What happens to Black women and girls in a world without police? with Dr. Brittney Cooper

Timestamps:
'
2:30 Why Breonna Taylor's death has gotten less attention than George Floyd's
4:40 Backlash for fighting for Black women and girls
6:30 When will Black women be more than an afterthought?
9:30 Erasure is hurtful.
12:30 Performative wokeness
15:00 BlackWomenStayHome hashtag
25:00 What is state violence?
30:30 Including Trans and Nonbinary people into our movements
32:30 Are Black women's needs being left behind in social justice work?
39:00 What happens to Black women and girls if we get rid of police?
55:30 Dr. Cooper's book Beyond Respectability
1:02:30 What we need from white women right now?
1:06:30 "I am not my ancestors" is dumb.
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[@ForHarriet619]

Join the Patreon or channel memberships! patreon.com/ForHarriet

[@swiggs_7]

"I don't like claiming positions I haven't worked my way through yet." WHAT A WORD! I'm here for the police/prison abolition conversation, however, we have to prioritize keeping Black women and Black children's (not just Black girls) safety at the center. Also, what are the alternatives? If you are talking about creating new systems in the place of traditional law enforcement, then WHO will be in charge of these new insitutions? WHO will fund these institutions? What measures or safeguards will be in place to ensure that these new systems don't fall to corruption? This is why the last conversation did not resonate with me as much, because there was a lot dancing around honest and fair questions.

[@louenatnine51]

Right! We need to think this through more. Disregard for black women's well-being won't just magically dissipate because the police force is gone.

[@swiggs_7]

@Carla D. Yeah...I am here for the protection of children, especially Black children PERIOD.

[@megg.6651]

@@swiggs_7 So, you prioritize the safety of black children over children of other races? Says a lot.....

[@swiggs_7]

@@Leo_Lise Thanks sis!

[@swiggs_7]

@Brittany S Thanks for this. I am disturbed that some of us are willing to throw away our black boys as if they too are not susceptible to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. I have a nephew and I have worked with many Black boys in the foster care system over the years...I'm not throwing them away.

[@trillawilla39]

‪“Our bodies are continually stuck in fight response. We fight to survive, and then when we relax, our bodies just fight themselves...” THIS WAS A WORD

[@ishaw500]

whew, this hit so close to home

[@sleeping2424]

@@ishaw500 this especially hits home because my mom has an antoimmune disease.

[@altameseosborne]

“If I can’t give you a ‘no,’ then my ‘yes’ means nothing.” Oooh, this discussion was so good and so necessary! I’m over here shouting!

[@juicyparsons]

this gave me LIFE

[@xBlackBunnyx]

I hate when people say “I am not my ancestors.” Like what does that even mean? Our ancestors were always fighters. Folks have been miseducated. 🤦🏿‍♀️

[@sumarew]

OMG 😲 this a thing?!!! I am not my ancestor??? WTF?!!! Black people! 😭😭😭

[@Natasha-kg1zw]

Wow!!! I can't believe people are saying that? What does that even mean? The reason we are even here today is because of how strong and how resilient our ancestors were. I don't know the details of how many of them survived but I know they survived because we are still here today. How many groups of people could have went through what they went through and still have a people here on earth? Not many. I think our ancestors deserve more credit and more respect than that.

[@lydialuke322]

most disrespectful comment! we wouldn’t be here, we wouldn’t be ALIVE if it wasn’t for our ancestors.

[@louenatnine51]

I think when people say this, they're more so referring to the turn-the-other-cheek mentality that does seem to be a popular stay-over for many black people's grandparents. (e.g., John Lewis' recent comments about thanking the cops who beat him) It's got some disrespect to it, but I don't think it's by coincidence that the non-black people who prod the black person enough to say that think they won't face any backlash.

[@moniqueloomis9772]

@@louenatnine51 Bingo! It's an overgeneralization and problematic, but that is the sentiment behind it.

[@ancarter87]

28:30 this point is so not talked about!!! Stress is a killer! Black women suffer in silence with chronic pain and illness! Thanks for this conversation!

[@Selanaxfanx]

With that being said, black women, please have someone to vent to. Not being able to express and communicate your emotions keeps stress in. I learned this after years of therapy.

[@TheWonderGirl23]

I have a serious question. Where do black girls and women go when they have no one to talk to? No social funded programs to go to in their communities. Or do not have the funding for mental health alternatives. Plus let’s not act like the older females in our families don’t have the language or want to talk about these issues to it causing them stress, anger, isolation, and depression as they don’t have the answers. Because that is a fatal long term killer. Killing black women through mental stress which leads to other issues from health to relationships.

[@_---__]

There was a study done by Harvard that showed medical doctors don't believe black women when they are in pain. The study was conducted with white and black women going to the doctors for the same thing. The doctors told the black women to give it time and sleep it off. The white women were give referrals to the best Occupational Therapist, best medicine follow up appointments, rehab doctors and more. Black women are always put last and its not right.

[@dappertharapper2484]

Sure it’s just black women ?

