What Defines Blackness? - On The 7 With Dr. Sean

Dr. Sean leads the discussion on what Blackness means in America and beyond.

FOX SOUL is a new live and interactive streaming channel dedicated to the African American viewer. The programs aim to celebrate black culture and deal with real topics that impact the everyday lives of the black community through frank and insightful dialogue with local and national influencers.

[nickyr]

Most Black immigrants did not arrive to the United States before the 1980s. So just being Black in this country isn’t an equalizer as far as the overall Black experience in America is concerned. Its the same as if I moved to Nigeria. I’m going there and maintaining my identity as an a descendant of American Chattel Slavery. Yes the political environment would affect my day to day life; However, do I feel as emotionally invested in the historical why the politically environment is screwed up??! No, I just want everything to be conducive to my success in Nigeria, otherwise why be there? Just put yourselves in our shoes, this isn’t hard. And yes our experience is the predominant Black experience in this country in relation to time, culture, contribution, population etc. so miss me with any comments abt other Black experiences being discounted. These are our ancestral lands.

[MrQuinnProperPropertyManager]

This video is one of the most informative videos I’ve ever seen! I love all the perspectives and how everyone had their own opinion on matters! Great job to the host, who brought out challenging topics and follow-up questions to engage the conversation!

[Tolutaiwoworship]

As Black British Nigerian women I couldn't disagree more with my Nigerian sister on the panel she speaks with such ignorance, I am shocked that people live in this world yet they are so blind and do not have a well rounded perspective, I don't even live in the US and I can see that the Black Lives matter movement is needed because to the average white american the Black life is worthless. I grew up in Europe and have traveled around the world, I can see the blatant oppression of Black people all around me. We need to take a stand!!! don't ever get it twisted we are still oppressed and we must fight and pray every day to free the next generation.

[warrenshuttles]

Wonderful convo, growing up I always fought against the classification of “African American”. I always felt that our cultures were very different.

[s.o.]

The Belizean lady doesn't get it. She said black people "no longer remained oppressed." She sees herself as not being oppressed b/c her family chose to come the USA were they don't live with the cost of 400 years of accrued and compounded disadvantage of being an American Descendant of Slavery. Immigrating to America as a black person no matter what country they left is not the same experience as being an American black person (ADOS).

New York ADOS needs to set a solid boundary and stop letting Dominicans, Belizeans et. al. use the n-word. It's also ironic the Ms. Joseph is an immigrant rights activist. If she was a true ally of ADOS she would know that immigration has been the final in the coffin of ADOS in terms of economics, erasure, etc. She's black but not of ADOS lineage and does NOT share our experiences in America; she should have been pushed on that fact.

The Nigerian lady is black when it's convenient. She is being completely disingenuous. All of the Nigerians I've met have always reminded me that they are Nigerian and don't identify with "you black Americans." I also want to know if the Nigerian woman is descended from a lineage that sold my ancestors into slavery.

[mac]

This man's afro is spectacular!!!

[VinnyWilk]

I have lived in Asia for many years and anti-blackness is truly global.

[tiffanysmith]

It is a true disservice when American Descendants of Slavery are not on panels to discuss and represent our issues, especially as it pertains to Blackness in America. Both of the women were misinformed about the negative implications of chattel slavery, and yes, we are "oppressed".

[princesscherry-top]

He really said that he don't think that everybody of African decent not black but he is ok with non-black Latinos saying the n-word simply because he from Harlem and Brooklyn? 🤔That's very ass backwards.

[JennHayden]

I am reading between the lines. Dr. Sean's real question wasn't answered... African but not black. Don't try to be slick...he is talking about

[nakiadeonpresents]

I've yet to meet a nigerian that is down for the BLACK cause...unless its to get BLACK scholarships.

[ray]

I could tell you’re a black immigrant (Belizean). Why do black immigrants think we do not know you’re not black American? Every group has standout features.

[gregoryglass]

She can focused on being human all she wants too but the reality so she can but that is not how America tell her different

[Cardavian]

It’s a cultural thing. Foreign blacks come with the attitude of “I’m not no slave and still looking at us as a slave class”. That’s why especially Nigerians, they come as feeling that their better than us and are easily vetted to be accepted by WP to the point they will bring us down as well to make themselves look good.

[obiyanko]

Why people defensive about saying who is black? Even within "black" community there is an unspoken political correctness in saying biracial people not black.

Trully not all of african descent are black just like not all of european descent are white.

Colin Kapernick is of african decent but not black. He is also of european decsent but not whit. Hes of mixed heritage. Neither is WEB DuBois. Both are biracial. Now if they choose to identify more with one side than the other that is their privilege. Thats not to say someone like Bill Clinton can suddenly decide hes black. Even if he had that heritage it doesnt show. Its not apparent. We arent going about taking samples of genes to determine who you are.

[teddybruscie]

We all Black. We just not all Black the same.

[kofitheakan]

Powerful episode.. a need to watch with family followed by discussions

[veronicaapav]

Now, the subject is BLACKNESS and RACE...
And
What does the EDUCATOR say?
She mentions gender and sexual orientations and sexual preferences ..
That has absolutely nothing to do with the subject a hand.
I wonder how much she get compensated for assisting with pushing the agenda....?

[tamaracharese]

This is a nuanced conversation that folks are trying to simplify. Blackness is African and indigenous. Black Americans, Black Caribbeans, Black South Americans, Black Canadians, Black Australians are all that countries’ descendants of indigenous and enslaved or colonized Africans. It is truly convenient that this separation reached the height is does today in tandem with the height of voter suppression for black people. Be very conscious of the fact this Fox Soul channel is owned by the same parent company as Fox News. For those that don’t know, many African countries are still under colonial rule till this day, same in South America and the Caribbean.

[elvisnji]

What defines blackness, is the consciousness (culture) from the DNA and it is this that brought forth every phenotypic expression (perception).