You have always been such a genuine person, Naya. Thank you for taking a stand, though I hate that you were put in such an awful position in the first place. I'm sorry you dealt with terrifying experiences while protesting too. I'll be protesting tomorrow night and promise to keep fighting for & supporting you and the black community. Stay safe and take care ❤️
I protested yesterday and I'm going out tomorrow as well. Be safe out there and pack enough supplies! And there will probably be racists trying to instigate conflict but ignore them. I had to hold my friend back yesterday from swinging on a racist Karen... 😭
If a family is offended by someone who doesn't look like them then there's something wrong with that family. The world would be so boring if we never looked beyond our own little bubble
@@02ladydamned I fully agree! The only way children and families learn about other races and cultures other than their own is by being exposed to it. Diversity matters! Black Lives Matter. Black Representation Matters!
Its the most despicable outrageous thing to say im so enraged by it, I cant even imagine how any person of color can hack it. People like that need to stop breeding.
You kept apologizing for "not knowing" and "not doing your research" regarding BookOutlet's Vlogger Friends, and that's when it hit me -- this isn't something you should have to apologize for. Doing your research to make sure the company you're partnered with aren't racist shouldn't even be a problem. I know police brutality is obviously a much bigger issue, but it's so easy (especially for white people) to overlook such subtle things like that. You're in my thoughts, Naya, and so is the rest of the black community. Like you said, saying "stay safe" is kind of a moot point, but I still wish you all safety and love. 💕🙏
Absolutely wild that we can't work from the basis of human decency and you essentially have to fact check to make sure companies arent racist and actually respect other humans
Yes....it’s the subtleties that racism brings forth that we go through that’ll tear your heart out. But we’re a strong and resilient people so we know how to cope with it. But if anyone else experienced it, it would drive the rest of the population right into a psychiatric ward with “delusional schizophrenia”
I don't have the words to express how much I look up to you as a content creator, and how angry I am for you right now that you had to see that type of disrespect from a brand you so deeply cared for. ❤️
Are you still in partnership with book outlet? Will you and others truly be standing with your black counterparts? Please accept this question with an open heart because I am a supporter or yours but I really am waiting with held breath as I evaluate where I invest my energies, money, time, etc.
@@ColorMeAhmazinq I terminated my contact immediately upon that tweet as I was already in their DMs the day before asking them to show their support by having some internal conversations they were obviously lacking, and then show their support publicly via resources, donating, speaking up etc. or it would affect the partnership. Instead they only shared their own sales links and then disrespected the community on Twitter. I didn't want to make this about me, which is why I didn't talk about that in the comments of someone else's video, I just wanted to show her support. I have an Instagram highlight where I talk about terminating my contract if you would like to read my thoughts. But that's pretty much it right there. I am putting my focus on shopping at and promoting better bookstores that align more with my own values in the future.
You are always such an inspiration Naya. I’m so sorry you had to go through this experience with BookOutlet. I think your point about looking into the companies that we’re working with and have worked with is so true, and it’s something I’ve been doing as well. I hope you’re taking care as much as possible and I am here for you and supporting you always ♥️
hope you follow termination contract as her because I love your videos and hope you will do the same what they do is not normal makes me sad see this girl which I don't know in person been throw all this
I’m only like 5 minutes into this and I am VERY emotional already. It’s painful to get messages from people being like “please teach me why this is wrong what’s going on?! I didn’t know!” It’s like? You don’t know but google exists, and having to explain something so simple over and over again is so exhausting. It’s like you’re tired of talking about it but you can’t be tired of talking about it because it’s YOUR EXISTENCE. no matter what you do as a black person, this will always be your existence and it’s exhausting. I applaud everyone going out there and those who are able to. The respect I have for them is insane. Anyways, I’m gonna continue this video now but Naya, you are amazing. I will take this to heart.
I'm a white European and I'm shocked you (and Naya) are getting messages asking for an explanation. It's quite clear to me and I'm an ocean away. If you haven't figured out what's wrong, you're just ignorant and racist. I can only hope the answer to this problem will be presented soon, but I don't forsee the solution pop up anytime soon.
You shouldn't take on the responsibility of educating others of oppression and abuse that has never been a secret! People who are oblivious at this point are either young children or others who are just choosing to stay ignorant. There's no excuse to not be informed. They obviously have access to the internet; they should realize it's for more than social media. I hope you have some peace, joy, and light in your life to balance these dark and tiring times. 🖤
Being a trans person I understand. People ALWAYS want information or education. I just have to mention it and I get bombarded with questions. I could never understand why you would ask someone personally when there are countless of black people making articles, writing books, doing speeches, making videos etc on the topic. Theres Incredible resources. I wonder if they do it because they want to prove to someone they're actually doing the work? Idk man
I agree people get upset telling me I should I should educate the racists in my town that message and post things because I don't agree with their hateful bigoted ways.They know what they doing is wrong.I don't need to teach them shit lol.They know and they made THEIR choice and I made MINE.
I have never noticed the lack of black booktubers in the videos I watch since I'm used to watching random videos that come up on my recommended page and subscribing to the ones I enjoy. However, through all this going on I've been seeing so many black booktubers on my Twitter feed and I'm just here wondering where all these wonderful people were all this time. While I was watching your video, I realized that I need to make a change and actually seek out black booktubers because their channels are just never gonna get recommended or promoted. I encourage everyone to do the same!!!
You should watch a Philosophy Tube video, "Are Rules Made to Be Broken"? In it he explains that law enforcement can justify racist police action by insinuating that an alogrithm is "objective" when it contains data tainted by human intervention. The police pursue criminal activity in black neighborhoods, enter the data where crimes have been known to occur, and then the algorithm favors sending police to locations with higher black populations. It becomes systemically racist in the exact same way as the police force does. TH-cam's watch algorithm could easily be racist in a similar way.
i'm noticing that a lot of the black youtubers I'm watching now don't have ads on their videos, while a lot of white youtubers do... UMMMMMMM youtube. wtf.
It’s the creators choice! If you see aTH-cam video with ads it’s because the creator chose to monetize. I think it’s DISGUSTING that people are CHOOSING to profit off of the death of a black person, as well as the the Black Lives Matter movement.
NayaReadsandSmiles I see where you’re coming from, but you can donate the Adsense from this video to the organizations. I would have made sure to not skip the ads.
@@a.b.2405 I agree. That's what I'm doing right now, not skipping ads on Booktube accounts who are donating their adsense earnings to the movement. That's the tiniest, easiest way to help the cause by viewers like me.
i really wish i would’ve spoken out about being denied sooner...my friend and i completely disregarded it because we were just so used to being shut down by companies, which is 100% not okay. i appreciate you SO much for speaking out. thank you❤️
I'm so glad you mentioned colorism!!! If I've learned anything from this whole situation it's that light-skinned/mixed creators ARE clearly considered a 'preferential' choice and that needs to change. Thank you for speaking on this. Be safe 💕
Yeah just watch your t.v. commercials light skinned black woman with light hair and greens eyes married to the white man while the dark skin black woman is a single mom.