[@louenatnine51]

It's been disturbing to me that people haven't pieced together that just because you disband the "oppressive policing system", does not mean that the same racist disregard for black women will not mar whatever other system we have in place. You can build alternatives as much as you want, the root cause will in some way remain as long as the sentiment is there. Even if these alternatives were staffed by primarily black people in black communities, something tells me that black women may STILL get the short end of the stick - dare I say it - maybe even more so.

[@monica9070]

Stay getting the short end, and doing the MOST work.

[@infullbloomtime7479]

As a community we have a lot of trauma to work through,

[@feliciaa9463]

🙌🏿

[@limlim481]

they absolutely will, especially because colorism will still be rampant in these Black communities. there will still be a hierarchy of who is worthy of the most protection, and the same folks at the bottom now will likely still be there.

[@louenatnine51]

@@monica9070 Exactly - I'm tired of black women busting ass for other people and then being left out in the open. I'm not against alternatives to the type of policing we have now, but many of the people espousing police abolition have no knowledge of or experience with the neighborhoods that will need the most attention. Realistically, sometimes the unarmed social worker won't cut it.

[@Mindyourbusiness82]

THIS is the conversation other youtubers only think they're having when it comes to the true concerns of black women and girls. I watched this live on IG and am planning on watching again b/c it was so packed with great information, resources, and names to look up to learn about.

[@billywaynecoakley]

Mindyourbusiness82 I’m gonna be taking notes when I rewatch! PS: I love your handle! 😆😆

[@ForHarriet619]

I am going to make a video about this, but the notion that police currently protect Black women and girls is a fairytale. The best thing police do for Black women right now is arrest our m*rderers. We see these stories every day. Most of those women who are killed by their partners have called law enforcement before. They’ve done the things our prison system says we’re supposed to do when we’re afraid. The police do not prevent or deter violence against women (of any race) because they are not invested in it. They are not invested in it BECAUSE so many of them are abusers and r*pists themselves. They’d rather play with the new toys they get every time cities choose to increase their budgets than invest resources in the training or programs we need to stop gendered violence. Police regularly harass, humiliate, and abuse Black women and girls with impunity. They minimize our pleas for help. They refuse to process r*pe kits and enforce protection orders. A system that does not do everything in its power to keep white women and children safe (see: Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow) is not going to do the bare minimum to keep Black women and children safe. We are settling for a system that postpones violence when we could actually start doing things that stop it.

[@Mindyourbusiness82]

This! I've seen others say Black women need police to protect us but then leave out discussions on Breonna Taylor, Rekia Boyd, Aiyana Jones, Sandra Bland and SO many more. And those are the names of the women who ended up dead (and that we know about). What about the Black women who've been sexually assaulted by officers? How many black girls and women had to be assaulted by Daniel Holtzclaw before he was finally arrested? How many other victims of his and many other officers have never come forward or never will? Yes, I recognize that just eliminating the police leave Black women and children vulnerable so there needs to be something else, but let's not pretend like Black men are the only victims of police brutality.

[@Selanaxfanx]

@@Mindyourbusiness82The point is WHO will black women call? White women benefit from police forces statistically. Who are you calling when something happens to you. At least provide a better alternative if not reforms. Being realistic isnt leaving those black women out of discussions. Its a double-edged sword. For some black women, If there is a situational risk, she has to think about calling another potential risk to aid her. This is the world, it doesn't mean its okay or idealistic BUT it is the world! Our views should align with reality!

[@tommier5210]

Thier was an cop who was an serial rapist that was targeting black women.

[@msandrews87]

Exactly!! The point of defunding the police is to give those resources to a different group of people that will actually HELP us.

[@benjib0yyy]

Kim, you are 17372827 percent right that the police on the current form do NOT protect black women. I honestly think she MEANT to provide an alternative... Or atleaat I hope so. I do get part of what she's saying, or meant to say, and that's when all this is all said and done, there needs to be a legitimate, and notice I said LEGITIMATE, agency that protects black women. Really all people from viloence.

[@ChrisBrooks34]

Between Kim and Jouelzy and various guests they have on that I have never felt so grateful to belong to a group so eloquent and knowledgeable. They inspire me to do the work, to read, to learn and expand my horizons as broad as they can go.

[@reginaldfairfield]

Yes. 👏🏾

[@naturallyunruly8862]

Agreed!🙌🏽

[@agravery223]

Yup yup

[@eaje91]

Yessss👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@doodlegoose2262]

Lol eloquent and knowledgeable? Cooper? You must joking, or you’re just and racist as she is

[@Selanaxfanx]

“POC and women” this phrase is wayyyy too common. It triggers me and contributes to erasure. It prioritizes the womanhood of white women. I love how she said black women can’t be distracted, even if we try. We’re being attacked in an intersectional way as women, while simultaneously being black. And then even more so for darker skinned and/or trans women. I wish for a day where we are not ignored in the police brutality conversations.

[@Selanaxfanx]

@@victorybeginsinthegarden Sure, but at least a little more intersectional than most.

[@untalented7880]

YES!!!

