When I see the comments, it seems like a lot of people get uncomfortable to see a black person have such a powerful message. They automatically call it "racist" and "ghetto" because truth hurts. I call it "passion" and "poetry" They can't handle it! Lol Murica
Do you hate the dialect in which she says it or the country in itself. You must realize the people are not the government. Also, please do not feed into the division the media seems to be trying to create.
Grammatically speaking, that's expected for anyone who says "you're pretty for a bad girl". Since them saying that in the first place implies that you're out of the norm, essentially saying 'your black and I didn't expect you to look good, but you do, so I compliment you for that.'
I did forget. I love(d), completely relate to/overstand, and shared this vid back when the ep first aired. I soon forgot about her. I was [re]introduced to her via “Sister Circle Live”, was very impressed, and shared her (and her husband’s joint) interview with my mother. My mother sent me Ernestine’s new C.R.O.W.N. seminar link... which led me here. I remember. I will never again forget. 💪🏽👸🏾👸🏽✊🏽💓💞💜
A white associate once told me "You are not like them". I told her off right then and there. We have to keep people accountable for their ignorance. People will always be an individual first before they become a stereotype. I hope more Americans train themselves to think like that. I am proud to be who I am, but that mostly includes who I am as a person vs a race.
But isn't this self contradictory Jess; You said you are an iidividual first good for you this is noble. So that white woman daisy exactly that,she made comments emphasizing on you not at your ethnic origin. And then you called her off! You Americans black or white are all so dramatic and you all love Hollywood type speeches. Emotions,drama and all this,life is not drama only
+Vas Alexander The point of my comment is that you can identify me as a black person without relating it to stereotypes. I can't separate from my blackness because that is my identity. I am a black individual. I'm proud to be black and who I am. The nature of her comment is that she thought it will be compliment to separate me from my race. My race is pretty diverse, but of course the media only promotes one type of black and everyday people eat it up. My point is, have a mind of your own. ✌🏿️
When I was younger I would always hear from my white friends "you're not like other black people" 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️. Always made me sad but I never knew how to react back then.
I hear these things all the time. That I'm pretty.. "for a black girl", that I talk "white", that I'm not ghetto, ratchet, etc.. and that makes me some how better. These things don't make me feel good. It really hurts me when people are constantly telling me that I'm somehow above people who are of my own race. Because what they are essentially saying is that, since my skin color is darker than theres, I'm only good in their eyes, because I don't portray the things that they see on tv. That I will never be good enough to anyone unless I'm the image of what they think a black girl "should" be like. That Im not great just because I'm me, but because I'm not like "them". This poem was really beautiful and everything that she said I related to. I just wish things didn't have to be this way.
I feel you on that one. I get that all the time to. I even had someone ask me if my hair is real and I said yes. Am I supposed to have short hair because I'm black? I know a lot of other black women with naturally long hair. I hate stereotypes.
Kile Cooke Omg yes don't even get me started on my hair! Mine is short and I still get comments like that. People always ask why my hair is straight how can it be like that. Then they start asking what am I or if I'm mixed with white or something. And I'm like no I'm fully black -_- Its like their minds can't process the fact that not all black women look alike.
scatnez We'll of course I know that theres always going to be stupid people in my own race. But the way that they express their opinions to me comes off more so as, they think being black is a bad thing, and that I should be proud that I "act" more like a white person. Im proud of who I am as a person and I don't think being black should be something people look down on. Sadly thats how a lot of people think in our society.
Well, and I hear the "you're pretty smart for a blonde". There will always be THAT kind of people, you just be yourself darling. Don't worry about what others think of you :)
I hear it all the time and it's so frickin tiring, I'm 14 excuse me if I don't feel like cursing and screaming 24/7. Let me be me please, without having to fit into your stereotypes of what my race should be.
This poem brought me to tears. You've just vocalized every thought I could not fathom into words. I can't thank you enough for exposing people to our harsh reality.
Ernestine Johnson has me in tears every time I hear this because it's so true... I can't stand the people she explained. if your one of them then you have no respect for anybody except for yourself. this us why I write. this is why I read. this is why I do everything that I do in school and at home.
***** I listen to rock music too,but I also listen to EDM and pop music. I am not a big fan metal. I remember in high school I was in this R&B choir class and they would play a rap, hip-hop, or R&B song I would not know. The one time I knew a song, they act like won a dam award. People are ignorant and these days I just don't give a fuck.
There seems to be a lot of white men on this video who seem to think that they can tell us what we are and what we should be offended by. On this VIDEO. Of this POEM. How ironic.
Exactly..... especially when they are the ones that did not go through half of the struggle we went through and they claim to be so unbothered by what our race preaches...
I remember watching this year's ago. I sadly forgot who it was. I looked for 2 weeks when I remembered something about this speech. I typed in many of many different text descriptions to attempt to find this video. 2 weeks later I finally found it again. Saved to all my playlists to never lose it again. A lot of women and even men can learn from this beautiful speech. Times like this is when black lives matter even though ALL lives matter. Bless you. Bless you Ernestine 🙏♥🙌💖
You have blessed my Soul, BabyGurl! We are proud of our youth who remember where they came from and that they/we stand on beautifully empowered shoulders! You speak for all of us! Thank you!!!
