Smokey Robinson's "Black American" on Def Poetry. He snapped on this! Usually i don't like use of the word "n*****" but he represented on this one. Kudos.
Though I'm white I love this video and poem. Mr. Smokey Robinson is Mr. Cool in my book and he always will be. He's one of the last few connections that we have to a time and era in history and music that we seem to be quickly forgetting. Keep telling it like it is Smokey! Love you Sir. Shalom Y'all! from Kentucky.
Me too! I've never been to Africa in my life. I'm not sure what the people that holler, "go BACK to Africa" want us to do. I guess I just get there and ask if anyone knows the Odom, Marshall, Gipson, Tanner, McIntyre, etc. families. If it wasn't so stupid it would be funny.
Smokey is one of the genius' behind the Motown sound. Young black folks, please research your musical and poetic history. Too many of you do not know much about your artistic history, that is if you think brother Smokey is unusual in this piece!!
Here is the way I hear what he said ----- I love being Black. I love being called Black. I love being an American. I love being a Black American. But, as a Black man in this country, I think it’s a shame that every few years we get a change of name. Since those first ships arrived here from Africa that came across the sea there were already Black men in this country who were free. And as for those who came over on those terrible boats, they were called niggah and slave and told what to do and how to behave. And then master started trippin’ and doing his midnight tippin’, down to the slave shacks where he forced he and Great-Great Grandma to be together, and if Great-Great Grandpa protested, he got tarred and feathered. And at the same time, the Black men in the country who were free, were mating with the tribes like the Apache and the Cherokee. And as a result of all that, we’re a parade of every shade. And in this late day and age, you can be sure, they ain’t too many of us in this country whose bloodline is pure. But, according to a geological, geographical, genealogy study published in Time Magazine, the Black African people were the first on the scene. So, for what it’s worth, the Black African people were the first on earth, and through migration, our characteristics started to change, and rearrange, to adapt to whatever climate we migrated to. And that’s how I became me, and you became you. So, if we gonna go back, let’s go all the way back, and if Adam was Black and Eve was Black, then that kind of makes it a natural fact that everybody in America is an African American. Everybody in Europe is an African European; everybody in the Orient is an African Asian and so on, and so on; that is, if the origin of man is what we’re gonna go on. And if one drop of Black blood makes you Black like they say, then, everybody’s Black anyway. So quit trying to change my identity; I’m already who I was meant to be. I’m a Black American, born and raised. And brother James Brown wrote a wonderful phrase, “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud! Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!” Cause I’m proud to be Black and I ain’t never lived in Africa, and ’cause my Great-Great Granddaddy on my Daddy’s side did, don’t mean I want to go back. Now I have nothing against Africa, it’s where some of the most beautiful places and people in the world are found. But I’ve been blessed to go a lot of places in this world, and if you ask me where I choose to live, I pick America, hands down. Now, by and by, we were called Negroes, and after while, that name was banished. Anyway, Negro is just how you say ‘black’ in Spanish. Then, we were called colored, but shit, everybody’s one color or another, and I think it’s a shame that we hold that against each other. And it seems like we reverted back to a time when being called Black was an insult, even if it was another Black man who said it, a fight would result, cause we’ve been so brainwashed that Black was wrong, so that even the yellow niggahs and black niggahs couldn’t get along. But then, came the 1960s, when we struggled and died to be called equal and Black, and we walked with pride with our heads held high and our shoulders pushed back, and Black was beautiful. But, I guess that wasn’t good enough, cause now here they come with some other stuff. Who comes up with this shit anyway? Was it one, or a group of niggahs just sitting around one day? Feelin’ a little insecure again about being called Black and decided that "African American" sounded a little more exotic. Well, I think you were being a little more neurotic. It’s that same mentality that got “Amos and Andy” put off the air, cause they were embarrassed about the way the character’s spoke. And as a result of that action, a lot of wonderful Black actors ended up broke. When we were just laughin’ and have fun about ourselves. So I say, “fuck you if you can’t take a joke.” You didn’t see the “Beverly Hillbilly’s” being protested by white folk. And if you think, that 'cause you think, that being called African American sets all Black people’s mind at ease … since we affectionately call each other “niggah”, I affectionately say to you, “niggah Please”. How come I didn’t get a chance to vote on who I’d like to be? Who gave you the right to make that decision for me? I ain’t under your rule or in your dominion And I am entitled to my own opinion. Now there are some African Americans here, but they recently moved here from places like Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Zaire. But, not a brother who’s family has lived in the country for generations, occupying space in all the locations: New York, Miami, L.A., Detroit, Chicago… Even if he’s wearing a dashiki and sporting an afro. And, if you go to Africa in search of your race, you’ll find out quick you’re not an African American, You’re just a Black American in Africa takin’ up space. Why you keep trying to attach yourself to a continent, where even if you got the chance to go and you went, most people there wouldn't even claim you as one of them; as a pure bread daughter or son of them. Your heritage is right here now, no matter what you call yourself or what you say, and a lot of people died to make it that way. And if you think America is a leader on inequality and suffering and grievin’, how come there so many people comin’ and so few leavin’? Rather than all this ‘find fault with America’ shit you promotin’, if you want to change somethin', use your privilege, get to the polls! Commence to votin’! God knows we’ve earned the right to be called American Americans and be free at last. And rather than you movin’ in forward progress, you dwelling in the past. We’ve struggled too long; we’ve come too far. Instead of focusing on who we were, let’s be proud of who we are. We are the only people whose name is always a trend. When is this shit gonna end? Look at all the different colors of our skin… Black is not our color, it’s our core. It’s what we been livin’ and fightin’ and dyin’ for. But if you choose to be called African American, and that’s your preference, then I‘ll give you that reference. But I know on this issue I don’t stand alone on my own, and if I do, then let me be me. And I’d appreciate it if when you see me, you’d say, “there goes a man who says it loud. I’m Black. I’m Black. I’m a Black American, and I’m proud”. Cause I love being an American, and I love being Black. I love being called Black. Yeah, I said it, and I don’t take it back.
