Thread by @TheLoveBel0w

In this 1972 interview, Angela Davis was asked if she approved of violence in protest. Her response is must-watch material.

These words by James Baldwin are from 1964, but they might as well have been spoken today. Another must-watch moment.

Here's Maya Angelou describing her friendship with Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X to none other than Dave Chappelle.

The conversation between Maya Angelou and Dave Chappelle was really fascinating, so I thought I would share more. In this segment, they talk about heroes, loss, and perseverance.

By the way, I'm using this thread to focus on the Black experience in America via interviews with Black icons. I'll be adding to it periodically. If you have gems you wanna share too, feel free to do so in the replies.

"We don't believe in nationalism. Nationalism is akin to superiority, is akin to racism, is akin to sectarianism" - Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panthers, in conversation with John Lennon (1972)

"And I contend that the cry of 'Black power' is, at bottom, a reaction to the reluctance of white power to make the kind of changes necessary to make justice a reality for the Negro. I think that we've got to see that a riot is the language of the unheard" - Martin Luther King Jr

"Shoot them for what? They never called me n*gger, they never lynched me, they didn’t put no dogs on me, they didn’t rob me of my nationality, rape and kill my mother and father. Shoot them for what? How can I shoot them poor people? Just take me to jail”- Muhammad Ali on Vietnam

#MLKDAY

James Baldwin on MLK's faith, struggles, and how his message was undercut by America. (1963)

Nina Simone has an epiphany after being asked what it means to be free.

2pac giving the perfect analogy to describe the intersection of race, inequality, and hip-hop is required viewing.

"We're not going to fight racism with racism, we're going to fight racism with solidarity"

Fred Hampton explains how the ruling class uses racism to divide the working class. He'd later be assassinated in his sleep by Chicago police in an FBI-sanctioned raid. #BlackHistoryMonth

FACT: The only member of Congress who took a stand against our current endless wars when it mattered is a Black woman. #BlackHistoryMonth

"If you can only be tall because somebody's on their knees, then you have a serious problem"

Watch Toni Morrison offer both a vivid analysis and powerful takedown of racists and their mindset.

In 1963, a special panel gathered to discuss civil rights after having just witnessed MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington. This panel included James Baldwin, Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando, Joseph Mankiewicz, Charlton Heston (!?), and Sidney Poitier. Here are a few clips.

Here's Marlon Brando, Joseph Mankiewicz, and Sidney Poitier discussing why they got involved in civil rights.

"From here on in, there is a point of no return. There is success or there is utter failure. There is no middle of the line. There is no compromise on the issue" - Harry Belafonte on the civil rights movement.

Watch the full panel discussion here:

Watch Richard Pryor keep it real.

Q: What do you think these execs are afraid you're gonna do to white America?

RP: Stop some racism. Because when ppl don't hate each other, and when ppl start talking to each other, they find out who's the problem.

Q: Which is?

RP: Greedy ppl

It's the last day of #BlackHistoryMonth month, so I just wanna thank the legends in this thread who never stopped speaking up for Black ppl like myself and others. Time may pass, and the characters may change, but the lessons remain the same. I'll do my best to keep sharing them.

Malcolm X on how breaking the vicious cycle of poverty begins with the proper funding of schools.

In this 1995 interview, John Singleton talks about the making of his movie 'Poetic Justice', why Black unity shouldn't be feared, and why Black art should be encouraged.

Watch this 1999 Ray Charles interview where he's asked about white artists outselling Black artists with their own sound in the 50s and 60s.

His response when the topic of Elvis Presley comes up is must-see TV...👀

Dave Chappelle sharing his comedic writing process with a curious and fascinated Maya Angelou is really something to watch.

I hope yall don't mind, but I'm gonna keep this thread going and turn Black History Month into Black History Year. xo.

ps: feel free to share any relevant gems you have in the replies.

If there's a classic song you love, there's probably a Black woman who deserves more credit behind it. Like how "Gimme Shelter" by Rolling Stones wouldn't exist without the legendary Merry Clayton. This clip is proof:

Show love by sharing her music:
Link: open.spotify.com/artist/71cyZ6p…