American Shade

Are you curious about the life behind Podcasting and Youtube? In this next episode, I brought together a dynamic group of Podcasters and YouTube content creators. We discussed the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of having our platforms. Also, we get candid about our challenges, our burn-outs, "the comment section," staying true to ourselves, and our overall drive to curate content for the public. Enjoy!

TOPICS--- Africa and Brittany discuss: 1. Detaching From GroupThink 2. Jordan Peterson: Why we like Jordan and other thinkers. 3. Why do people Follow the Herd? 4. Opposition: How we handle our detractors. 5. Candace Owens: Our candid thoughts. 6. Sobriety: Our struggle with addiction. How it helps us empathize with people. 7. Advice for others attempting to detach from GroupThink.

This past Memorial Day weekend, I attended Dave Chappelle's comedy show in Ohio. It was amazing. In this video, I retold what happened during the event. Additionally, I explained why Chappelle's "offensive" humor on race, actually holds American racism to the fire.

In this new series: "Two Perspectives: Let's Talk"--we discussed *Diversity of Thought* in the Black community, Anti-racism, & the future of race relations in America.

Here's a short story on how critical thinking helped me handle a neighborhood encounter that occurred last week.

I am not promoting the feud between Kwame Brown and his former teammates. But, I found this take on education and critical-thinking very interesting---and parts necessary, especially from a former NBA basketball star.

I'm very excited for this episode, especially with this dynamic group---who are willing to dialogue openly about some controversial topics---more specifically---on Critical Race Theory. Disclaimer: The point of this discussion is not for either position to "win." It's to present a clear picture of why each side is passionate about their stance. My hope is to exemplify why candid, uncomfortable, and perhaps, tense dialogue with the "opposing side"---is the most important step to an authentic start to better race relations for this country. Panelists:  Dr. Kayla Thompson Erec Smith Desi-Rae (Just Thinking Out Loud) Alma Cook Sam Hoadly-Brill pH.D Chris Choiniere Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo   *The original goal was to have 8 panelists. Last minute, we ended up with 7 panelists. The uneven groups were not intentional.*    

A reaction video to Aba & Preach's reaction video. This was fun. And they are cool dudes. *disclamier: not ALL politicans.

During my talk w/ Bret Weinstein, I utilized my former professor Ta-Nehisi Coates & Dr. Jordan Peterson to showcase the *range* of thinkers I find personally important. After the "Red Skull" controversy, I was asked (a lotttttt), "What are your thoughts?"   Well, here they are.

In this episode, I discussed my thoughts on why The Talk's "blow-up" was a missed opportunity for an open-honest-conversation on Race.    #SharonOsbourne #SherylUnderwood #TheTalkShow

Does America want public apologies or public humiliation?

15,000 subscribers! What?! Thank you! On this (1st) Live episode---I'll be discussing how I started #AmericanShade​. Also, I'll be discussing my conversation with Bret Weinstein.

In this episode, I'm in conversation with cultural critic and fashion stylist, Ayishat Akanbi. In this excerpt, we discussed the legendary Malcolm X and the "Black Identity" from our heterodox POVs, living in the United States & the United Kingdom. "Ayishat Akanbi considers the radical power of kindness, the limits of identity, the gendered nature of image, and how to transcend the superficial to form meaningful connections." -- SOH Talks & Ideas Archive Ayishat's first book will be released this year. Follow her on Twitter to keep updated. @Ayishat_Akanbi

In this episode, I discuss my take on critical-thinking, the art of conversations, and thinking for yourself. I included clips from Dr. Peterson's lectures on "how to critical-think" and "how to listen."

Panelists: - Jessarae Emberton (farm owner, mother, bartender) - Will Resuch ( highschool teacher, podcaster) www.williamreusch.com  - Jendayi (journalist/ filmmaker)  website jendayiomowale.com + twitter @jen_omo - Lee S (retired software engineer)  - Brittany King (journalist/ writer) - HOST

In this episode, I give my candid critique of Dr. Robin DiAngelo, the well-known author of "White Fragility." Robin has debuted her newest book, "Nice Racism" which has re-centered her inside the race discourse. Americans continue to debate whether her philosophies are helpful or harmful for American race relations at large. I have A LOT of thoughts on her ideas, which I breakdown in this video.  Listen to hear them. And remember, think for yourself.

Youtuber Khadija Mbowe is a classically-trained opera singer who discusses the western beauty standard's influences on pop-culture, social media and the black diaspora. In this video, Khadija and Brittany hold a candid conversation about the implications of Colorism. Additionally, they discuss how to combat this issue---divulging ways they've dealt with this color prejudice in their lives.

In this episode, I discuss why Dr. King Jr. is one of the most important minds in American History. He is a timeless voice, and much needed in the discourse regarding our society right now.