I remember when I was like eleven I overheard my dad listening to this (which is weird bc he doesn’t listen to poetry) and it kind of stuck with me as a child. I think it was good for me to hear about racial stereotypes.
*I can only aspire to be, the average black girl.* Well said sis, here here.! Kudos! And my Generational black American sisters in the belly of the beast, has led the way, for the pass two hundred years. *I stand and salute,* my America sisters, much love and shared tears from Trinidad and Tobago, I see you, and value all of you, warts and all Because we share, the same warts and plight, *worldwide my sisters.* Respect each other, add context to our talking points about each other because we are, *our only Allies.*
this is the first spoken word poem i have ever listened to, it was introduced to me by a teacher i absolutely hated and i am forever grateful to her as without her i would have never discovered such an amazing community and my love for spoken word poetry.
I have probably watched this video a thousand times and the message she puts out is so powerful. Ernestine is an amazing and definitely an inspiring person.
Greenwood is a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As one of the most successful and wealthiest black communities in the United States during the early 20th Century, it was popularly known as America's "Black Wall Street" until the Tulsa race riot of 1921, in which white residents massacred black residents and razed the neighborhood within hours. The riot was one of the most devastating massacres in the history of U.S. race relations, destroying the once thriving Greenwood community. Within five years after the massacre, surviving residents who chose to remain in Tulsa rebuilt much of the district. They accomplished this despite the opposition of many white Tulsa political and business leaders and punitive rezoning laws enacted to prevent reconstruction. It resumed being a vital black community until segregation was overturned by the Federal Government during the 1950s and 1960s. Desegregation encouraged blacks to live and shop elsewhere in the city, causing Greenwood to lose much of its original vitality. Since then, city leaders have attempted to encourage other economic development activity nearby.
My grandfather survived this massacre he was 6 years old at the time he did an interview about it in a Detroit newspaper in 2000 (m.imgur.com/a/VSru09w ). He eventually went on to get a degree in engineering from Lincoln University. He moved to Detroit & became one of the first black engineers hired by a Ford motors. Then he switched to education & was a principal at one of Detroit’s highest ranked tech schools. Unfortunately, his uncle, his wife, & 3 children didn’t survive that night they were tossed into mass graves along with all the other black/white casualties. His life’s dream was to find those graves & give them the funeral they deserved he never got to accomplish that dream. But that dream has now become my own.
@@biancambera2929 I was saying he was 6 at the time of the massacre he survived. Then attached an article he did shortly before he passed in 2000. Then I just wanted to brag on all the amazing shit he accomplished in his long life. Despite his family losing everything they had when he was 6 yrs old. To still be able to go to college in the 30s as a black man is a huge accomplishment.
I first watched this about 2 yrs ago and till this day I still get chills. I hear nothing but the truth here. I work with young minorities and plan to share this beautiful knowledge with them soon here. Thank You for sharing your gift.
What an awesome poem! As a white guy, I sometimes find myself thinking "why am I surprised" when I hear an articulate black person speak. The stereotypes that have been perpetuated over the decades that try and mislead us towards an "average black person". When I hear a black person speaking in slang, I have to remind myself that he or she could very well be a very educated and highly intellectual person that is just expressing themselves in a dialect that's comfortable among peers. I get disappointed in myself that I have to work at it and it doesn't just come naturally. Why society works so hard at denying the "white privilege" and placing fault at blacks instead of accepting the myths that they perpetuate is offensive in so many ways. Its sad that schools aren't teaching the sacrifices of the Diane Nash's and Ella Bakers as our history is viewed through a white lens. Its even sadder that whites are often offended when these discrepancies or discriminations are brought to light. "We're so tired of the victim mentality" as though their hearing about it equates with blacks living it! We need to wake up as a nation and deal with race head on. Saying we're tired of hearing about it, or that you weren't around during slavery is just plain ignorant. Fortunately, as the minority population grows, here in "the land of the free, where ALL races and religions are welcome", the white race will be forced to see that minorities are just as equal and articulate as the average white person, regardless of their dialect or skin color.
The Power of Story & the Spoken Word! May your brilliance continue to shine and may you light the path for those who need to understand. Not the average Black Girl, indeed! Thank you for your courage to speak truth!
Oh, I still get chills from watching this. I love this piece of her work, showing such strong emotion whiles keeping her composition, whiles still being poised.
This beautiful lady has earned my respect through words. She deserves the standing ovation, she got. She can't aspire to something that she has already surpassed. That's all I have to say. Go ahead and hate, I won't even give your shit a primary thought.
She gave me goosebumps and caused me to shed a tear, but these tears were tears of joy and pride. She made me feel that there is nothing wrong with being who I am and loving the fact that I come from a long line of strong, intelligent, beautiful, and courageous women. Thank you Ernestine!