[@Selanaxfanx]

@@victorybeginsinthegarden Or, they can exist simultaneously. Emphasis on "intersectional"

[@Selanaxfanx]

@@victorybeginsinthegarden Agree to disagree. Have a fantastic day!

[@nopereradicator]

@Casablanca Durant Breonna Taylor only has the benefit of time proximity to George Floyd. Don't be mistaken. No one cares for black women/girls. Light or dark skinned.

[@l.b.5187]

Society has made “feminism” a nasty word for Black women. Truth is we need to switch our repertoire to “Black women first”. We have to champion our own cause.

[@mft7530]

I often wonder if Black people really understand what feminism truly is. I think it being a dirty word in the black community is spot on. To our peril.

[@ImGonnaBlameTheMEEDUHSid]

Honestly it made it a nasty word to all women in the 90s, 2000s when everyone was so concerned with being "post-feminist" and a lot of that was Not Like Other Girls mentality. Honestly, and I'm sure you don't mean "Black Women first should be outwardly explicitly stated, but after many minorities harangued the Trump administration, famously carrying an "America First" slogan, such a concept is super risky. They came up with "They mean Only Black Lives Matter" to cast it as exclusionary. Let us be talkin about black women first. And we need all the help we can get to pull off our stuff. Giving potential allies the impression we don't gaf about them isn't too smart🤷🏾‍♂️

[@LoveNafi]

They don’t get shot up by police like Breonna Taylor. Honestly this movement needs to do more for us. Black women will not be invisible. We need just as much justice as any one else. But some times I feel like our collective is missing the mark.

[@swiggs_7]

BLM movement was started by three Black women in response to Trayvon Martin's death. It was also started with the intent of making space for more Black women + Black Queer folks. So when we talk about erasure I always found it odd that we never mention that fact also. Also, while I do believe that Black women + Black Queer folks can sometimes get lost in the fray, so do Black children and also many Black men as well. George Floyd's story has gotten traction like no other and yes, I do think a 9+ minute cell phone video recording is the main reason why.

[@swiggs_7]

@eys292 First off, I'm a Black woman. Second, like I said no one defers back to the founders of BLM (3 Black women) for accountability in this area. Third, I just don't feel "erased" in this movement, some stories get more traction than others...its life. Plus with a pandemic, everyone got time now. Fourth, I went to the Legacy Museum + Lynching Memorial in Montgomery last year, trust, women + children have not been erased from the history of lynching and mass incarceration in this country.

[@dolemitetcs8598]

@eys292 Please don't forget that Trayvon Martin was a child. I know he is male but he was not a black MAN he was a black child. I will never attempt to take away black women and their right to be angry at a system that continues to mistreat them. I also refuse to take away Trayvon's innocence and see him as a grown man in the way the jury that acquitted his executioner did. This disgusting system chooses to erase black women because, it easier to paint black male bodies "dangerous thugs" in the same way they did Trayvon.

[@dappertharapper2484]

But her boyfriend testified that she shot first

[@nonuora]

I think it pains me that black women’s lives are not treated as just as important as black men’s lives, especially when the entire world will be on alert if 1 white woman is missing or harmed. It’s harmful and reduces black women’s value.

[@queenmadhatter5020]

It's sad but as black women we must learn to put are selves first. I'm pro black female only.

[@jerrilynpapilon9611]

Right because wm prioritize ww lives over their own lives bm prioritize their lives over bw.

[@godzilla6490]

They saw the Ghetto Gagger website

[@voxomnes9537]

@@jerrilynpapilon9611 Do they really?

[@voxomnes9537]

@@queenmadhatter5020 That's a bad politic. No black feminism I know advocates for "pro black female only" when trans and non-binary black people exist.

[@manuelli88]

I am forever going to carry this with me "i don't like claiming positions I haven't worked my way through yet"...

[@kaydenevideo]

Me as well.

[@McKendrickFamily]

The lynching of Mary Turner who was 8 months pregnant, has been forgotten and virtually unknown outside of Southwest Georgia. Her incredible courageous actions deserve to be known. In 1918, Mary Turner dared to swear out warrants against the white men who killed her husband in a "lynching rampage". Terrorists kidnapped Mary, tied her by her ankles, hung her upside down, dosed her in gasoline, and set her on fire. Her baby was cut from her body and stomped. The newspaper headlines read, "Her Talk Enraged Them." The event was memorialized in the "Kabnis" section of Jean Toomer's "Cane".

[@jerrilynpapilon9611]

I read about it what a horrific story.

[@kanamexzeroxyuuki]

How horrifying. Holy shit. Humans can be real monsters.

[@unfazedjae2645]

I read that one. I literally felt chills when I first heard about it. People are disgusting

[@alext3480]

damn...

[@biteoftheday6374]

Wtf? The first I am hearing about this?

[@jhalaby1]

"A world that does not listen to black women...creates a context for more destruction for all of us" Dr Brittney Cooper

[@godzilla6490]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤦🏿‍♂️

[@AlwaysAmeera]

Omg!!! Feeling seen and heard! This interview is EVERYTHING! Dr. Brittney cooper is a breath of fresh air. I am buying everything.