Right? Such a relief to see constructive and kind comments instead of the pure venom that's all over social media at the moment. People have been through enough lately without adding that toxicity to it as well
Emmanuel Okoye never thought id hear those words. I always see things about booktubers or the community coming after people and how toxic and superficial it can be. But yeah, this is a really nice comment section
This has been such a stressful week for me. I'm glad you made this video. I'm sending you my support. I've lost 2 "friends" over this because of their ignorance and racism and lack of sympathy. I'm trying to stay off the internet to give myself a break from the reality of the world and chaos. I wish you love and happiness. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have to get back into reading again to escape to another world! Thanks for the video and I'm so sorry you went through all this I could tell you were on the verge of tears. Let it out girl.
Man! "Friends" are dropping like flies in air conditioning..... it is astonishing 😲 to actually have to explain the issues that are/have been present for YEARS!
She was talking about light skinned actors. To me it always seemed like colorism was a pendulum that favored swings in the extreme. Maybe I'm wrong, but actors in black roles seem either really light or really dark skinned. She made a point of saying she recommends only dark skinned booktubers. I think this explains the dichotomy. I kind of wish this was something people didn't feel the need to overanalyze. In a perfect world actors would be chosen based solely on their talent.
@@futurestoryteller It doesn't favour dark skinned women, look at Netflix for instance that is a particularly horrible display of colorist casting choices. More generally, light skinned actors, especially women, are much better represented than dark skinned when it comes to actors even in "black movies". You say 'in a perfect world'... I mean, do you also apply that mindset to any initiative that tries to promote and amplify black people or any other POC and say "in a perfect world it would be talent over race"? Yes, but it''s not perfect- right now the system privileges those closest to whiteness, so challenging that will take a deliberate attempt to uplift those who are marginalised. The point of promoting a marginalised group is acknowledging the imbalance and trying to address the injustice somewhat. Also there is literally reams of research showing that dark skinned people suffer from colorism the most - they are more likely to be incarcerated for a crime, more likely to be suspended from school, less likely to be married, more likely to be a victim of racial profiling/police brutality than light skinned people etc. You can't find comparable research that shows similarly negative outcomes for light skinned people. It's not a 'both sides' kind of thing - colorism, like it's cousin racism, literally kills dark skinned people. And I'll say this now - until black people start acknowledging it and taking it as seriously as racism, as a community, they won't make any progress in the fight against systemic racism. Colorism is literally upholding white supremacy. Thank you Naya for speaking on this and acknowledging your privilege.
@@AMMA83 You may well be reading entirely too much into every word I've said. For instance I was speaking almost exclusively about the Hollywood film industry, and light skinned actresses have been undermined and trolled online, by people saying that they're "not really black" or by proclaiming that their role "should have" gone to a darker actor, because reasons. It's like fighting with someone who makes slightly more than you when you're both below the poverty line, because they got a promotion. It's just a way to keep the proletariat fighting each other. I assumed people would bring this knowledge with them to the discussion upon reading my comment, but maybe that assumption was overzeaolous. And I understand that because skin tone is integral if not central to the issue of race, that there should logically (not reasonably) exist, consciously or otherwise, an inclination towards lighter skinned actors by American, primarily white casting apparatus. But I personally don't feel I've seen recent evidence to suggest that the range of skin tones in popular media falls welll outside the national average. When taken as a whole. I live in an urban enviornment with a large minority population, and most black people are not especially dark. I don't mean to say that I know dark-skinned actors are not under represented, what I mean to say is we are a few generations removed from the start of the slave trade, when black people were first forcefully brought here against their will; interracial integration predates its own consensual equitable legality by centuries, and black people make up roughly 13% of the entire population, as it stands right now, so I would say skilled actors as dark or darker than Lupita Nyong'o or Danai Gurira aren't exactly endemic to North America. In fact both of those *American* actresses are direct descendents of recent immigrants. Second generation. I'll say this: If I named all the actresses from the films and TV shows that I can remember watching for the last few years, I don't know that I could name a single black actress who is _as_ light-skinned as Naya appears to be. I'm sorry if it seems like I'm not acknowledging the reality of the problem. I have no illusions about the threat of white supremacy, I just feel like there's diminishing returns when it comes to fighting the systemic hierarchy all the way down the totem pole vs. unifying to strike up at the heart of the giant. But that's just one person's opinion, and I suspect it's not going to mean much to some people anyway. I did my best to explain it, that's really all I can do.
I absolutely hate that this company put you in such an awful position, you're amazing Naya and i appreciate you so much for speaking out. I hope you're taking care of yourself, love!
I discovered your channel like two weeks ago and I already can say that you're one of the best booktubers I've ever seen so far. I'm mexican and I do live in Mexico, but that doesn't change the fact of how angry, frustrated and suffocating I am for all that's happening. BLACK LIVES MATTER and police brutality, as well as racism has to end in America and all over the world. As an outsider viewer from Mexico, I tell you that we're supporting you, cause we're tired of police brutality as well. Stay strong and be safe. #BlackLivesMatter
I just started BookTube 2 months ago and it was literally YOUR channel that encouraged me to began. You’ve been my inspiration so when I saw the post on Twitter including you and book outlet I was deeply saddened that they made you their token black girl. I am beyond delighted that you didn’t stand for that!! And I vow that neither will I. Even if I only have 200 subscribers. Booktubers of color need to stand for something because there not many of us
i just want to say that when i joined booktube you were one of the first booktubers i ever watched and i was so happy to see another person in this community as big as you. 🖤
"Family friendly appearance" means white... book outlet is canceled for me & yes I have had to deal with discrimination against my hair at work... whew chile the things black people gotta deal with... love to you Naya 🖤
I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have to feel like you didn’t do your research; companies should just BE BETTER. The fact that you or anyone else has to put in so much time when they’re given an opportunity says so much about how racism is engrained in many companies, institutions, etc. I’m so sorry you had to go through this. You’re lovely and wonderful!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I’m kind of new to booktube, (so I’m really small). But I have gotten comments in person that I don’t “look black”. I’ve recently decided to go natural with my hair, and a part of me is worried that I won’t “look as nice” or “as polished” so thank you for your comment on natural hair being beautiful 👏🏽 I will definitely be checking out more videos black book tubers are sharing about their experience on the platform
Naya. I just want you to know that I love you. The extent to which BookOutlet has let both you and all Black creators down is abominable, and your points on colorism were spot-on. The concluding bit about safety made me tear up - everyone deserves to feel safe. We are all complex individuals. There are universes inside of all of us. I just want you to know that I'll be here, and I will use my privilege for good, and I will keep learning, and I will spread empathy, and I will be holding your hand (digitally, of course). Thank you for everything
I am so sorry about all of this. I wish I had said something to them when they reached out to me last year. My kids are biracial and I was uncomfortable that there was only one person of color, but I kind of brushed it off and didn’t realize that there was a pattern of Black creators being rejected. Thank you for speaking about this even if it makes some people uncomfortable. For me that’s not a good enough reason to be quiet anymore. Take care. ❤️
Melissa Sullivan Being racist isn’t abnormal as all. And you might want to look at some amazing disabled Black creators to see just how problematic your statement referencing the DSM is. (It’s ableist AF, period and I’m telling you that as a disabled person). You really want to jump in and talk about being an ally and how sick you are of racism- be an ally to all Black people and don’t throw any other group under the bus. Being racist is not a mental illness. It’s not at all abnormal either (and abnormal or different of something you don’t agree with is also not the definition of mental illness). Our entire society and societal structure is built on racism. Racism IS the norm. That’s exactly the problem. Not mental illness.