When people say, "You're so pretty for a Black woman" they think that they are offering that person a complement. In reality, that sort of statement reveals pure ignorance, bigotry and racism, and is demeaning and insulting to the woman to whom it is directed. I am a white man, married to a beautiful Black woman and when I see an opportunity to complement another Black woman (not by flirting, but by being genuinely caring), I simply tell her that she is a beautiful woman, period. We both realize that she is Black (a quality of which she should be proud) but there is no need to qualify the complement by adding any extraneous words. Black women are the most beautiful woman that God created, in my opinion, and that's all I have to say. Great poem, by the way, and beautifully delivered.
I felt every bit of that. I am a lighter skinned tone black woman and you have no idea the things I've been through. I've been told I'm not the average black woman. Because of my skin tone, my hair the way I talk and because I don't act a certain way. So I know every bit of what she was saying cause that black woman is me. 💯💯
That was amazing. I've noticed in the comments that people of other ethnic background seem to think we aren't taking responsibility for how we act when we portray certain stereotypes. That is our responsibility however I believe the poet was shedding light on the reason that black women are "angry". Because we are mistreated for not only being a woman but being black. Since African slaves came to America we were believed to be sex machines which was false but some still believe this which is why sometimes we are treated certain ways. Just a thought
Amen. I'm sick of all these stereotypes too. And, I try to distance myself from people who throw out the very comments you've mentioned. It only makes them look ignorant by saying it in the end.
This poem never fails to draw my deepest gratitudes and affections. So much truth. I applaud her for putting in such heartfelt words what I never have been able to say so eloquently. 😊
It was Great meeting you tonight Queen. and I think this was one of the most amazing spoken word pieces I've ever Heard!! I appreciate you and Empower you and The REST of the Afrikan Queens to remain Strong and encourage on Speaking YOUR truth unapologetically! and Afrikan men and Logical people Of All races and cultures respect and Salute your Bravery!!
This was so right on and so beautiful. I'm glad that I had came upon it. Black women in America don't get enough credit from anyone, even black men. The number of black women who shaped our civil rights in the US is substantial, but they still don't have the fame of their male counterparts. America needs to wake up and recognize the atrocities that we place, YES Fox News...even today, on those of African decent. Holding stereotypes over someone is wrong. If you think a black woman is too loud, your not listening. If you think a black womans hair is not right, then you need to change your perspective or recognize that our government is holding them down financially and otherwise. If you think that a black woman has attitude, then respect that her strength and the strength of her ancestors before her are what got them through some of the most heinous acts that we white people could dish. wake up White America! That is all.
Yep!! She was talking about being her sister’s keeper. There is no such thing as the average black woman. That’s from outsiders looking in. But we understand we are a rainbow of women. And we are absolutely breathtaking. ❤️❤️❤️
It is sad that there were so many racist comments regarding this video. I think that I have the answer to that. Well I heard things from Black and White people below saying that "this was bullshit". Well please remember that poetry is an art and art is an abstract expression from the artist. Therefore, to the racist people who gave those horrible comments, you lack in artistic expression and ability to understand the message of this poem. Also, let's see if the racist people below can answer this question without them saying first, "Well I don't want to be racist, but....." Here is the question, how come when a Black female is speaking of an experience, people call it bullshit, but when a White man like Tim Wise speaks of racism, everyone listens. But this is the best country in the world. Now that's bullshit.
I might get attacked for this....but it has been on my mind for a long time and I've never felt OK to say it out loud. As a white female who has friends of many races and ethnicities, I cannot count how many times I've been told I'm not the typical white girl, or not white at all. I've been told I must be black on the inside or have African roots when I can hang out and be accepted by a group of black women. I used to laugh about it and take it as a compliment, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that what I was basically being told was that my friends were assuming that for whatever reason, they wouldn't normally be able to have that kind of friendship with a typical white woman so I "must be black on the inside". I remember one time in particular a friend of mine was joking about some white girls at the club dancing on a pole and making a fool of themselves. The group was laughing and saying things like "you know, they were acting the way drunk white girls do". So I (jokingly) said "um, excuse me. I'm a white girl remember". My friend responded with "Oh don't worry, you're not really white, we all know that". Of course I laughed along with my friends that night but when I think back to all the times that kind of thing has been said to me, I wonder if maybe I could have used those moments to strike up a conversation about some of these stereotypes that go both ways. Or maybe I should just keep my mouth shut because my ancestors have had it too good and what do I really have to complain about.
Racism goes both ways, all ways. Racism is about labeling and hate if you ask me. Racism doesn't have a preference of colour or ethnicity, it just is and it really shouldn't be. Hate be-gates hate. Get rid of the hate and ignorance on both sides and we'll get rid of Racism. @sarafina03 don't be afraid to speak your mind. It will only spark the conversation that needs to be talked through so that the understanding can begin from both sides.
i think people just like to compare and point out things that are different, we are all different but when you stand out from the bunch that seems to be a problem, try to enjoy it at least, the best people on earth arent usually typical they are unique ^_^
Javan uHnah Firstly, I wasn't made lesser by other people's opinions about members of my race. Secondly, you're right, being judged negatively based on my race is not a type of judgement I must encounter on a daily basis and that is something I am aware of.