This is wonderful way of explaining who we really are and Smokey did it very well. There is a difference between Black American and African American. Look at the birth certificates. If you are black and born in the USA - you are a Black American; and if you were born in Africa and got a green card to be here in America (USA), then you are an African American. Don't get it twisted!!! It doesn't matter who your descendants are. Your birth certificates tell who you really are.
PREACH IT BROTHA!! Gotta respect a man like Smokey Robinson most black people I come across with less than heis features (green eyes, light skin, straight nose and wavy hair) walk around like they're the shit and deny or down grade being black but here is Smokey HANDSOME as hell and let the world know I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!!!
Thanks Smokey for creating a wonderful rap that explains to million who they are. I am white however for a very long time I have known that I could have other races in myself because I come from the south. I have had a kindredship with all nationality with all people. I have been ashamed of my race because of how the black race was treated. When I was told I could not have friends who were black I rebelled. I found the most beautiful man in my life who is black and I love him forever and always.
, i m a black, and proud african.some african american want to reject africa because of the economic part of things, but every one has a home. intelectuals powerful african american love africa they know their history more than any one . they have nothing againts africa they love it ,and they know it is their HOME as their FATHERS said and swore.( Martin luther, Micheal jackson, jese jackson , oprah,malcom X ,web dubois)live and even died in africa Micheal J was king in ivory coast JeseJ too
So amazing, as a lover of poetry, black literature and culture, Smokey as a musician, I came upon this by accident and I'm so glad I did. I was FLOORED, and in awe.
It's interesting that someone like Smokey that has seen all the opression and suffering looks beyond the Identity of a race, but looks at the Identity of self. As a white european I find it refreshing that an 'old hand' like Smokey represents a very modern, realistic vision that a few of the more apolitical poets should take note of....Peace
Other than a few choice words that are mentioned, I appreciate that Smokey has brought this to everyones attention. I am Black, and I am proud to know that we are a mighty, and Intelligent People that have raised the bar towards excellence. Why else do others hate us so, if you don't like us then it's your time to go !!!
Smokey is kind of the man on this one, but I always just think of Chris Tucker in Rush Hour 2 saying "Lionel Richie ain't been black since the Commodores!"
...and finally, I am AMERICAN due to my nationality as well as the fact that my anbcestors' pain, life, blood, sweat and tears built this nation. One thing I don't tolerate is any black person coming along and trying to divide their race and/or culture with some ignorance. you react to Smokey speaking on the divisive energy going on now between Africans and Africans and Americans with ignorance. Guess what? It is possible to honor your heritage, regardless
black is a color, african is a nationality my ancesters are from africa but i am all mixed up and since my birth certificate say black/african american then that's that i have no control over that.
well, the Africans I've dated actually are black and truly beautiful--and would never let you call them anything but "Black African". they also always agree that "if any of you go to Africa--go home because we like black Americans as much as we like the white ones" and that's straight from my Nigerian friend sitting here with me right now
I love it how the sheeple in the audience were whooping and screaming before they knew where Smokey was going with this, and then after it became clear they just continued whooping and screaming. He literally could've preached the exact opposite ("African-American and proud!") and they would've whooped, screamed and applauded just the same. And of course nowadays black people are just "people of color," literally defining themselves by their non-whiteness. And those very same audience members will be whooping and applauding this latest terminology, just the same. Woooooo!
Well we are all entitled to our comments. Keep this in mind though, people from glass houses should not throw stones. With all the confusion in South Africa, criticizing the same confusion as a result of colonization here in America is out of order. Those who prefer the term African American is their effort to HONOR the African ancestors who are the originators of their bloodline. Africans were scattered around the globe during the slave trade and most were segregated from their tribal...
@saharianboy i agree but i embrace africa as the home of my ancestors not MY home. america is my home n i will not reject it bcuz its where my ppl but in hard work and accomplishments not in africa. the slave trade was over 300 years thats a whole lot of generations of my ppl in america. but yes africa was the beginning and i will never disrespect the continent
hmm all the more reason why I am a black american descended for our african forefathers. How about this, let's not get so caught up in trying to break down PC labels that cannot apply to us because our culture is too multifaceted to be labeled one generic thing. Instead, let's breakdown a timeline on moving towards progress and becoming what we once were. Now that's a concept that is worth the time and energy to break down :-) IM BLACK AND IM PROUD
wonder full ...very nice... i can add one more thing about BLACK PEOPLE.. very unique ,, in ISLAM every Muslim is praying 5 times a day.. before prayer we do azan ( means calling for prayer). the very first azan in ISLAM was done by HAZRAT BILAL (pbuh) and he was black. I don't know but inside my heart i always love BLACK PEOPLE. GOD BLESS all of you. TAHIR , PAKISTAN
"Bitchy87" speak your mind! Africans migrated this earth, one way or the other--we went to the south pacific in reed boats while eurpoeans were in caves (and we are still the indigenous peop of the south pacific), and unfortunately populated the earth due to the slave trade. But you are right, we have to recognize who we are--all of us--and bring it together, :-)
Cush, I never said it wasn't. Which is why i always go by African American or Black because I do come from those Africans who were brought here against their will and one of the most important facets of any African and/or ethnic spirituality is to honor your ancestors--PERIOD, mr. "Cush"--I'm sure you knew that already. Unfortunately I, like many, were not given the great honor of keeping the history of the tribe fromwhence we came, etc. so we have to pay homage to the entire continent...