Just saw this and I'm so so sorry. I can't believe the response of book outlet. I have been away from the booktube and book world due to school and haven't bought any books for over 2 years from book outlet. THANK YOU for standing up to them I know my response is a year late, but I will most certainly not be buying from Bookoutlet again.
Wow.... I agree with you 100%... it’s sad because I see this at my job as well. Even though I work with Hispanic and White people mostly, I’ve found that I’m the only black person (mixed) at my job. It makes me uncomfortable to see that I’m suppose to represent the black community in my workplace when I have privileges that many of them don’t. It’s very uncomfortable to be around and I’ve even sent recommendations to management about hiring more black people! But soon after that we closed because of COVID so I’ll never really know when it’ll happen. But I respect you so much Naya! I think that you’re wonderful and powerful to acknowledge your part and how you’re working to solve it! Thanks for always being great 💓💓💓
I'm so disappointed in book outlet. I'm mixed but I'm mostly white passing. I have a hell of a privilege but my birth father never let's me forget that no longer than 80 years ago my existence alone, a "mixed mutt" could have gotten me killed. You're right though, the world can't just go back inside and wait for another person to die this time. The world will be different at the end of this year. Bless you and this vid and thank you for speaking out about all of this on your platform. I would have never known about book outlet doing this (I don't follow/look at their content).
Thank you for posting this video. I have seen what has been happening with all of the protests, but I hadn't realized how dangerous it was for black people to even live in America. I have a lot of black friends from High School who are protesting and posting videos. It is heartbreaking to live in such a time where black people are having to fight for their right to even exist, let alone have happy and successful lives. I am praying for you and all of the other black people that I know and love. This year has been so hard and I do hope that we all make it to 2021 happy and healthy. Thank you again for speaking out.
The minute you started talking about colorism, oof that hit home. I wish more content creators who are white passing or biracial spoke up about colorism. But thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I hope you are staying safe, staying healthy, and taking care of your mental health during these times. I have been a subscriber of your channel for four years and I wanted to let you know that I love your content, how passionately you speak out about so many things, how hard you work, and everything you do in the book community. ❤️
Naia, we love you so much. As a darker skinned black woman, I watch every one of your videos and have read books that you’ve recommend. A forever subscriber!
I've been following booktube for over 4 years and I hardly ever saw black booktubers on my recommendation list. I didn't even know so many existed until now.
I am so, so sorry you were treated this way. Thank you for speaking out, and stay safe 💜 None of this was your fault, and it breaks my heart seeing you apologize for this company's actions. You are not the guilty party here.
I’m so sorry you had to go through this awful experience with BookOutlet. You made such an important point on doing research that extends to who readers shop from and really every part of our life - what are the values of the companies/people we support
You don’t have to explain anything to anyone, stay strong, sending you lots of love! And I’m so sorry that you had to go through this with book outlet. It’s unacceptable.
“You mean white” 💯😂 Naya, I just want to say that I really appreciate you uploading this video. I’ve been watching your channel and been subscribed for sometime, and I know that some people don’t really count biracial or mixed black peoples experience as quintessential black experiences, but I think that you were very on point. Some black people are not used to biracial blacks having so much pride in their blackness, so I really appreciate how much you deeply care about black things and identify as black. I’m sure that you’ve been asked this question many times before and I don’t want to seem like it’s a big deal, but I just wanted to ask you what you were mixed with. 😊
As a black viewer and book lover, thank you so much this video. And I felt that so much when you said at 16:47 how it feels pointless to say stay safe because there are people who hate us and want to kill us just for the color of our skin. And I’m sick and tired of it. I pray that God uses this year to change people, hearts, and policy.
I felt so much sadness and anger on your behalf (and on the behalf of other Black booktubers who were denied/ignored) when I saw this happening on Twitter. You are such a wonderful person and booktuber and your channel is one is my absolute favorites! Stay safe, you are much loved by the community, and I hope 2020 is the year that a positive difference is made!
This video nearly brought me to tears. As someone who is of color (biracial) it's been an emotional struggle handling with current situations. To hear and see the emotion in your voice and in your face as you spoke, you're hurt. We all are right now. Please dont apologize, all that matters is that you are doing what you can to make things better by removing yourself from such a company. We all love you here, and I hope that you, other black booktubers, and anyone who is currently being affected right now is doing okay.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. As a Booktoker i don't want to be supporting a company that is openly racist!. you got a like, and a subscribe from me, queen!!
You stay safe too especially being so close to all the protesting! This world has really gone to shit lately and I just hope things get better soon. As for the book outlet thing that was a really shitty thing for them to do and I’m glad I haven’t given them my money in a while because they won’t be getting anymore of it. You have always been one of my fav booktubers because your smile and personality just shine. I really hope you are okay and stay safe. Sending you my love, hugs and prayers💜
thank you. just finished your video. Bookishrealm posted a wonderful, powerful vlog addressing BLM, living while black, and booktube. I have 2 admit, I felt and supported everything she talked about. I have to be honest, I purposely stayed away from the larger booktubers and was on the fence about unsubscribing from you. Until your video. It was passionate, raw, and real. I felt your energy and your vibe. I'm gonna stick around for a while. You're real; I'm good with that. Stay safe and continue to speak the truth.
you are the first person i saw on booktube that even looked a smidge like me. i’m so thankful for you and for the recommendations that you make to push other black booktubers. i know things are very difficult right now for all of us. i just wanted to show you some love and appreciation. maybe one i’ll actually start this journey lol. you started it all for me ❤️
Keep shinning your light Naya for us all. I use to be afraid to do videos about books but watching you help me gain the confidence to do so. I can't wait to do more. Thank you.
This video brought me to tears. I hate how messed up this world is! Please stay safe everyone and thanks to everyone who’s protesting. I love you and stay safe! I hope everyone stays safe as best as they can❤️
I found Black Booktube last week because I just found out there are Black Booktubers out there. Now these are the only reviews I read. I subscribed to your channel because I like your book reviews and you're so energetic. I'm a Black 65 year old female who loves to read. I appreciate everything you said. I went on BookOutlet website a few days ago and put several books in my cart. I am now going back in and delete my account. They will not get my business.From now on I will investigate companies before doing business with them. I do not hold you responsible for any of this. You didn't know how they felt about people of color. Thank you for this video.
Naya, thank you. I didn’t even know bookoutlet existed until about a week ago. As excited as I was for affordable books I will never be placing an order. Sending a big mental hug your way and will be keeping you in my prayers.
I just found you. This is so powerful. I will never purchase from BookOutlet again. I can’t believe they actually said that. But I’m glad they did because now everyone knows. I can’t protest but I’m definitely signing petitions, and reading more books by black authors. I’m praying for the safety of protesters and that God will remove the evil dressed as servants.
As a person of colour ( my dad's Indian my mom's half Indian half Amarican ) It crushes my soul whenever people do this. it's so sad all people are beautiful 😢😢😢
This movement has just reminded of the lack of diversity in my own life as it pertains to books and booktubers. As a black girl myself it should have occurred to me that I had never been consuming enough black content this side of youtube, and it makes me sad because we’re so few and far in between already. But this is just teaching me to educate and immerse myself in other people like me, and to continue to read about people like me. Thank you for this video, will definitely be reconsidering using Book Outlet in the future.