Everyone talking about race, and I'm just sitting here, waiting for people to realize that there's only 8 planets in our Solar System, not Universe...there's trillions of planets in our known universe
Laura Forcha I never questioned what the poem was about, was just pointing out, the inaccuracy of the verse about there's only 8 planets in the universe. Please don't mistake my comment for hate, but if she's going to correct anyone, it might help using the correct information.
***** "And in case you didn't get the memo, there are now 8, not 9, planets in the universe." This statement is false. There may be 8 planets in our Solar System since the removal of Pluto's planet status, but our known Universe consists or trillions of planets, even more when you consider that we have yet to discover an end to our universe. I made light of this as a joke, assuming everyone was aware of this fact and it was just made so it could rhyme.
People always say shit like that to me. I talk like i'm white and other crap. Whenever I read Martin Luther King's letter from Birhingham Jail, he put in words of the english language that I had never even heard of. Bet they wouldn't say anything like that to him.
When I see the comments, it seems like a lot of people get uncomfortable to see a black person have such a powerful message. They automatically call it "racist" and "ghetto" because truth hurts. I call it "passion" and "poetry" They can't handle it! Lol Murica
+Marty quinones you try to make a valid statement then end it with "Murica" Way to go.
+Deyon SinghThanks!! Appreciate ya
+Marty quinones Murica! I love it lolol
amen
Do you hate the dialect in which she says it or the country in itself. You must realize the people are not the government. Also, please do not feed into the division the media seems to be trying to create.
“You’re pretty for a black girl”
But the moment we say black is beautiful, they start shouting.
Elizabeth Ondoma so true
its insane
Grammatically speaking, that's expected for anyone who says "you're pretty for a bad girl".
Since them saying that in the first place implies that you're out of the norm, essentially saying 'your black and I didn't expect you to look good, but you do, so I compliment you for that.'
That’s a racial statement,
Facts
brought the house down!
MARQUESE SCOTT they too much complain about everything
They are nothing without white people.
@Chigozirim ᴖᴥᴖ
You are Evil and offended
@Intelligent human
They are definitely not above that
I shall not forget your name ´Ernestine Johnson¨ refreshing.
I did forget. I love(d), completely relate to/overstand, and shared this vid back when the ep first aired. I soon forgot about her.
I was [re]introduced to her via “Sister Circle Live”, was very impressed, and shared her (and her husband’s joint) interview with my mother.
My mother sent me Ernestine’s new C.R.O.W.N. seminar link... which led me here. I remember. I will never again forget. 💪🏽👸🏾👸🏽✊🏽💓💞💜
DONT FORGET!
I love seeing other black female poets. I've loved to write since I was a teen. This is perfection.
A white associate once told me "You are not like them". I told her off right then and there. We have to keep people accountable for their ignorance. People will always be an individual first before they become a stereotype. I hope more Americans train themselves to think like that. I am proud to be who I am, but that mostly includes who I am as a person vs a race.
But isn't this self contradictory Jess;
You said you are an iidividual first good for you this is noble.
So that white woman daisy exactly that,she made comments emphasizing on you not at your ethnic origin.
And then you called her off!
You Americans black or white are all so dramatic and you all love Hollywood type speeches.
Emotions,drama and all this,life is not drama only
+Vas Alexander The point of my comment is that you can identify me as a black person without relating it to stereotypes. I can't separate from my blackness because that is my identity. I am a black individual. I'm proud to be black and who I am. The nature of her comment is that she thought it will be compliment to separate me from my race. My race is pretty diverse, but of course the media only promotes one type of black and everyday people eat it up. My point is, have a mind of your own. ✌🏿️
+Jess JayEel Ok now i understood what the 'nature of her comment 'was
When I was younger I would always hear from my white friends "you're not like other black people" 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️. Always made me sad but I never knew how to react back then.
@@BabyGrl725" You know, I was think the same about you too". "Great Minds think alike I guess". would've been the perfect answer.
every back girl need to watch and listen to what she's saying
Sandreen Alicia shes so inspiring 😍 she’s actually a role model to me I literally got motivated to start my channel because of her
Every few years I come back to watch this video.
Ernestine has an electric magnetism about her! Her presence as a speaker is just raw power.
Jamie M. Yesssss
I hear these things all the time. That I'm pretty.. "for a black girl", that I talk "white", that I'm not ghetto, ratchet, etc.. and that makes me some how better. These things don't make me feel good. It really hurts me when people are constantly telling me that I'm somehow above people who are of my own race. Because what they are essentially saying is that, since my skin color is darker than theres, I'm only good in their eyes, because I don't portray the things that they see on tv. That I will never be good enough to anyone unless I'm the image of what they think a black girl "should" be like. That Im not great just because I'm me, but because I'm not like "them". This poem was really beautiful and everything that she said I related to. I just wish things didn't have to be this way.
