey]

Is the show in New York right now?

[@docdoc4129]

👋🏻 Mark

[@edaissara]

She has dealt with some heavy shit at such a young age. Loosing Mom will kill anyone, nonetheless as a child. I’m so sorry for your pain Tonya.

[@letitiasd586]

Didn't know what was coming from this lady......😮😮😮 .... But I'm going to walk through my life a lot more carefully than i have been doing..

[@adreaddtingdisz]

omg Mark are you here?! Do you travel for the interviews or you have a set location and people come to you??

[@macifacezie]

Trying to blame a young girl by saying she was in the wrong place and deserved to be attacked is CRAZYYY

[@Godis4me1978]

❤❤❤ but why is he repeating was she sa due to being ing the street...no its because they were evil. Period. Victim blaming... plus she was pregnant

[@mhba4866]

You haven't been in her shoes to understand and sympathize.

[@bonniemiller4041]

Losing a mother at 15 years of age is very sad. It's devastating! It's very important to have empathy for other people, especially if they're trying. I wish her a better way forward.

[@bonniemiller4041]

Losing a mother at 15 years of age is very sad. It's devastating! It's very important to have empathy for other people, especially if they're trying. I wish her a better way forward.

[@simonjusticier333]

BS, he's doing an interview and asking questions. He's not blaming or shaming anybody. Grow up!

[@mhba4866]

Bless you 🙏

[@Charlotte66666]

Strong Mum ❤

[@angelabardo8820]

Hi too you jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life your in my prayers angel 😇 from brick NJ

[@princezzl5697]

I implore all of the viewers/fans of this channel to watch “Virtual Reality Hell: The Amanda Rabb Story”. Mark is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and his channel does not deserve the love and glorification it gets.

[@namaleereal7720]

Heavy stuff!!!! Very difficult to swallow.😢❤❤❤

[@JustinJamesXJS]

You didn't even watch it.

[@k-lashnikova0078]

My ex gf got rapped as well I still love her and she does too and wants to come back. But that rapping situation she’s been through recently is bothering me a lot and affect my decision. What should I do please?

[@ABOVETHECLOUDS007]

I understand it disturbs you and that’s understandable, but take her back , support her, love her and as a couple GO TO THERAPY ‼️But remember TRUST AND COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY♥️ AND AS FAR as Sex goes you can’t push her she been through a Trauma if yall love each other time will heal the situation with some therapy 💯GOOD LUCK

[@k-lashnikova0078]

@ thanks a lot for those words

[@ABOVETHECLOUDS007]

@@k-lashnikova0078 🩷🩷U WELCOME✊🏽

[@901mtn8]

When he says 'the hood' 🤢🤢🤢

[@lynnfraser7916]

God bless 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@adelacoffey2871]

Same, regarding her last statement!!😕

[@geraldford2377]

Wrf mark?! It wasn't "because she was in the streets" it was because those boys clearly didn't respect her or girls in general. God you're victim blaming and misogyny never fails to show

[@geraldford2377]

*your

[@faithf5846]

Your a strong beautiful women, Thank you for sharing. I will pray Isaiah 40: 31 for you. ❤

[@Aintnohollabackgirl]

Social security now that’s not an anywhere wage. Things are out of control today prices of everything are high. I’m also a pessimist…

[@trishmooneyham2782]

Mark haven’t you heard of Du Bois double consciousness? Of course it’s way harder!

[@WilliamWatts-uy5ln]

To those who feel Mark was presenting that Tonya set herself up to be raped. You're wrong. Mark didn't "almost" blame her. Get real. He's got to get her back on track. She started deflecting. She's running the streets, got pregnant at 14-15 years of age, runs up behind someone and stabs them in the back, gets pregnant again and you wonder why she winds up in the streets with the predators. Admits she didn't learn from jail but admits she's lucky she didn't get life. She was raped because she of her decisions (however wrong) that put her with the crazies on the street. For those newbies to New York or not from the area, this area didn't get gentrified until 2010 and when she was running the streets in 1990-2010 this place was wild. Mark asked a great question, but the critics missed the point. She knew them (the group), so this wasn't a stranger rape. She also said they were doing it to other females but still hung in the hood. This was wilding. Tonya now gives sage advice from her life, and you can see the tiredness in her eyes. She's lived three lifetimes and just wants to be left in peace. Mark just brought it out of her.

[@Sonia-cs2vw]

Wow how sad

[@kiecutielove2923]

I hate how Mark says things sometimes. Living hood doesn't mean people are going to rape you, and she is in no way to blame for what happened to her. I usually like Mark's interviews, but this one came across tone deaf and very insensitive. Rape is never okay

[@lisabouland8222]

Strong and beautiful woman ❤

[@mjp2615]

❤❤❤

[@ashtonhammond1302]

Everyday live like you might pass. Heaven is for the obedient children of God. Know the ESV before your death. Repent, or else hell fire be upon you. Last Days are here! God know your hear's condition, so no lies. Honest bravery, and dedication win every time!

[@Justme68ification]

🙏🏾

[@Natalia_ramping_shop]

Tanya baby 😢 Know you for many years!! Flatbush head…. 21st big ups!!! This is sad to know you went through soo much pain Much love mama!! Natalia

[@Khadijah_time]

😞

[@mddell58]

Hopefully, things will become a little easier after new president starts.

[@generalcomments1239]

There was a “situation”??? Oh please. You don’t attack and stab someone for a situation.