Thank you so much for your bravery in sharing. Otherwise I would have never known about book outlet. This video and your voice is so important and I'm glad you're here to share it on booktube.
I was just about to put in my first order to book outlet. Thank you for both standing up for us people of color out here and for being real, raw, and honest. ✊🏾👍🏾
I love you Naya, you are so upfront about this issue and you have the right attitude towards everything. People need to educate themselves and not depend on you for basic knowledge of the Black Lives Matter Movement. These are scary times and I'm praying for everyone risking their lives to make this world better.
I stand with you Naya. We are going to get through this and make change in this world. They have to stop killing us, hurting, and dehumanizing us. I will no longer spend my money at Book Outlet. Thank you for the information. I’m a reading teacher and I always tell my students about your channel every year. I will continue to do that. 🖤✊🏽✊🏿✊🏾🖤
Naya I have so much respect for you right now. This was such a great discussion! This has definitely changed my perspective on book outlet and how they run their business.
It is NOT your fault for not realizing they weren’t inclusive. It’s their job to make sure they are diverse, and it’s on them. Thank you so much for sharing this 💛
They couldn't even send their generic cowardly email to the right person after you worked with them for FIVE YEARS?!? Thank you so much for making this video. From beginning to end, your transparency and vulnerability is so important and so appreciated. This company, and so many others, are going to CRASH AND BURN after they all expose themselves right now. I'm right here with you to help you hold these companies accountable and support their replacements which are truly invested in ending systemic racism. Thank you. Edited to add: I just got to the end and you're right. This world will never be the same again. This isn't just going to stop trending. We're not going to stop fighting. I am right here with you and ready to put the work in every day for the rest of my life to work to end institutionalized racism and white supremacy. Thank you again for sharing.
Thank you mentioning colourism, Naya. 💖 It's terrible that people would find the "whittest" black to show themselves diverse. A year back, when I started watching booktube, every bookish channel in my youtube recommendation used to be by white booktubers, it's so upsetting that I ended up watching only white booktubers without giving a second thought about lack of diversity, until I watched your video sharing experiences about being black on booktube. That was when it hit me, that I watch no black booktubers, and started searching for them. Now, I do watch quite diverse booktube channels yet it feels awful how I didn't think about it. And I'm so sorry about your experience with book outlet. It's crazy, what's the harm in having some diversity? Smh. Black Lives Matter! ♥️ More power to you! ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻✊
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone being affected during these times. Thank you for the petition and donation links, Naya. Here's to change, equality, and diversity for all skin colors, races, religions, sexuality, and more. #BLM
I love you, Naya. As a young Indigenous woman in this crazy world, your strength and courage to always do the right thing inspires me. I pray that your heart feels peace. Thank you for being you 💕
Signed all the petitions i could (as im in the uk some wouldn't accept my postcode) and I've read the info you've linked! I'm appalled that Systematic Racism exists and I'm going to make an extra effort to support black creators. My thoughts are with you and every black american who is facing injustice especially now. Stay strong and you aren't alone
thank you for this Naya .. i cant even being to explain how much i relate to so much of what you said as a mixed race person, as a light skinned Black person. You are beautiful and i am grateful for you and appreciate you.
I'm so proud of you for talking about your experience w/ Book Outlet. Don't be sorry for "not knowing" and for "not doing research" for the racism that has been going on recently. I hope that you keep smiling and your head held high besides the bull crap that's going on at the moment.
I've been subscribed to you for I believe a bit over a year and I've always thought your videos were great because your personality just bursts through the screen. You are an actual joy to watch. I am so sorry that a company like Book Outlet only saw you as a token just so they could pretend to care about diversity. It is so admirable that you cut your ties with them after their response. You don't deserve that shit. I'm happy to be a subscriber to you.
I'm infuriated, I just recently purchased from them and wise I could take back my support. This is disgusting. Thank you for taking the time to talk about this and address what's happened, you're doing amazing and stay safe.
i’m just so sorry for everything that all black people and people of colour are going through right now, thank you for making this video, you are amazing for calling these people out. i am not religious but i am sending you all the love and positive energy, and hoping beyond hope that real change is coming 💜
My heart breaks for you. I hate that I supported this company in the past, but vow to do better research in the future on companies I support and partner with. Thank you for speaking out, protesting, and sharing your experiences. ♡
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. As Black women unfortunately we are constantly treated as lesser and it needs to end. I want to become part of booktube because of booktubers like YOU. Honest, inspiring, and of course a POC. This is only a small setback, you’ll be better off without them ✊🏽 stay safe
Thank you for this and for your transparency. Thank you for support of the wider black community and the smaller black booktube community. Stay safe. ❤️
You have always been such a genuine person, Naya. Thank you for taking a stand, though I hate that you were put in such an awful position in the first place. I'm sorry you dealt with terrifying experiences while protesting too. I'll be protesting tomorrow night and promise to keep fighting for & supporting you and the black community. Stay safe and take care ❤️
Thank you Cindy! ❤️ You have all my love and prayers. Thank you for going out there and risking your life.
I protested yesterday and I'm going out tomorrow as well. Be safe out there and pack enough supplies! And there will probably be racists trying to instigate conflict but ignore them. I had to hold my friend back yesterday from swinging on a racist Karen... 😭
I love both your channels btw ❤
To this company, family friendly means WHITE. And that is the MOST HURTFUL THING EVER to read as a black creator.
If a family is offended by someone who doesn't look like them then there's something wrong with that family. The world would be so boring if we never looked beyond our own little bubble
@@02ladydamned I fully agree! The only way children and families learn about other races and cultures other than their own is by being exposed to it. Diversity matters! Black Lives Matter. Black Representation Matters!
That statement was so incredibly disturbing. I'm white but my kids are biracial. It's beyond reprehensible.
Its the most despicable outrageous thing to say im so enraged by it, I cant even imagine how any person of color can hack it. People like that need to stop breeding.
VanLpz the fact you started your comment with “ your own kind “ speaks volumes
You kept apologizing for "not knowing" and "not doing your research" regarding BookOutlet's Vlogger Friends, and that's when it hit me -- this isn't something you should have to apologize for. Doing your research to make sure the company you're partnered with aren't racist shouldn't even be a problem. I know police brutality is obviously a much bigger issue, but it's so easy (especially for white people) to overlook such subtle things like that.
You're in my thoughts, Naya, and so is the rest of the black community. Like you said, saying "stay safe" is kind of a moot point, but I still wish you all safety and love. 💕🙏
Absolutely wild that we can't work from the basis of human decency and you essentially have to fact check to make sure companies arent racist and actually respect other humans
I STAN this so hard.
Yes....it’s the subtleties that racism brings forth that we go through that’ll tear your heart out. But we’re a strong and resilient people so we know how to cope with it. But if anyone else experienced it, it would drive the rest of the population right into a psychiatric ward with “delusional schizophrenia”
@@MisterR82 Luckily there is an ever-growing population of white people who are willing to listen to and stand with you✊
MisterR82 I wholeheartedly believe that.
I don't have the words to express how much I look up to you as a content creator, and how angry I am for you right now that you had to see that type of disrespect from a brand you so deeply cared for. ❤️
Are you still in partnership with book outlet? Will you and others truly be standing with your black counterparts? Please accept this question with an open heart because I am a supporter or yours but I really am waiting with held breath as I evaluate where I invest my energies, money, time, etc.