I feel you on that one. I get that all the time to. I even had someone ask me if my hair is real and I said yes. Am I supposed to have short hair because I'm black? I know a lot of other black women with naturally long hair. I hate stereotypes.
Kile Cooke Omg yes don't even get me started on my hair! Mine is short and I still get comments like that. People always ask why my hair is straight how can it be like that. Then they start asking what am I or if I'm mixed with white or something. And I'm like no I'm fully black -_-
Its like their minds can't process the fact that not all black women look alike.
scatnez We'll of course I know that theres always going to be stupid people in my own race. But the way that they express their opinions to me comes off more so as, they think being black is a bad thing, and that I should be proud that I "act" more like a white person. Im proud of who I am as a person and I don't think being black should be something people look down on. Sadly thats how a lot of people think in our society.
Well, and I hear the "you're pretty smart for a blonde". There will always be THAT kind of people, you just be yourself darling. Don't worry about what others think of you :)
***** Thank you. I plan on doing just that!
I can't stand hearing crap like that from people. "You speak so white!" Doesn't make any sense to me.
DanTheWoaMan YESSSS
Yah
I know it’s bullshit
RIGHT
I hear it all the time and it's so frickin tiring, I'm 14 excuse me if I don't feel like cursing and screaming 24/7. Let me be me please, without having to fit into your stereotypes of what my race should be.
This gave me so much confidence
This poem brought me to tears. You've just vocalized every thought I could not fathom into words. I can't thank you enough for exposing people to our harsh reality.
This is the best poem I've heard in awhile
Livy Dean 100% she’s my role model . One of the reasons I took poetry seriously on my channel
This touched my heart.
xobripxo 100% she’s my role model . One of the reasons I took poetry seriously on my channel
I can't even look at the comments because i know it's gonna piss me off, but good job baby girl, i loved it
this give me chills love it
I love black women
Nigel 1990 ...black women love u!!!
We love you too! 🤓
I love Black Women with everything in me, because if it was not for black queens, I would not be a black King.
Nigel MT Productions amen
I got chills. Such a good job.
This was so powerful in every single way possible. The irony of the title is my favorite part. You are amazing!!!
Ernestine Johnson has me in tears every time I hear this because it's so true... I can't stand the people she explained. if your one of them then you have no respect for anybody except for yourself. this us why I write. this is why I read. this is why I do everything that I do in school and at home.
I get told this all the time. Surprisingly it is from other black people.
*****
I listen to rock music too,but I also listen to EDM and pop music. I am not a big fan metal. I remember in high school I was in this R&B choir class and they would play a rap, hip-hop, or R&B song I would not know. The one time I knew a song, they act like won a dam award. People are ignorant and these days I just don't give a fuck.
rocklesson86 They're a pack of angry jackals, and then blame others when they act out on their rabid hatefulness.
MrJojo8675309 True.
***** I have started being me and I am OK about that.
***** Yes they are. I just see music as music and I like what I like. You my friend are cool as fuck.
9 years later & I still get goosebumps
Gave me chills
Jesus!!!
she is beautiful love this very powerful message
2021 still an inspiration I love this so much!❤️❤️❤️
There seems to be a lot of white men on this video who seem to think that they can tell us what we are and what we should be offended by. On this VIDEO. Of this POEM. How ironic.
Exactly..... especially when they are the ones that did not go through half of the struggle we went through and they claim to be so unbothered by what our race preaches...
I remember watching this year's ago. I sadly forgot who it was. I looked for 2 weeks when I remembered something about this speech. I typed in many of many different text descriptions to attempt to find this video. 2 weeks later I finally found it again. Saved to all my playlists to never lose it again. A lot of women and even men can learn from this beautiful speech. Times like this is when black lives matter even though ALL lives matter.
Bless you. Bless you Ernestine 🙏♥🙌💖
The 18 beings that had the nerve to thumb down this exceptional piece of spoken art, deserve to have their "human" cards pulled. Immediately.
I'm in tears Ms Johnson. The good kind. Thank you so much for this breath of life. God bless you!
Education, motivation, uplifting, and setting the record straight all in 4 and 1/2 minutes! Love you Ernestine!
This is the most beautiful and meaningful spoken word I have ever heard.
I watch this everyday I love this poem
This was excellent and definitely moving. THANK YOU for sharing this with us!
I want to be the average black girl... They ROCK
***** okay
***** same
You have blessed my Soul, BabyGurl! We are proud of our youth who remember where they came from and that they/we stand on beautifully empowered shoulders! You speak for all of us! Thank you!!!
I remember when I was like eleven I overheard my dad listening to this (which is weird bc he doesn’t listen to poetry) and it kind of stuck with me as a child. I think it was good for me to hear about racial stereotypes.