[@sidneycovington7663]

My favorite part "if I can't say no then my yes means nothing." I felt that... she said a word

[@meagamontana]

??????????? Delusional!

[@beachbabe7789]

Can we please discuss how little Black girls can feel safe in their own home environment, first. As a teacher, I see so much physical aggression from Mothers toward their young daughters. This issue is problematic that has nothing to do with the government, black men or the police. Where is the outreach for black mothers to teach them to break the generational cycle of dysfunction?

[@WeCaredALot]

Black women need to let go of the social justice initiatives all together and be ruthlessly self-focused. Like damn, just stop caring so much!! Why is that so hard? Stop defending and wasting precious energy on a community that doesn't give a damn about you. People don't respect what comes easy to them so the more time and energy black women put into the black community, the LESS we're going to get out of it. You have to establish some kind of exclusivity to your energy. Constantly fighting for other people does not work because they will come to expect it for nothing in return. Damn.

[@tokingtalkedu4674]

The healthcare community already ignoring Black women with corona and letting us die from basic and curable diseases proves why we shouldn’t go out STAY HOME!

[@deidraholland2945]

Covid19 is a Globalist lie. This video is as disgusting as Stacy A. herself (She needs to get off her lazy butt and stop running that ignorant mouth. It is true they are dying do to the "Global Public Health Mafia" strategically placed across the Country (I'd even go as far as murder). When any person, black or white goes into a hospital for other underlying issues during this Covid19 BS they are automatically labeled Covid19 and they are often drugged and intubated unecessarily. Once you're on a ventilator, there is a good chance you will die or be maimed for life. Time to turn off this Obese Clown.

[@springfresh4344]

Deidra Holland A troll I see

[@syds8752]

Deidra Holland what’s the point of this comment?

[@gaetanomaximus8650]

Or just go and get the medical treatment that's available to you and quit bitching.

[@JasmyneGilbert]

Kim! Thank you for articulating so clearly how I've been feeling about "selfishness." For so long, I've gotten angry any time someone has used that word as an accusation against me, especially when there is so much proof to the contrary. People demand compulsory labor and martyrdom from women, especially Black women. I will not live my life that way. "We free around here."

[@PurelyNaturalWoman]

Yes!!!

[@naturalnubianprncess]

Hi Kim!!! Just wanted to leave a message from a longtime subscriber but first time commenter. You did not seem nervous or seem to misspeak at all. In fact, you came off the exact opposite and were very polished, engaging, asked poignant questions and led a very powerful interview/discussion. I really enjoyed this!

[@gabrielairizarryporrata6801]

I agree

[@adaku75]

Wow! You two need to team up more often. This was amazing. It is rare to see such courageous and truthful discourse about the plight of the modern-day black woman. And I say, let the men be on the frontlines, period!

[@qazanaQa]

When Dr Cooper said: " I believe our ancestors are showing up to these protests with us, showing up to these movements with us saying yes baby! Continue the work! We are with you! Our spirit is powering you!!" I got literal chills up and down my back because that right there is the truth! We do not walk alone! I too have felt them urging us on because truly; this battle against white supremacy is also spiritual and we need to come at it from all angles in order to overcome and create a new reality. Thanks you for this Kim. As a Xhosa South African woman living in Australia on Gadigal land listening to two Black American women; I can feel that there is power that connects us all, across all time and space.

[@CB-xz4cx]

I had a (white lady) boss who insisted (for editing a pop-culture book) that Black women had no interest in feminism until at least the 1990s, because they were only focused on general civil rights; also that Black women did not participate in any anti-war movements, for the same reason-this was the only “history” that she would allow in this book, since she had “lived through the ’60s” and knew that “they” only let people join (her words) one issue. She was also a grandmaster of evoking whiteladytears. Sadly, the type of books she edits sell well and are likely to spread this sort of “information” far and wide. I just had to comment to get that out of my head. It’s exhausting to have it in there bubbling; at least a small vent lets it settle down for a while.

[@celesteallen4584]

Dear Kim: while I do not always agree with you, I love you and this channel is so necessary for us. I learn so much and love your reading suggestions. Please keep doing what you do ❤.

[@untalented7880]

I spent the whole time screaming "YES" throughout this entire conversation. This needs to be on IG/ Twitter so it can be shared around!