In this episode, I am honest----and hardly edited this video for transparency. I know most of you subscribed to my channel to watch content that doesn't cater to sides---(and that's what this video is), I hope you stay subscribed and continue watching. As an independent journalist, (and an American in this country), I felt it necessary to give my candid thoughts about what happened at the U.S. Capitol. The present conversations are frustrating to say the least, and aren't conducive material for a real discussion. The violence that happened, and the violence that continues to happen in this country will swallow US whole, if we don't swallow our own prides, and realize we've been wrong.

In this Part 2 video, I share the rest of the minds who've impacted my life. Here I share numbers: #9 through #1.

In this Part 1 episode, I share 5 minds who've influenced and impacted my life over the past 30 years (from writers, to chefs, to public intellects, and comedians). Here I share numbers: #15 through #10!

In this episode, I discussed my background in Black Lives Matter as the founder of "BLM of Columbus, Indiana." I candidly explain my criticism of the global establishment and my recent distancing from #BLM​.  Also, I explain our "American problem" is not one-sided. Our issues are bigger than an organization, or other racial groups. Our division is based on "each side" believing the "other side" is the problem----we're all wrong. 

In this video, I discussed 5 things I've learned from clinical psychologist, Jordan Peterson. No, I do not believe Peterson is a god. (I believe in Jesus Christ) And no, I don't agree with everything he says. But as a critical-thinker, one can find value in someone else's POV without agreeing with everything they offer to the world. **ALSO, I no longer lead a BLM chapter because I moved to New York. But, "Black Lives Matter-ing" is a focus I carry in my work. Listening to Peterson DIDN'T change my mind on being a Black activist.

At NYU, I studied under Ta-Nehisi Coates (author of Between The World & Me, The Water Dancer) for graduate school. In this video, I share 5 writing tips I learned and my full experience in the course.

As a former Black Lives Matter leader, I watched Jordan Peterson and Rev Michael Dyson at the Munk Debates from 2018. The debate was on Political Correctness. I had thoughts. 

After re-evaluating our time w/ BLM, Lee Shipman (an engineer from Indiana) and Brittany King (a former #BlackLivesMatter leader) hold a conversation about race & the future of race relations in America.

Local 12's Kyle discussed his journey from small-town to prime-time News Anchor! He also talked on "Black Journalism," hardships w/ media & ending #FakeNews

This episode is dedicated to the one and only, Toni Morrison. I aired a portion of an address she gave during the Second Chicago Humanities Festival in 1991. She sadly died this year at the age of 88.  Rest in Power, Toni. Your legacy lives.  

Is Kanye West a true Christian or pandering for black forgiveness? On this episode, I will discuss "Jesus is King," and West's new transition into Christianity. Also, I'll air an impromptu debate which transpired between a Kanye critic and myself-- and you'll get to hear it all.   

During this episode Tim Wise (a renowned anti-racism activist, writer and author of "White Like Me"), and I discuss "Why Doesn't America Fear White Men?" Based on the statistic that shows 75% of domestic terrorism is committed by white men, though, they're not "fear." Why?

During this episode I discussed Dave Chappelle's (controversial) Netflix's special, "Sticks & Stones." Has America become to politically correct or not enough? 

For this episode I express my raw emotions and thoughts after viewing "When They See Us" -- a series produced by Ava Duvernay on the Central Park 5, now known as the Exonerated 5.     

This last episode of the season, Erin and Brittany candidly talk about their experience in America. They ask each other a series of questions, contrasting between the white and black lived experience.  Thank you for tuning in! Catch me next semester in September!   Peace, Love and less Shade.

Today's podcast is a little different. I will discuss the "racial awakenings" my father and I experienced during our childhoods. Also, I will include James Baldwin's famous speech spoken at Cambridge University in 1965. Where he debates with William F. Buckley about America's persistent race problem.

I finished up the "US" discussion with my lovely friend Jendayi! The tea was hot & our "real" & "tether" selves spilled it all! ✂️ 

On this week's episode I discussed what I loved and hated about Jordan Peele's film, "US." This will be a two-parter episode. Next week I'll bring on two special guests to spill the tea on what "US" is trying to reveal. Stay tuned!    

This episode I aired raw audio from an interview I conducted with Patricia Okoumou (the woman who scaled the Statue of Liberty). It's a rare look inside this activist's mind after her climb.

Brittany King and Erin Winesman (guest co-host) discuss Liam Neeson's "racist" statements during his Good Morning America interview. Find out their takes on this controversial situation and broader issue.      

Brittany King and Erin Winesman (guest co-host) discuss Liam Neeson's "racist" statements during his Good Morning America interview. Find out their takes on this controversial situation and broader issue.