You are a brilliant and gifted poet! You have a voice that needs to be heard! Thank you for this beautiful poem
deeeep and inspiring poem.... I'm about to go write some more poems wowwww I loved this!!!!
*I can only aspire to be, the average black girl.* Well said sis, here here.! Kudos! And my Generational black American sisters in the belly of the beast, has led the way, for the pass two hundred years. *I stand and salute,* my America sisters, much love and shared tears from Trinidad and Tobago, I see you, and value all of you, warts and all Because we share, the same warts and plight, *worldwide my sisters.* Respect each other, add context to our talking points about each other because we are, *our only Allies.*
Incredible “Stine-Stine!!”
Who’s here after watching her episode on Kountry Wayne, mentioning her poetry on youtube?
This video will NEVER get old to me 🙌🏾❤️ “I am not the average black girl, I can only aspire to be”
7 years later and I am still 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.
this is the first spoken word poem i have ever listened to, it was introduced to me by a teacher i absolutely hated and i am forever grateful to her as without her i would have never discovered such an amazing community and my love for spoken word poetry.
Worked on a film with wonderfully, super talented, "average black girl".... Brilliant my sister, brilliant!
I have probably watched this video a thousand times and the message she puts out is so powerful. Ernestine is an amazing and definitely an inspiring person.
Greenwood is a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As one of the most successful and wealthiest black communities in the United States during the early 20th Century, it was popularly known as America's "Black Wall Street" until the Tulsa race riot of 1921, in which white residents massacred black residents and razed the neighborhood within hours. The riot was one of the most devastating massacres in the history of U.S. race relations, destroying the once thriving Greenwood community.
Within five years after the massacre, surviving residents who chose to remain in Tulsa rebuilt much of the district. They accomplished this despite the opposition of many white Tulsa political and business leaders and punitive rezoning laws enacted to prevent reconstruction. It resumed being a vital black community until segregation was overturned by the Federal Government during the 1950s and 1960s. Desegregation encouraged blacks to live and shop elsewhere in the city, causing Greenwood to lose much of its original vitality. Since then, city leaders have attempted to encourage other economic development activity nearby.
I dont know if desegregation was a good thing for Us black people.
Kevin Fulgence Wow
My grandfather survived this massacre he was 6 years old at the time he did an interview about it in a Detroit newspaper in 2000 (m.imgur.com/a/VSru09w ). He eventually went on to get a degree in engineering from Lincoln University. He moved to Detroit & became one of the first black engineers hired by a Ford motors. Then he switched to education & was a principal at one of Detroit’s highest ranked tech schools. Unfortunately, his uncle, his wife, & 3 children didn’t survive that night they were tossed into mass graves along with all the other black/white casualties. His life’s dream was to find those graves & give them the funeral they deserved he never got to accomplish that dream. But that dream has now become my own.
@@tinaamariee832 Not to be rude or anything, and I know this comment is a year old but how did he have kids and a wife at six years old lmao.
@@biancambera2929 I was saying he was 6 at the time of the massacre he survived. Then attached an article he did shortly before he passed in 2000. Then I just wanted to brag on all the amazing shit he accomplished in his long life. Despite his family losing everything they had when he was 6 yrs old. To still be able to go to college in the 30s as a black man is a huge accomplishment.
I first watched this about 2 yrs ago and till this day I still get chills. I hear nothing but the truth here. I work with young minorities and plan to share this beautiful knowledge with them soon here. Thank You for sharing your gift.
What an awesome poem! As a white guy, I sometimes find myself thinking "why am I surprised" when I hear an articulate black person speak. The stereotypes that have been perpetuated over the decades that try and mislead us towards an "average black person". When I hear a black person speaking in slang, I have to remind myself that he or she could very well be a very educated and highly intellectual person that is just expressing themselves in a dialect that's comfortable among peers. I get disappointed in myself that I have to work at it and it doesn't just come naturally. Why society works so hard at denying the "white privilege" and placing fault at blacks instead of accepting the myths that they perpetuate is offensive in so many ways. Its sad that schools aren't teaching the sacrifices of the Diane Nash's and Ella Bakers as our history is viewed through a white lens. Its even sadder that whites are often offended when these discrepancies or discriminations are brought to light. "We're so tired of the victim mentality" as though their hearing about it equates with blacks living it! We need to wake up as a nation and deal with race head on. Saying we're tired of hearing about it, or that you weren't around during slavery is just plain ignorant. Fortunately, as the minority population grows, here in "the land of the free, where ALL races and religions are welcome", the white race will be forced to see that minorities are just as equal and articulate as the average white person, regardless of their dialect or skin color.
I love this... And you!
Thank you🥹
Thank you for being part of the solution ❤
Love this response sir! Peace & Blessings to you love❤️
The Power of Story & the Spoken Word! May your brilliance continue to shine and may you light the path for those who need to understand. Not the average Black Girl, indeed! Thank you for your courage to speak truth!
"I am not the average black girl - I can only aspire to be."
Oh, I still get chills from watching this. I love this piece of her work, showing such strong emotion whiles keeping her composition, whiles still being poised.