[@raashid_kf]

Thank you both. This was a tough listen...very tough but it was very necessary. There were moments I felt sad, remorseful, hopeful, bitter and attacked because I knew deep down what you 2 were saying was extremely true, accurate and within me and a lot of other black men, e.g. to "assume" that the women will gladly hold us down and ask nothing in return, which is so unreasonable. Just because it was hard to hear doesn't mean it isn't true and it doesn't need to change. . It is lazy, complacent, disrespectful as a black man to think that you can't fight for racial injustice towards black men AND hold down, praise, highlight and defend our black women at the same time......when that's what THEY'VE BEEN DOING ALL THIS !@#$!!%$% TIME! . After watching a lot of LovelyTi, Eloho, Empressive, Chrissie, Paris Milan, Jouelzy, The Pink Pill, The Grapevine and your videos, I can say I'm starting to get a REAL, unfiltered view and perspective of the pain and dismissal that black women face literally all their lives. I honestly don't even know how you continue do it.....like...it is beyond me. . I hate that I'm part of the problem and that it took watching so many painful videos like this for me to go in the right direction. I DO think that black women being absent in these spaces will force MANY men that are not willing to watch videos like these, to "get it". . Black women, do what you have to do, the black men who recognize and change will become better for it and the ones who don't, deserve to be left behind. I will make sure I'm part of the solution.

[@SamMKKK]

Proud of you.

[@aleisia16]

Absolutely amazing conversation. I’ve been having a difficult time accepting the lack of outrage over Breona Taylor’s death. It’s lead me to not want to participate in these protest on the ground level. Nobody shows up for black women and I’m fucking tired of it.

[@MarkieMcG.]

Same Sis.

[@marluabarca7390]

"Saying 'no' is not about being selfish, it's about self-preservation!" Mm!!!

[@molivie1624]

This conversation was so interesting and gave me a new perspective to look at prison/police abolition. Kim is always introducing me to new people.

[@kellyflores4931]

“Whispered ally-ship isn’t ally-ship at all.” 💯💯💯💯

[@monimuppet6132]

"I do what I want to do. We free around here." Preach. I exercise mine on the daily.

[@TheMrsB13]

If I can't say "no", then my "yes" means nothing. - I LOVE THAT!!

[@SlytherinShark888]

Listening to Dr. Cooper always shakes me into a deeper understanding of misogynoir and the systems that uphold it. I am awestruck and reflective.

[@prettyqueen573]

Dr. Cooper is incredible. I definitely will be purchasing her book and following on social media. She is the only black women I've heard in the conversation of both defunding police and/or abolishing the system, center the safety and advancement of black women and girls. It's the constant question being ignored in our community where black men are more of a threat to our daily safety as black women and girls. This conversation was everything and so much more.

[@TheSomethingnew1]

I literally just read a tweet that said "Any black woman supporting police abolition or defunding the police is a mammy. You have put black men before your safety as black women and children". Credit: @dustie923 While I don't agree with the choice of words, it definitely makes you wonder about the safety of black women.

[@minuishaq631]

Yeah they could have made their point without saying mammy.

[@Selanaxfanx]

Minu Ishaq what would be a better word?

[@deannajohn1209]

Im against abolishing the police (they have a purpose and help black women) but defunding /reforming it and putting that money towards housing, health care, bettering mental institutions and schooling I support. Guess I’m a mammy then 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@minuishaq631]

A Turns A pick me. I would say they need to work on their internalised misogyny and ask them why they place men’s safety above their own.

[@minuishaq631]

Deanna John yes I read how high the budgets are for these police departments. The police needs to be demilitarised they look like invading forces during a war rather than the police.

[@yellowsun.1776]

Amazing conversation from two of my favourites. The same way people argue that all lives can not matter if black lives don't, it is not problematic to ensure the needs and concerns of black women are addressed in this fight. The trope of the solo male saviour, is tired and never existed, it's a myth and will get us nowhere without critique. Black women do and will always love and care for black men, that is not the question. Black women just want to be heard and taken seriously as our theory, ideas and innovative always push things forward...not just our diverse aesthetic.

[@TheLeksilijum]

I totally agree on the topic of "performative wokeness". I came to the Greens when I was 19 to save the trees and got caught up with feminism and racial issues and marxism and all that goes with it in the radical left... none of that interested me at that time, and I did have some questionable opinions as your average middle class white cis teenage boy... I am 30 now and over the years all the things that were rubbing off of me really started to stick, up to a point where it just became impossible for me not to care about those issues. I see a lot of my friends in their 30s going through what I was going as a 19 year-old and I can only have patience and provide them with support that I was provided with when I joined the movement. You know what I'm saying? A lot of us didn't even realize, some of us are still trying to look away... But thanks to you and this kind of work it's becoming increasingly difficult for anyone to look away. Thank you for all of this

[@AmsaH5]

Sometimes, you don’t even know what God is getting you into… what type of seeds are being sown.

[@kanampersand]

Hi Kimberly, I think the new merch will say, "pay Black women!" Also, I did not mind the pixelation, as I had this playing while cleaning the house. The WORDS encouraged my spirit and I am so proud of the work you are doing and for the mantle I get to carry with the help of my ancestors. We love you!

[@feliciaa9463]

Excellent video. I had some serious issues with Britney coopers book “eloquent rage” but I have developed a new found respect for her because of this video interview. I am glad to hear someone center the victims of crime in this “defund/abolish the police” movement. There are too many critics who don’t provide any realistic solutions and who have “pie in the sky” dreams about humans and human nature.

[@harmony323]

I’m curious to hear what your issues were with Eloquent Rage? I was thinking of purchasing it.

