Why Smokey Robinson doesn't want to be called an African American

Music legend Smokey Robinson joins CNN's Chris Wallace to discuss why it's important for him to be known as a Black American. #CNN #News #shorts

[Chi_]

He has a point. White Americans don’t call themselves European-Americans, same thing should apply to black Americans.

[joeychick]

Sad that the media can’t stand this great man’s answer. Truth doesn’t make money or ratings. God Bless you Smokey

[sesomnoslen]

I'm a Black American man and never would call myself an African American. Hell no!

[willcortez]

"Fought in every war" enough said!

[susie]

I met Smokey when he came to my school to participate in filming a PSA for the Boys and Girls Club. I told him that his music was the backdrop to my youth. He kissed me on the cheek. What a lovely, kind man he is…

[pje]

I met smokey on a flight years ago, I was part of the cabin crew. He was extremely down to earth and the one thing I took away from our conversation was that was a very happy go lucky guy who appreciated this country and proud of what he achieved

[grannyrhymez]

True. It seems that they are saying we don’t accept you as an American. This is our country too! Thank you, Mr. Robinson.

[bluemax]

We're all Americans. Right on Smokey!

[Anabel]

Never once I heard someone call themselves a European American.

[SPChannel]

20 years ago, Smokey performed a poem he wrote titled "Black American" where he explained in great detail exactly what he means. It resonated with me then as a young college student and has stuck with me all these years.

You can search and find clips of his performance. I hope someone feels just as proud and understood as I did the first time I heard his words.

[vwalker]

I do not want to be called African American! I Totally Agreed with Mr. Robinson!!!👏🏾👊🏾✊🏾

[robertradcliff]

I am a white guy and I totally agree with Smokey Robinson .

[davidcolon]

When I was a child (about 8 y/o) back in 1968, I asked my mother what am I. My mom said I am an American first and not to let anyone say you're not.

[drunkenduncan]

As a white man, I don't call myself a European American, so I'm glad he said this . We are all Americans, no matter our color.

[kimmorris]

That’s a hell of a good man right there!

[bosshog]

I’ve always said this. I know Africans from Africa and they told me to my face they feel it’s a distinction between Africans and blacks in America. Pretty much validating what Smokey said. He’s absolutely correct 👍🏾

[mburns]

I'm an American who happens to be black. I'm a proud American.

[janese.marhsalytle-wheelwr]

Tell The Truth Smokey.We All Need To Hear It. Especially Our Young People.Amen.

[ellenringer]

In Vietnam, they do not call me an African American. They call me an American and that makes me feel that I am the fabric of America.

[internet-gangsta]

As an African I understand and support his argument, America belongs to whoever lives in it.