This beautiful lady has earned my respect through words. She deserves the standing ovation, she got. She can't aspire to something that she has already surpassed. That's all I have to say. Go ahead and hate, I won't even give your shit a primary thought.
WOW. She is such an amazing speaker! I hope someday I will get to meet her because this message is so powerful.
You inspired me to start writing spoken word . Thank you so much ❤️
She gave me goosebumps and caused me to shed a tear, but these tears were tears of joy and pride. She made me feel that there is nothing wrong with being who I am and loving the fact that I come from a long line of strong, intelligent, beautiful, and courageous women. Thank you Ernestine!
this is amazing!
Refreshing performance! Good job, Ernestine.
Amazing! I love the truth in her words!
I've seen this 4 times in 2 days and shed tears every time. Thank you for your voice and for your courage.
When people say, "You're so pretty for a Black woman" they think that they are offering that person a complement. In reality, that sort of statement reveals pure ignorance, bigotry and racism, and is demeaning and insulting to the woman to whom it is directed. I am a white man, married to a beautiful Black woman and when I see an opportunity to complement another Black woman (not by flirting, but by being genuinely caring), I simply tell her that she is a beautiful woman, period. We both realize that she is Black (a quality of which she should be proud) but there is no need to qualify the complement by adding any extraneous words. Black women are the most beautiful woman that God created, in my opinion, and that's all I have to say. Great poem, by the way, and beautifully delivered.
Completely blown away. That was an amazing recitation of a phenomenally well written poem. What a powerful performance! Absolutely moving.
Woah, gave me chills!
Wow! Just Wow! Love it and hit the nail on the head for sure!
That was very touching❤❤
I shed a tear
I felt every bit of that. I am a lighter skinned tone black woman and you have no idea the things I've been through. I've been told I'm not the average black woman. Because of my skin tone, my hair the way I talk and because I don't act a certain way. So I know every bit of what she was saying cause that black woman is me. 💯💯
She’s so beautiful. So inspiring. So everything. I watch this video at least twice a month. Favorite poem. Thank you for blessing us with your talent.
That was amazing. I've noticed in the comments that people of other ethnic background seem to think we aren't taking responsibility for how we act when we portray certain stereotypes. That is our responsibility however I believe the poet was shedding light on the reason that black women are "angry". Because we are mistreated for not only being a woman but being black. Since African slaves came to America we were believed to be sex machines which was false but some still believe this which is why sometimes we are treated certain ways. Just a thought
2020 and this post still shakes me to my core..💯💯👏👏💝💝⛪⛪
you have so much poise and and an incredible amount of talent ! subscribed and I will be watching the rest of your videos
I truly admire your mind frame and thought process. There is nothing like a woman with a with a strong mind. And your poem was absolutely brilliant.
OMG YASSSS #YOUGOGIRL #KUDOSTOYOU MY BLACK QUEEN NO NOT BLACK QUEEN JUST A QUEEN 👑👑 PERIOD POINT BLANK👌👌👍👍👏👏💯💯
This is sooo powerful and moving!!! Definitely a message that needs to be spread today!!!
I'm blown away, I love how powerful and correct (because I can definitely relate)this spoken word poem so much. 🙌 Found my society guideline. 😂
This still gives me chills. Love Ernestine’s Pen!!
Amen. I'm sick of all these stereotypes too. And, I try to distance myself from people who throw out the very comments you've mentioned. It only makes them look ignorant by saying it in the end.
Powerful and spoken by a true African Queen!!
As much as this left in complete awe i'm still disheartened by the fact that we as black people still have to talk about issues like these
This poem never fails to draw my deepest gratitudes and affections. So much truth. I applaud her for putting in such heartfelt words what I never have been able to say so eloquently. 😊
Goosebumps everywhere.
It was Great meeting you tonight Queen. and I think this was one of the most amazing spoken word pieces I've ever Heard!!
I appreciate you and Empower you and The REST of the Afrikan Queens to remain Strong and encourage on Speaking YOUR truth unapologetically! and Afrikan men and Logical people Of All races and cultures respect and Salute your Bravery!!
This was so right on and so beautiful. I'm glad that I had came upon it. Black women in America don't get enough credit from anyone, even black men. The number of black women who shaped our civil rights in the US is substantial, but they still don't have the fame of their male counterparts. America needs to wake up and recognize the atrocities that we place, YES Fox News...even today, on those of African decent. Holding stereotypes over someone is wrong. If you think a black woman is too loud, your not listening. If you think a black womans hair is not right, then you need to change your perspective or recognize that our government is holding them down financially and otherwise. If you think that a black woman has attitude, then respect that her strength and the strength of her ancestors before her are what got them through some of the most heinous acts that we white people could dish. wake up White America! That is all.
I still come back to this! So good.
Its amazing how many of you missed the message. *palm to face*
"I'm not the average black girl, but I aspire to be." Speak, Queen!
Yep!! She was talking about being her sister’s keeper.