[@feliciaa9463]

H W I think you should read the book regardless of my opinions. It’s worth reading. Here are some of the issues I had. There were a lot of instances where she completely relieved some black women she discusses in the book of any personal responsibilities or agency in their actions/fates e.g her mother and corrine gains. Don’t get me wrong we face an uphill battle With racism, sexism, and a system designed to break us then chew us up and spit us out. But I don’t like the narrative that we have no agency and no responsibility for any of the decisions we make (even the bad decisions). There were also some contradictions in the book e.g when she talks about formally educated black folks patronizing black folks without a formal education, her praise of certain musical genres while attacking toxic black patriarchal systems e.t.c

[@ladycooper7925]

THIS CONVERSATION ❤❤❤❤❤ THANK YOU

[@ManningInterpreter]

Dr. Copper is brilliant. Thank you all so much for this talk! ❤️

[@j.c.maxena5352]

I loved this conversation. The focus of politics and movements has never been on black women and girls. Dr. Cooper did that!

[@jerrilynpapilon9611]

yeah it's on bm who care about themselves

[@daynamonet]

What a BRILLIANT conversation. I didn’t want it to end. I felt everything Dr. Cooper said in my soul and I will be reading her book Eloquent Rage promptly as it’s been in my wishlist for awhile. This conversation gave me goosebumps. Black Women Thinkers Matter.

[@demetriuswilliams1]

With having a best friend as a Transgender female , I appreciate you with all the inclusion for the lgbt community though out your discussions 🖤

[@HUeducator2011]

This was good and thoughtful...I lost my aunt and cousin to DV..I can't see abolitionising the police or public prisons until we find a way to protect black women.

[@feliciaa9463]

I am so sorry this happened to you.

[@kingofthebis1068]

There’s not an easy answer to this unfortunately

[@isaacroot5459]

Wow, the part about black women’s physical and maternal health was stunning. I’m going to do research on this because that’s so dire

[@JKandCounting]

Ancestral power is in us. It’s leading us.

[@Mimi8402]

Omg I’m watching Dr. Brittney right now on MSNBC! Thank you for being our voice!

[@simonewilliamson6766]

Thank you so much, Kimberly, for your wonderful guest Dr. Cooper. My heart was especially enlivened by the discussion on institution building within our communities. Healthcare is my primary issue of focus. We need clinics and hospitals that show proper care and professionalism. We have no safe places to go where we can begin to unravel the centuries-old collective ball of strife we're carrying. It's not as if I hadn't considered this issue before, but hearing it makes me know that others are as well. It gives me hope that I will find similarily minded collaborators.

[@miimosa679]

We need better people policing, real accountability, etc. Crime and violence will not be going away anytime soon so the police is necessary but as I stated first, police are needed... we just need people who are not racist, psychopaths, or weaklings trying to settle a childhood debt. It should be a job for the best and most capable not these people we've been having for decades.

[@CiaoColeG]

I agree. Police should be elite, like Navy Seals with high emotional intelligence and the strictest accountability standards.

[@dapabur1]

Pay them more and you will get what you pay for.

[@asmrcity3147]

Amazing. Dr. Cooper was spot on with her thoughts on “I am not my ancestors” just grotesque. I initially thought Kim was referring to white people asking to not be painted with the same brush as prior slave owners. Both mentalities are awful. Everything that has occurred historically can repeat itself. I have high reverence for the fighters who’ve come before me.

[@kaydenevideo]

I really appreciate how Dr. Cooper discussed black female social pioneers and activists. Incredible.

[@jerrahaynes1564]

Hey, i've been following you for a long time (sorry i'm a lurker) but i broke my silence to tell you i'm SO excited to hear you discussing things like police abolition and defunding and what form that might take. I was really interested to hear Dr Cooper's take about it potentially harming black women, but I'm with you in thinking the police don't actually help black women at all. Also as a nonbinary trans fan i'm so pleased to hear both you and Dr Cooper explicitly call out trans and nonbinary black folk as being part of your movement. I was at the Stonewall protest the Sunday before last and we chanted names like Tony McDade, Nina Pop, Monika Diamond, after a rally led by black trans women, and that was good but their names have been forgotten in the national conversation about violence against black people and the devaluing of black bodies. Thanks for making your support clear

[@Oxygen257]

I am going to take a different approach to this, so excuse the length. Confucius believed every person was innately good and with the proper education and communal endeavors, civilization could have a stable, unified, moral, ethical social order. People would discipline themselves. Xunzi believed human nature at birth, consists of instinctual drives which, left to themselves, are selfish, anarchic, and antisocial. Society as a whole, however, exerts a civilizing influence (laws & enforcement of laws) upon the individual, gradually training and molding him until he becomes a disciplined morally conscious human being. Mencius believed human nature has an innate tendency towards goodness, but moral rightness cannot be instructed or cultivated down to the last detail, because external controls always fail in improving man in society. What they are advocating in this video leans toward the philosophy of Confucius and this would take a millennia of generations and even then, no guarantees if you believe the philosophy of Mencius. And the way things are in this society now and the world, a complete and drastic change such as what they advocate would result complete and utter chaos. Talk about “The Purge”. And even if a modicum of their deconstruction worked, for how long? No guarantees, if you believe the philosophy of Mencius. As we have witnessed from the history of mankind from ancient times to present, the world runs basically by the philosophy of Xunzi. Even Adam and Eve couldn’t refrain from wrongdoing even though they were in a paradise. There goes those external factors. So how does a society function with moral men in an immoral society or with immoral men in a moral society? (Niebuhr) So many think they have the answer, but remember, one man’s utopia is another man’s dystopia. Excuse my pessimistic outlook in this, but kudos to them for thinking of some kind of change for the betterment of all no matter how idealistic it may be.