@@ColorMeAhmazinq I terminated my contact immediately upon that tweet as I was already in their DMs the day before asking them to show their support by having some internal conversations they were obviously lacking, and then show their support publicly via resources, donating, speaking up etc. or it would affect the partnership. Instead they only shared their own sales links and then disrespected the community on Twitter. I didn't want to make this about me, which is why I didn't talk about that in the comments of someone else's video, I just wanted to show her support. I have an Instagram highlight where I talk about terminating my contract if you would like to read my thoughts. But that's pretty much it right there. I am putting my focus on shopping at and promoting better bookstores that align more with my own values in the future.
You are always such an inspiration Naya. I’m so sorry you had to go through this experience with BookOutlet. I think your point about looking into the companies that we’re working with and have worked with is so true, and it’s something I’ve been doing as well. I hope you’re taking care as much as possible and I am here for you and supporting you always ♥️
hope you follow termination contract as her because I love your videos and hope you will do the same what they do is not normal makes me sad see this girl which I don't know in person been throw all this
This video speaks to my soul in ways I can’t explain.
chanelletime me too! Someone brought it to my attention about the small booktubers of color.. so I started to REALLLY looked .. and wow!
I’m only like 5 minutes into this and I am VERY emotional already. It’s painful to get messages from people being like “please teach me why this is wrong what’s going on?! I didn’t know!” It’s like? You don’t know but google exists, and having to explain something so simple over and over again is so exhausting. It’s like you’re tired of talking about it but you can’t be tired of talking about it because it’s YOUR EXISTENCE. no matter what you do as a black person, this will always be your existence and it’s exhausting. I applaud everyone going out there and those who are able to. The respect I have for them is insane. Anyways, I’m gonna continue this video now but Naya, you are amazing. I will take this to heart.
I'm a white European and I'm shocked you (and Naya) are getting messages asking for an explanation. It's quite clear to me and I'm an ocean away. If you haven't figured out what's wrong, you're just ignorant and racist. I can only hope the answer to this problem will be presented soon, but I don't forsee the solution pop up anytime soon.
You shouldn't take on the responsibility of educating others of oppression and abuse that has never been a secret! People who are oblivious at this point are either young children or others who are just choosing to stay ignorant. There's no excuse to not be informed. They obviously have access to the internet; they should realize it's for more than social media.
I hope you have some peace, joy, and light in your life to balance these dark and tiring times. 🖤
Being a trans person I understand. People ALWAYS want information or education. I just have to mention it and I get bombarded with questions. I could never understand why you would ask someone personally when there are countless of black people making articles, writing books, doing speeches, making videos etc on the topic. Theres Incredible resources. I wonder if they do it because they want to prove to someone they're actually doing the work? Idk man
I agree people get upset telling me I should I should educate the racists in my town that message and post things because I don't agree with their hateful bigoted ways.They know what they doing is wrong.I don't need to teach them shit lol.They know and they made THEIR choice and I made MINE.
PERIOD, sis.
I have never noticed the lack of black booktubers in the videos I watch since I'm used to watching random videos that come up on my recommended page and subscribing to the ones I enjoy. However, through all this going on I've been seeing so many black booktubers on my Twitter feed and I'm just here wondering where all these wonderful people were all this time. While I was watching your video, I realized that I need to make a change and actually seek out black booktubers because their channels are just never gonna get recommended or promoted. I encourage everyone to do the same!!!
You should watch a Philosophy Tube video, "Are Rules Made to Be Broken"? In it he explains that law enforcement can justify racist police action by insinuating that an alogrithm is "objective" when it contains data tainted by human intervention. The police pursue criminal activity in black neighborhoods, enter the data where crimes have been known to occur, and then the algorithm favors sending police to locations with higher black populations. It becomes systemically racist in the exact same way as the police force does.
TH-cam's watch algorithm could easily be racist in a similar way.
i'm noticing that a lot of the black youtubers I'm watching now don't have ads on their videos, while a lot of white youtubers do... UMMMMMMM youtube. wtf.
It’s the creators choice! If you see aTH-cam video with ads it’s because the creator chose to monetize. I think it’s DISGUSTING that people are CHOOSING to profit off of the death of a black person, as well as the the Black Lives Matter movement.
NayaReadsandSmiles I see where you’re coming from, but you can donate the Adsense from this video to the organizations. I would have made sure to not skip the ads.
a lot of the people I've seen that have done that have donated the ad revenue to organizations
@@a.b.2405 I agree. That's what I'm doing right now, not skipping ads on Booktube accounts who are donating their adsense earnings to the movement. That's the tiniest, easiest way to help the cause by viewers like me.
Why does it matter. If they want ads all they have to do is put it on.
i really wish i would’ve spoken out about being denied sooner...my friend and i completely disregarded it because we were just so used to being shut down by companies, which is 100% not okay. i appreciate you SO much for speaking out. thank you❤️
This makes me so fucking mad for you Mika. You deserve every brand knocking at your door, you are an absolute asset to this community.
I hate that this is a reality, your channel is amazing and you deserve sponsors and all the support coming your way!
BooksandLala thank you so much Lala. that means everything coming from you❤️
LifeGoofer thank you🥺💗
Stay strong.
I'm so glad you mentioned colorism!!! If I've learned anything from this whole situation it's that light-skinned/mixed creators ARE clearly considered a 'preferential' choice and that needs to change. Thank you for speaking on this. Be safe 💕
Yeah just watch your t.v. commercials light skinned black woman with light hair and greens eyes married to the white man while the dark skin black woman is a single mom.
Did I finally find a non-toxic comment section under a BLM video?
Right? Such a relief to see constructive and kind comments instead of the pure venom that's all over social media at the moment. People have been through enough lately without adding that toxicity to it as well
I'd almost given up hope tbh! Thank God for the booktube community..
Emmanuel Okoye never thought id hear those words. I always see things about booktubers or the community coming after people and how toxic and superficial it can be. But yeah, this is a really nice comment section
You know everything she said is some kind of bs, right?
Wolf Iceir how so? she wants black americans to not be genocided in their own country. what about that is unreasonable?
This has been such a stressful week for me. I'm glad you made this video. I'm sending you my support. I've lost 2 "friends" over this because of their ignorance and racism and lack of sympathy. I'm trying to stay off the internet to give myself a break from the reality of the world and chaos. I wish you love and happiness. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have to get back into reading again to escape to another world! Thanks for the video and I'm so sorry you went through all this I could tell you were on the verge of tears. Let it out girl.
Man! "Friends" are dropping like flies in air conditioning..... it is astonishing 😲 to actually have to explain the issues that are/have been present for YEARS!
Colorism !!! Colorism is not talked about enough even though it is so incredibly prevalent. Thank you so much, Naya, for speaking out about this.
She was talking about light skinned actors. To me it always seemed like colorism was a pendulum that favored swings in the extreme. Maybe I'm wrong, but actors in black roles seem either really light or really dark skinned. She made a point of saying she recommends only dark skinned booktubers. I think this explains the dichotomy. I kind of wish this was something people didn't feel the need to overanalyze. In a perfect world actors would be chosen based solely on their talent.