There is no such thing as the average black woman. That’s from outsiders looking in. But we understand we are a rainbow of women. And we are absolutely breathtaking. ❤️❤️❤️
beautiful! The most beautiful woman that you are! Skin doesn't matter, but your heart and mind do! Thank you for this!
Powerful, poignant, phenomenal - one of the next Maya Angelo
Indeed!
Chills. I have chills watching this over and over.
David Banners Sway in the morning interview brought me here
Same here
Dr. Banner, Eye2
me too
me too
likewise
"...she was out there fighting, breaking, and changing laws." 🔥🔥🔥
It is sad that there were so many racist comments regarding this video. I think that I have the answer to that. Well I heard things from Black and White people below saying that "this was bullshit". Well please remember that poetry is an art and art is an abstract expression from the artist. Therefore, to the racist people who gave those horrible comments, you lack in artistic expression and ability to understand the message of this poem. Also, let's see if the racist people below can answer this question without them saying first, "Well I don't want to be racist, but....." Here is the question, how come when a Black female is speaking of an experience, people call it bullshit, but when a White man like Tim Wise speaks of racism, everyone listens. But this is the best country in the world. Now that's bullshit.
don't hate
Why waste time reading the negativity of ignorant, envious and angry
People! I seldom take time to bother with Haters - they are Losers!!
You're racist.
Whoa Lady! I love it!! Thank You Sista!
I might get attacked for this....but it has been on my mind for a long time and I've never felt OK to say it out loud. As a white female who has friends of many races and ethnicities, I cannot count how many times I've been told I'm not the typical white girl, or not white at all. I've been told I must be black on the inside or have African roots when I can hang out and be accepted by a group of black women. I used to laugh about it and take it as a compliment, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that what I was basically being told was that my friends were assuming that for whatever reason, they wouldn't normally be able to have that kind of friendship with a typical white woman so I "must be black on the inside". I remember one time in particular a friend of mine was joking about some white girls at the club dancing on a pole and making a fool of themselves. The group was laughing and saying things like "you know, they were acting the way drunk white girls do". So I (jokingly) said "um, excuse me. I'm a white girl remember". My friend responded with "Oh don't worry, you're not really white, we all know that". Of course I laughed along with my friends that night but when I think back to all the times that kind of thing has been said to me, I wonder if maybe I could have used those moments to strike up a conversation about some of these stereotypes that go both ways. Or maybe I should just keep my mouth shut because my ancestors have had it too good and what do I really have to complain about.
***** Being judged wouldn't be new to me or anyone else, no matter what color.
Racism goes both ways, all ways. Racism is about labeling and hate if you ask me. Racism doesn't have a preference of colour or ethnicity, it just is and it really shouldn't be. Hate be-gates hate. Get rid of the hate and ignorance on both sides and we'll get rid of Racism. @sarafina03 don't be afraid to speak your mind. It will only spark the conversation that needs to be talked through so that the understanding can begin from both sides.
i think people just like to compare and point out things that are different, we are all different but when you stand out from the bunch that seems to be a problem, try to enjoy it at least, the best people on earth arent usually typical they are unique ^_^
Now you have a little sample taste on how it feels to be made lessor because of your race.
Javan uHnah Firstly, I wasn't made lesser by other people's opinions about members of my race. Secondly, you're right, being judged negatively based on my race is not a type of judgement I must encounter on a daily basis and that is something I am aware of.
Simply Beautiful. The truth behind her words moved me to tears. I agree with her 110%.
Everyone talking about race, and I'm just sitting here, waiting for people to realize that there's only 8 planets in our Solar System, not Universe...there's trillions of planets in our known universe
there's is no physical end meaning endless planets molecules and entity exist and will continue to exist.
I'm pretty sure she knows the difference, I think she had to make it rhyme.
NecroArmorLink White ppl smh, its about Black pppl not planets FOH
Laura Forcha I never questioned what the poem was about, was just pointing out, the inaccuracy of the verse about there's only 8 planets in the universe. Please don't mistake my comment for hate, but if she's going to correct anyone, it might help using the correct information.
***** "And in case you didn't get the memo, there are now 8, not 9, planets in the universe."
This statement is false. There may be 8 planets in our Solar System since the removal of Pluto's planet status, but our known Universe consists or trillions of planets, even more when you consider that we have yet to discover an end to our universe. I made light of this as a joke, assuming everyone was aware of this fact and it was just made so it could rhyme.
I wish I could love this a thousand times
People always say shit like that to me. I talk like i'm white and other crap. Whenever I read Martin Luther King's letter from Birhingham Jail, he put in words of the english language that I had never even heard of. Bet they wouldn't say anything like that to him.
Fuck em bro....They'll never understand....I get the same shit
@@davisdowell1986 YAAS QUEEN
Damn sis. You snapped.
Love how she paid homage to The G.A.P
Powerful message
That was amazing. I really got chills and tears came to my eyes. Powerful!
I only regret it's censored. The swearing is part of the emphasis, it's important!