[@feliciaa9463]

This was a great comment.

[@iPursueHappiness]

I agree ☝️

[@songbirdlyricz]

I’m still getting my footing in academia and trying to be more active/less paralyzed in activism/organizing, and it helps so much to be reminded and inspired that all of that “dull” theory is actually trying to describe our lives and work for us (when it does). This really brought me back to life. Can’t wait to dig in more to Dr. Cooper and all the reading!

[@paulquinn344]

When I think of the word black in regards, to people. I think men women children who do not need to earn being treated with love kindness and respect You ladies matter.

[@NT-fq8sk]

What you guys said is soo true especially in terms of people saying we are not our ancestors. That didn't set right with me when I first heard it. Okay, we our loud, but they were too, we just weren't told about them. I know for a fact my ancestors (both sides of my family) were Jamaican Maroons and they didn't play. They were militant and carried out guerilla warfare in them mountains to the point where the spanish fled and the Englsih had to sign a treaty with them. When my parents talk about it and the heroes like Nanny, it gives me pride. I am the dream and the result of my ancestors and I would never devalue them. That and my faith is what pulls me through.

[@keya3655]

I’ve never liked seeing “ I am not my ancestors”

[@noirsynapse]

Thank you a lot for this. I felt attacked at 'compulsory labour' 👀 I litteraly engaged in it as soon as I saw black people organizing. I was super stressed, thinking about how to give efficiently, give give give, ready to go out on the frontline... I went to a protest, then I learned that organizers had invited the chief of city police and political parties to the next one. I had to check myself for thinking it would be different this time.

[@bskill430]

I just want to start by saying, I love this discussion! I’m learning so much. If I can just say this, it helps me to not think of big business and government as separate. They are not. In fact I find it hard to believe they could be separate in today’s day in age. Especially banks. JP Morgan bailed out the federal government Feb 20, 1895. In 2008 the fed gov bailed out the banks. Right now, talks about how to save the airlines due to this ungodly pandemic. I see big business and government as one. They seem to not be able to function without each other. Big pharmas, banks, airlines, sports, etc.. How middle to low income people can’t see that this effects them is unfortunate. “Socio economics” is not a catch phrase nor is “disparity” it’s real life and it’s happening. Love the talk! Keep it up it’s empowering! Thanks

[@motorcitymangababe]

As an anarchist this video provides a lot of good things for my community to work on. If we are to reduce the state to support networks there needs to be an effort to ensure black people and other poc arent left in the dust. I think the start off that would be centering black people's, and especially black women's authority on progress and community building. Black women have been uniting communities for years- yall should have a major say in how anarchist communities would be organized.

[@aprilsmith5660]

Kim, this gave me chills. Thank you for your work. The access to a knowledge & perspective I wouldn’t otherwise be able to as easily attain. God bless you in all your endeavors.

[@InverseLine]

I always learn to see another angle from you that I couldn't see before, thank you for that work and education

[@Housewarmin]

Kim, I just want to thank you for exposing us to these wonderful Black women. Every time i think i know, you come out with a video that really opens my mind up.

[@JerriCouncil]

BRAVA! BRAVA! BRAVA! You were BOTH BRILLIANT. Y'all brought the heat and made me even more proud that we are women...BLACK women!!!

[@thebooksgirl]

this conversation is so full of brilliance! thank you for bringing Dr Cooper's incredible words to this platform!

[@hannahemory]

01:06:38 - 01:13:19 This whole discussion was incredible to watch, and this section hit me especially hard. Dr. Cooper, your powers of thought and articulation are amazing sights to behold! Thank you for sharing your words with us.

[@INAN2222]

Thank you for hosting such a phenomenal discussion ForHarriet! ❤️ Your platform is deeply appreciated Ms. Kim! Such amazing Black Womxn! My goodness, Dr. Brittney Cooper is a blessing! Her nuanced intellectual analyses and centering of Black marginalized people (especially Black girls!) is what we crave!

[@ErinAlysia]

LOVE THIS CONVERSATION!!! 👏🏽👏🏽 Thank you so much Kim & Dr.Cooper!! This was a much needed conversation that was addressed honestly and eloquently ❤️

[@Princess_Weekes]

Really excellent video. If I was gonna guess I'd say either: "Words Mean Things" or "Thank you so much for asking"

[@janspaperheart]

Great conversation~ thank you for uploading this.