@@futurestoryteller It doesn't favour dark skinned women, look at Netflix for instance that is a particularly horrible display of colorist casting choices. More generally, light skinned actors, especially women, are much better represented than dark skinned when it comes to actors even in "black movies".
You say 'in a perfect world'... I mean, do you also apply that mindset to any initiative that tries to promote and amplify black people or any other POC and say "in a perfect world it would be talent over race"? Yes, but it''s not perfect- right now the system privileges those closest to whiteness, so challenging that will take a deliberate attempt to uplift those who are marginalised.
The point of promoting a marginalised group is acknowledging the imbalance and trying to address the injustice somewhat. Also there is literally reams of research showing that dark skinned people suffer from colorism the most - they are more likely to be incarcerated for a crime, more likely to be suspended from school, less likely to be married, more likely to be a victim of racial profiling/police brutality than light skinned people etc. You can't find comparable research that shows similarly negative outcomes for light skinned people.
It's not a 'both sides' kind of thing - colorism, like it's cousin racism, literally kills dark skinned people. And I'll say this now - until black people start acknowledging it and taking it as seriously as racism, as a community, they won't make any progress in the fight against systemic racism. Colorism is literally upholding white supremacy.
Thank you Naya for speaking on this and acknowledging your privilege.
@@AMMA83 You may well be reading entirely too much into every word I've said. For instance I was speaking almost exclusively about the Hollywood film industry, and light skinned actresses have been undermined and trolled online, by people saying that they're "not really black" or by proclaiming that their role "should have" gone to a darker actor, because reasons. It's like fighting with someone who makes slightly more than you when you're both below the poverty line, because they got a promotion. It's just a way to keep the proletariat fighting each other. I assumed people would bring this knowledge with them to the discussion upon reading my comment, but maybe that assumption was overzeaolous.
And I understand that because skin tone is integral if not central to the issue of race, that there should logically (not reasonably) exist, consciously or otherwise, an inclination towards lighter skinned actors by American, primarily white casting apparatus. But I personally don't feel I've seen recent evidence to suggest that the range of skin tones in popular media falls welll outside the national average. When taken as a whole.
I live in an urban enviornment with a large minority population, and most black people are not especially dark. I don't mean to say that I know dark-skinned actors are not under represented, what I mean to say is we are a few generations removed from the start of the slave trade, when black people were first forcefully brought here against their will; interracial integration predates its own consensual equitable legality by centuries, and black people make up roughly 13% of the entire population, as it stands right now, so I would say skilled actors as dark or darker than Lupita Nyong'o or Danai Gurira aren't exactly endemic to North America. In fact both of those *American* actresses are direct descendents of recent immigrants. Second generation.
I'll say this: If I named all the actresses from the films and TV shows that I can remember watching for the last few years, I don't know that I could name a single black actress who is _as_ light-skinned as Naya appears to be.
I'm sorry if it seems like I'm not acknowledging the reality of the problem. I have no illusions about the threat of white supremacy, I just feel like there's diminishing returns when it comes to fighting the systemic hierarchy all the way down the totem pole vs. unifying to strike up at the heart of the giant.
But that's just one person's opinion, and I suspect it's not going to mean much to some people anyway. I did my best to explain it, that's really all I can do.
Thank you for sharing your experience. 💛 I will take your advice and intentionally recommend BIPOC creators to the brands I work with
I absolutely hate that this company put you in such an awful position, you're amazing Naya and i appreciate you so much for speaking out. I hope you're taking care of yourself, love!
Wow I just did 6 orders with them🤦🏾♀️I’m so disappointed
Jungle Girl Plants Can you cancel your order before it ships?
@@chandremonae2372 I am so disappointed. The amount of business I have given book outlet as a result of booktubers like Naya. Smh
Thank you Naia! As a Black fan of yours, I really appreciate this message!
I discovered your channel like two weeks ago and I already can say that you're one of the best booktubers I've ever seen so far. I'm mexican and I do live in Mexico, but that doesn't change the fact of how angry, frustrated and suffocating I am for all that's happening. BLACK LIVES MATTER and police brutality, as well as racism has to end in America and all over the world.
As an outsider viewer from Mexico, I tell you that we're supporting you, cause we're tired of police brutality as well.
Stay strong and be safe.
#BlackLivesMatter
"Nayareadsandsmiles" she is not smiling! My heart!🤧 what have u done to her world! Be strong love💕we are all in this together🌸
I just started BookTube 2 months ago and it was literally YOUR channel that encouraged me to began. You’ve been my inspiration so when I saw the post on Twitter including you and book outlet I was deeply saddened that they made you their token black girl. I am beyond delighted that you didn’t stand for that!! And I vow that neither will I. Even if I only have 200 subscribers. Booktubers of color need to stand for something because there not many of us
Books with a beat? I just subscribed.
I just subscribed. Girl your makeup is fire 😍
i just want to say that when i joined booktube you were one of the first booktubers i ever watched and i was so happy to see another person in this community as big as you. 🖤
She’s legit one of the reasons I gained the confidence to start. She’s something else🙏🏾❤️✨
"Family friendly appearance" means white... book outlet is canceled for me & yes I have had to deal with discrimination against my hair at work... whew chile the things black people gotta deal with... love to you Naya 🖤
Colorism is no joke. It’s really a problem
I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have to feel like you didn’t do your research; companies should just BE BETTER. The fact that you or anyone else has to put in so much time when they’re given an opportunity says so much about how racism is engrained in many companies, institutions, etc. I’m so sorry you had to go through this. You’re lovely and wonderful!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I’m kind of new to booktube, (so I’m really small). But I have gotten comments in person that I don’t “look black”. I’ve recently decided to go natural with my hair, and a part of me is worried that I won’t “look as nice” or “as polished” so thank you for your comment on natural hair being beautiful 👏🏽 I will definitely be checking out more videos black book tubers are sharing about their experience on the platform
Naya. I just want you to know that I love you. The extent to which BookOutlet has let both you and all Black creators down is abominable, and your points on colorism were spot-on. The concluding bit about safety made me tear up - everyone deserves to feel safe. We are all complex individuals. There are universes inside of all of us. I just want you to know that I'll be here, and I will use my privilege for good, and I will keep learning, and I will spread empathy, and I will be holding your hand (digitally, of course). Thank you for everything
Naya, I love you and I support you and I’m so sorry Book Outlet did this to you! I promise to speak out and do my research on the brands I work with!
I am so sorry about all of this. I wish I had said something to them when they reached out to me last year. My kids are biracial and I was uncomfortable that there was only one person of color, but I kind of brushed it off and didn’t realize that there was a pattern of Black creators being rejected. Thank you for speaking about this even if it makes some people uncomfortable. For me that’s not a good enough reason to be quiet anymore. Take care. ❤️
I mean this goes without saying but I'm so tired of racism... I'm exhausted
Don't tell me... I hate it so much
Melissa Sullivan Being racist isn’t abnormal as all. And you might want to look at some amazing disabled Black creators to see just how problematic your statement referencing the DSM is. (It’s ableist AF, period and I’m telling you that as a disabled person). You really want to jump in and talk about being an ally and how sick you are of racism- be an ally to all Black people and don’t throw any other group under the bus. Being racist is not a mental illness. It’s not at all abnormal either (and abnormal or different of something you don’t agree with is also not the definition of mental illness). Our entire society and societal structure is built on racism. Racism IS the norm. That’s exactly the problem. Not mental illness.
Hearing you talk about the book outlet gift card and saying that it was more than what you had made me cry
Just saw this and I'm so so sorry. I can't believe the response of book outlet. I have been away from the booktube and book world due to school and haven't bought any books for over 2 years from book outlet. THANK YOU for standing up to them I know my response is a year late, but I will most certainly not be buying from Bookoutlet again.
You have nothing to apologise for. Stop blaming yourself for them being racist. We love you 💛💛💛💛
Wow.... I agree with you 100%... it’s sad because I see this at my job as well. Even though I work with Hispanic and White people mostly, I’ve found that I’m the only black person (mixed) at my job. It makes me uncomfortable to see that I’m suppose to represent the black community in my workplace when I have privileges that many of them don’t. It’s very uncomfortable to be around and I’ve even sent recommendations to management about hiring more black people! But soon after that we closed because of COVID so I’ll never really know when it’ll happen. But I respect you so much Naya! I think that you’re wonderful and powerful to acknowledge your part and how you’re working to solve it! Thanks for always being great 💓💓💓
Leilani, you're racist and racialist. I dislike your comment.
I'm so disappointed in book outlet. I'm mixed but I'm mostly white passing. I have a hell of a privilege but my birth father never let's me forget that no longer than 80 years ago my existence alone, a "mixed mutt" could have gotten me killed. You're right though, the world can't just go back inside and wait for another person to die this time. The world will be different at the end of this year.
Bless you and this vid and thank you for speaking out about all of this on your platform. I would have never known about book outlet doing this (I don't follow/look at their content).
Thank you for posting this video. I have seen what has been happening with all of the protests, but I hadn't realized how dangerous it was for black people to even live in America. I have a lot of black friends from High School who are protesting and posting videos. It is heartbreaking to live in such a time where black people are having to fight for their right to even exist, let alone have happy and successful lives. I am praying for you and all of the other black people that I know and love. This year has been so hard and I do hope that we all make it to 2021 happy and healthy. Thank you again for speaking out.
The minute you started talking about colorism, oof that hit home. I wish more content creators who are white passing or biracial spoke up about colorism. But thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I hope you are staying safe, staying healthy, and taking care of your mental health during these times. I have been a subscriber of your channel for four years and I wanted to let you know that I love your content, how passionately you speak out about so many things, how hard you work, and everything you do in the book community. ❤️
Thank you for speaking about this, it is so sad that you experienced this and that black people must continue to face racism, colorism and inequality.
My heart is with you Naya, and with all the black lives taken or hurt in any form
Naia, we love you so much. As a darker skinned black woman, I watch every one of your videos and have read books that you’ve recommend. A forever subscriber!
I've been following booktube for over 4 years and I hardly ever saw black booktubers on my recommendation list. I didn't even know so many existed until now.
This is such a tough time for us right now. I just hope this all leads to some change.
Me too!!! It’s gone on far too long.
I have no clue who you are I just randomly got recommended this video but I watched the whole thing and you are amazing.
seeing you take a stand the way you did meant SO much to me. thank you so much for everything you do for this community Naya.
I am so, so sorry you were treated this way. Thank you for speaking out, and stay safe 💜 None of this was your fault, and it breaks my heart seeing you apologize for this company's actions. You are not the guilty party here.
I’m so sorry you had to go through this awful experience with BookOutlet. You made such an important point on doing research that extends to who readers shop from and really every part of our life - what are the values of the companies/people we support
You don’t have to explain anything to anyone, stay strong, sending you lots of love! And I’m so sorry that you had to go through this with book outlet. It’s unacceptable.
“You mean white” 💯😂 Naya, I just want to say that I really appreciate you uploading this video. I’ve been watching your channel and been subscribed for sometime, and I know that some people don’t really count biracial or mixed black peoples experience as quintessential black experiences, but I think that you were very on point. Some black people are not used to biracial blacks having so much pride in their blackness, so I really appreciate how much you deeply care about black things and identify as black. I’m sure that you’ve been asked this question many times before and I don’t want to seem like it’s a big deal, but I just wanted to ask you what you were mixed with. 😊
As a black viewer and book lover, thank you so much this video. And I felt that so much when you said at 16:47 how it feels pointless to say stay safe because there are people who hate us and want to kill us just for the color of our skin. And I’m sick and tired of it. I pray that God uses this year to change people, hearts, and policy.
I am 100% supporting your situation Naya. Black lives matter and there is no place for racism on Booktube and in the world.
Love from the Philippines, Naya. We stand for you and to the Black Community. This speaks to my soul. 🖤
Thank you for this video. No more BookOutlet. Don’t ever apologize ❤️ It’s THEIR RESPONSIBILITY to check themselves
I love the way that Naya can bring up serious situations and still bring us positive content as well. Love this channel!
I felt so much sadness and anger on your behalf (and on the behalf of other Black booktubers who were denied/ignored) when I saw this happening on Twitter. You are such a wonderful person and booktuber and your channel is one is my absolute favorites! Stay safe, you are much loved by the community, and I hope 2020 is the year that a positive difference is made!
This video nearly brought me to tears. As someone who is of color (biracial) it's been an emotional struggle handling with current situations. To hear and see the emotion in your voice and in your face as you spoke, you're hurt. We all are right now. Please dont apologize, all that matters is that you are doing what you can to make things better by removing yourself from such a company. We all love you here, and I hope that you, other black booktubers, and anyone who is currently being affected right now is doing okay.
😭 first time I saw Naya is not smiling. No one can smile at this situation but still seeing Naya unhappy, hurts me😭
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. As a Booktoker i don't want to be supporting a company that is openly racist!. you got a like, and a subscribe from me, queen!!
I pray changes our made.. enough is enough.. and for those of you who are out protesting my prayers are with you as well.. Thank you for this video
You stay safe too especially being so close to all the protesting! This world has really gone to shit lately and I just hope things get better soon. As for the book outlet thing that was a really shitty thing for them to do and I’m glad I haven’t given them my money in a while because they won’t be getting anymore of it. You have always been one of my fav booktubers because your smile and personality just shine. I really hope you are okay and stay safe. Sending you my love, hugs and prayers💜
thank you. just finished your video. Bookishrealm posted a wonderful, powerful vlog addressing BLM, living while black, and booktube. I have 2 admit, I felt and supported everything she talked about. I have to be honest, I purposely stayed away from the larger booktubers and was on the fence about unsubscribing from you. Until your video. It was passionate, raw, and real. I felt your energy and your vibe. I'm gonna stick around for a while. You're real; I'm good with that. Stay safe and continue to speak the truth.
I am so stunned!! Praying for you and thank for speaking out!!
you are the first person i saw on booktube that even looked a smidge like me. i’m so thankful for you and for the recommendations that you make to push other black booktubers. i know things are very difficult right now for all of us. i just wanted to show you some love and appreciation. maybe one i’ll actually start this journey lol. you started it all for me ❤️
Keep shinning your light Naya for us all. I use to be afraid to do videos about books but watching you help me gain the confidence to do so. I can't wait to do more. Thank you.