[@roxannevicious]

This discussion was SO AMAZING and I just am in awe of all this vital, brilliant, badass work you're doing. We all appreciate it, and are so hugely benefitted. My only critique, and it's a small one, would be to say please include black trans men specifically in the discussion, as they are also at risk of a medical industry/ society in which male biology is given preferential treatment under patriarchy (but so good to see you both acknowledge trans women and nonbinary people as a whole, as well as especially indigenous people -- and I definitely felt that support be inclusive of black lesbians, so thank-you to you both for being so thoughtful and considerate and inclusive). Just in tears over here with how wonderful this conversation was, and how galvanized it's made me feel -- I will be thinking about both your words and movin' ever upwards in my abilities to be in solidarity, to work on my knowledge, and to make sure that my actions are consistently in line with my values. Thank-you so, so much. Sharing this on all my platforms post haste!!

[@Rudenbehr]

I’m a black man and never considered this. We definitely need police to defend black women from the abusive black men in their households.

[@graceblood6198]

Amazing conversation! Thank you!

[@elegantlady8312]

Your guest speaker is BRIL.LI.ANT!!! And so are you Kim 😘

[@carlosharris1349]

I’m a Dr. Cooper stan. Great conversation.

[@hilarybanks5516]

I've watched this 3 times now. Thank you so much Kim this was amazing. I'm going to be looking for Dr Cooper's books.

[@CRob770]

I see why Kim stans Dr. Cooper. She was amazing!

[@xBlackBunnyx]

Shhhoooooooooooot. Dr. Cooper said she in a primal place. I’m the type whose trying to fight myself out of believing that the people who hurt me and us need to be dealt with. And I’m not talking about the injustice system. 🤷🏿‍♀️ I’m enjoying learning about abolishment. This is new territory for me.

[@entset]

I enjoyed this discussion. And I agree with Dr. Cooper regarding fearing abolishing the police will make black women and girls vulnerable. I have bought her book on respectability. I'm excited.

[@CrazyAmbitious11]

I just love Dr. Brittney Cooper! She’s amazing!

[@ev_evolves]

I’m so glad you guys are addressing this it weighs heavily on my heart. I feel so frustrated when I even hint at this topic because I’m repeatedly dismissed.

[@TheLovelyOne1111]

These discussions are both inspiring to me read and keeping me moisturized. :)

[@GrumpyYank26]

The conversation was amazing. You did a perfect job. No need to apologize! For anything. I have deep respect for both of you.

[@angelineturner3298]

Thank you, ladies. Love from the UK.

[@domeniquechery9015]

Thank you sooooooooo much for this exchange!!

[@asksyealer]

Phenomenal conversation, thank you so much to the both of you for sharing it with the world!

[@katl9270]

Wow, this has been extremely eye-opening, thank you. I just subbed, I'm so glad KZbin actually offered me a good recommendation.

[@crystalpowell8619]

Thank you so much for this.

[@seed2harvest89]

I just want to say thank you for having this conversation. I am LITERALLY CRYING watching this dialogue because it affirms that I am not alone in my feelings and attitudes regarding the nuances surrounding the modern uprising and internal conflictions. The movement will not be successful if it only centers Black male cis-het narratives and state sanctioned violence.

[@keya3655]

“Whispered ally-ship” I felt that. I hate when they do that lol but this was a great conversation and I’m grateful for the knowledge.

[@3sam3clarke3]

fab conversation. thank you!

[@Sanosarah]

This could have been 8-bit and I'd still watch it three times. What a fucking privilege to listen to that convo. You guys are both phenomenal. So grateful you're here.

[@123cutieputtie]

Wow she spittin 🤭 this whole conversation was a whole mood. Thank you so much Kim. Im a patreon but this free content is literally priceless

[@tedbrogan1262]

Thanks for the video. I absolutely love your videos. I think because of where I live and being younger I just don't see race, but watching others talk about it opens me up to what others have been through. I am a white man, and I don't think anyone on this earth should apologize for the way God made them, but I think we all need to understand the plight of other's lives. I appreciate the feminist discussion withing the black community. I have so many questions I wish I could ask that I think a lot of people like me would love to hear your take on. If you read this, and God bless you if you do, I'd like to ask one right now. Let me preface it by saying that I think both Biden and Trump are nightmare candidates, so please don't lump me in with either catagory. In the video you both discussed changing who white women vote for. The implication being that voting for a democratic candidate would have transformed America. So my question is, what did Obama and Biden do for 8 years that did more for black women than Trump has done. I think if there was an open and honest discussion I think it would make for a great video. I would like to hear about your opinion on specific laws or regulations that changed under Obama and Trump that made things better and worse. I just don't see how voting Democrat is any better than voting republican, unless there is something we can see that did change in those 8 years. I would like to vote for Biden, but it seems to be more of the same. Anyways, I'm always looking to understand what other people see and make informed decisions based on all relevant information. You seem like a genuine, kind, and respectful person. I hope your videos keep showing a search for truth. If so, I'll keep watching. Thanks for what you're doing.