This video brought me to tears. I hate how messed up this world is! Please stay safe everyone and thanks to everyone who’s protesting. I love you and stay safe! I hope everyone stays safe as best as they can❤️
I found Black Booktube last week because I just found out there are Black Booktubers out there. Now these are the only reviews I read. I subscribed to your channel because I like your book reviews and you're so energetic. I'm a Black 65 year old female who loves to read. I appreciate everything you said. I went on BookOutlet website a few days ago and put several books in my cart. I am now going back in and delete my account. They will not get my business.From now on I will investigate companies before doing business with them. I do not hold you responsible for any of this. You didn't know how they felt about people of color. Thank you for this video.
You are passionate and beautiful in the way you speak Naya. Thank you
Naya, thank you. I didn’t even know bookoutlet existed until about a week ago. As excited as I was for affordable books I will never be placing an order. Sending a big mental hug your way and will be keeping you in my prayers.
2 minutes in and I’m sobbing. ❤️❤️❤️ Love you endlessly. Will support you endlessly.
I just found you. This is so powerful. I will never purchase from BookOutlet again. I can’t believe they actually said that. But I’m glad they did because now everyone knows. I can’t protest but I’m definitely signing petitions, and reading more books by black authors. I’m praying for the safety of protesters and that God will remove the evil dressed as servants.
As a person of colour ( my dad's Indian my mom's half Indian half Amarican ) It crushes my soul whenever people do this. it's so sad all people are beautiful 😢😢😢
This movement has just reminded of the lack of diversity in my own life as it pertains to books and booktubers. As a black girl myself it should have occurred to me that I had never been consuming enough black content this side of youtube, and it makes me sad because we’re so few and far in between already. But this is just teaching me to educate and immerse myself in other people like me, and to continue to read about people like me. Thank you for this video, will definitely be reconsidering using Book Outlet in the future.
Thank you so much for your bravery in sharing. Otherwise I would have never known about book outlet. This video and your voice is so important and I'm glad you're here to share it on booktube.
I was just about to put in my first order to book outlet. Thank you for both standing up for us people of color out here and for being real, raw, and honest. ✊🏾👍🏾
I love you Naya, you are so upfront about this issue and you have the right attitude towards everything. People need to educate themselves and not depend on you for basic knowledge of the Black Lives Matter Movement. These are scary times and I'm praying for everyone risking their lives to make this world better.
I stand with you Naya. We are going to get through this and make change in this world. They have to stop killing us, hurting, and dehumanizing us. I will no longer spend my money at Book Outlet. Thank you for the information. I’m a reading teacher and I always tell my students about your channel every year. I will continue to do that. 🖤✊🏽✊🏿✊🏾🖤
Naya I have so much respect for you right now. This was such a great discussion! This has definitely changed my perspective on book outlet and how they run their business.
It is NOT your fault for not realizing they weren’t inclusive. It’s their job to make sure they are diverse, and it’s on them. Thank you so much for sharing this 💛
They couldn't even send their generic cowardly email to the right person after you worked with them for FIVE YEARS?!? Thank you so much for making this video. From beginning to end, your transparency and vulnerability is so important and so appreciated. This company, and so many others, are going to CRASH AND BURN after they all expose themselves right now. I'm right here with you to help you hold these companies accountable and support their replacements which are truly invested in ending systemic racism. Thank you.
Edited to add: I just got to the end and you're right. This world will never be the same again. This isn't just going to stop trending. We're not going to stop fighting. I am right here with you and ready to put the work in every day for the rest of my life to work to end institutionalized racism and white supremacy. Thank you again for sharing.
Awesome video. Thank you for the personal anecdote about your manager singling you out for wearing your hair down
I’m sending you so much love right now. I hope you’re safe ❤️
Oh Naya I feel you girl ❤ I'm so sorry about what you went through with BookOutlet geez, sending you all the hugs and love from South Africa
I’m so sorry that you had to go through this. What Book Outlet did is unacceptable.
my heart goes out to every single black person.
i love you. you are so beautiful.
Thank you mentioning colourism, Naya. 💖 It's terrible that people would find the "whittest" black to show themselves diverse.
A year back, when I started watching booktube, every bookish channel in my youtube recommendation used to be by white booktubers, it's so upsetting that I ended up watching only white booktubers without giving a second thought about lack of diversity, until I watched your video sharing experiences about being black on booktube. That was when it hit me, that I watch no black booktubers, and started searching for them. Now, I do watch quite diverse booktube channels yet it feels awful how I didn't think about it.
And I'm so sorry about your experience with book outlet. It's crazy, what's the harm in having some diversity? Smh.
Black Lives Matter! ♥️ More power to you! ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻✊
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone being affected during these times. Thank you for the petition and donation links, Naya. Here's to change, equality, and diversity for all skin colors, races, religions, sexuality, and more. #BLM
I love you, Naya. As a young Indigenous woman in this crazy world, your strength and courage to always do the right thing inspires me. I pray that your heart feels peace. Thank you for being you 💕
God bless You for standing up! Praying for you Naya 🙏🏽
Thank you Naya for speaking on this matter! Definetly will not be buying anything from them ever again!
Girl I'm so proud of you. That clap back was stellar! You spoke so much truth and thank you so much for talking about COLORISM and TRXTURISM.
Signed all the petitions i could (as im in the uk some wouldn't accept my postcode) and I've read the info you've linked! I'm appalled that Systematic Racism exists and I'm going to make an extra effort to support black creators. My thoughts are with you and every black american who is facing injustice especially now. Stay strong and you aren't alone
Thank you so much for speaking up with us. I love you, i will say it til i cant anymore, BLACK LIVES MATTER✨
thank you for this Naya .. i cant even being to explain how much i relate to so much of what you said as a mixed race person, as a light skinned Black person. You are beautiful and i am grateful for you and appreciate you.
I'm so proud of you for talking about your experience w/ Book Outlet. Don't be sorry for "not knowing" and for "not doing research" for the racism that has been going on recently. I hope that you keep smiling and your head held high besides the bull crap that's going on at the moment.
I feel the pain in your voice.God bless girl🙏🏿
I've been subscribed to you for I believe a bit over a year and I've always thought your videos were great because your personality just bursts through the screen. You are an actual joy to watch. I am so sorry that a company like Book Outlet only saw you as a token just so they could pretend to care about diversity. It is so admirable that you cut your ties with them after their response. You don't deserve that shit. I'm happy to be a subscriber to you.
I'm infuriated, I just recently purchased from them and wise I could take back my support. This is disgusting. Thank you for taking the time to talk about this and address what's happened, you're doing amazing and stay safe.
i’m just so sorry for everything that all black people and people of colour are going through right now, thank you for making this video, you are amazing for calling these people out. i am not religious but i am sending you all the love and positive energy, and hoping beyond hope that real change is coming 💜
My heart breaks for you. I hate that I supported this company in the past, but vow to do better research in the future on companies I support and partner with. Thank you for speaking out, protesting, and sharing your experiences. ♡
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. As Black women unfortunately we are constantly treated as lesser and it needs to end. I want to become part of booktube because of booktubers like YOU. Honest, inspiring, and of course a POC. This is only a small setback, you’ll be better off without them ✊🏽 stay safe
This video speaks volumes! Sending all black people in the world so much love. I am with you ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
Thank you for this and for your transparency. Thank you for support of the wider black community and the smaller black booktube community. Stay safe. ❤️