Oh, Black Star Network.

Oh, Black Star Network.

Is here.

Is here.

A real right now.

A real right now.

You're a worker man black media to make sure that our stories are hold.

You're a worker man black media to make sure that our stories are hold.

I thank you for being the voice of Black America.

I thank you for being the voice of Black America.

Roling, I love you, Hollant.

Roling, I love you, Hollant.

Now we have to keep this going because video looks phenomenal.

Now we have to keep this going because video looks phenomenal.

Is between Black Star Network and Black owned media and something like seeing in.

Is between Black Star Network and Black owned media and something like seeing in.

You can't be black owned media and be scape.

You can't be black owned media and be scape.

It's time to be smart. Bring your eyeballs home.

It's time to be smart. Bring your eyeballs home.

You dig Today is December twelve, twenty twenty four, coming up by rolling my non FOOTUS streaming live of the Black Star Network. White Maga is up set because they're great. White hole. Caitlyn Clark showed appreciation of the black ball players, as she had admitted she has white privilege. I'm gonna talk to Jamail Hill about how these folks are losing they ever loving mind. President Biden issues the most partners ever in one day. Will tell you about that. But that's that's the only partners he's gonna be issuing. Also, the DJ nailed another police department. Plus we shall remember the great Nikki Giovanni. Talk hear from those who knew her, but also play you the interview that I did with her. Four years in National six years ago when we launched this show. It is time to bring the funk on rollerd Mark unfilcher on the Blackstar Network.

You dig Today is December twelve, twenty twenty four, coming up by rolling my non FOOTUS streaming live of the Black Star Network. White Maga is up set because they're great. White hole. Caitlyn Clark showed appreciation of the black ball players, as she had admitted she has white privilege. I'm gonna talk to Jamail Hill about how these folks are losing they ever loving mind. President Biden issues the most partners ever in one day. Will tell you about that. But that's that's the only partners he's gonna be issuing. Also, the DJ nailed another police department. Plus we shall remember the great Nikki Giovanni. Talk hear from those who knew her, but also play you the interview that I did with her. Four years in National six years ago when we launched this show. It is time to bring the funk on rollerd Mark unfilcher on the Blackstar Network.

Let's go on top best believe he's knowing.

Let's go on top best believe he's knowing.

Lost host to politics.

Lost host to politics.

Just bunk.

Just bunk.

He's stolen, It's stolen, He's she's real the question, No, he's rolling.

He's stolen, It's stolen, He's she's real the question, No, he's rolling.

Monte Well you'all Time magazine named Caitlin Clark the Athlete of the Year and she made some comments in her interview that Lord has driven white maga out of their minds.

Monte Well you'all Time magazine named Caitlin Clark the Athlete of the Year and she made some comments in her interview that Lord has driven white maga out of their minds.

Uh.

Uh.

This is what she had to say at the event where they revealed UH covers.

This is what she had to say at the event where they revealed UH covers.

And even today earlier today, Meg and Kelly, she was saying that you were apologizing for your white privilege and the fact that you wanted to uplift black female athletes and make sure that they were getting the shine kind of like your pioneers were getting the shine that they deserve. And I just want to know how you feel or how you respond to some of those criticisms when you have to deal with something that it's really not your problem, Like I feel like it's them looking at a mirror a little bit, but it still comes down on your shoulders.

And even today earlier today, Meg and Kelly, she was saying that you were apologizing for your white privilege and the fact that you wanted to uplift black female athletes and make sure that they were getting the shine kind of like your pioneers were getting the shine that they deserve. And I just want to know how you feel or how you respond to some of those criticisms when you have to deal with something that it's really not your problem, Like I feel like it's them looking at a mirror a little bit, but it still comes down on your shoulders.

I feel like I always have had really good perspective on everything that's kind of happened in my life, whether that's been good, whether that's been bad. And then obviously coming to the WNBA, like I've said, I feel like I've earned every single thing that's happened to me over the course of my career. But also I grew up a fan of this league from a very young age, Like my favorite player was Maya More, Like I know what this league was about, and like I said, like it's only been around twenty five plus years, so I know there's been so many amazing black women that have been in this league, and continuing to uplift them, I think is very important and that's something I'm very aware of. And like I said, like I try to just be real and authentic and you know, share my truth. And I think that's very easy for me. Like I'm very comfortable in my own skin, and that's kind of been how it is my entire life.

I feel like I always have had really good perspective on everything that's kind of happened in my life, whether that's been good, whether that's been bad. And then obviously coming to the WNBA, like I've said, I feel like I've earned every single thing that's happened to me over the course of my career. But also I grew up a fan of this league from a very young age, Like my favorite player was Maya More, Like I know what this league was about, and like I said, like it's only been around twenty five plus years, so I know there's been so many amazing black women that have been in this league, and continuing to uplift them, I think is very important and that's something I'm very aware of. And like I said, like I try to just be real and authentic and you know, share my truth. And I think that's very easy for me. Like I'm very comfortable in my own skin, and that's kind of been how it is my entire life.

Yes, and you'll never be able to make everyone happy. And someone that knows that if twenty two like let's go, I.

Yes, and you'll never be able to make everyone happy. And someone that knows that if twenty two like let's go, I.

Mean, I think I have a good perspective on that. And like I said in the article which turned out amazing, and I thought it was great. I said, I feel like one of my best skills is just blocking things out, Like I don't.

Mean, I think I have a good perspective on that. And like I said in the article which turned out amazing, and I thought it was great. I said, I feel like one of my best skills is just blocking things out, Like I don't.

I don't really.

I don't really.

The only opinions I really care about are the people that I love, my teammates, my coaches, the people inside of our locker room, the people that I see every every single day, and I know had the my best interest at heart too. So I think my best skill is just blocking out the noise, and hopefully it continues to be because with the way things are going and where the WNBA is going, you want that attention and you embrace it and that's what makes this so fun.

The only opinions I really care about are the people that I love, my teammates, my coaches, the people inside of our locker room, the people that I see every every single day, and I know had the my best interest at heart too. So I think my best skill is just blocking out the noise, and hopefully it continues to be because with the way things are going and where the WNBA is going, you want that attention and you embrace it and that's what makes this so fun.

Yeah, I'm just so thankful that you are the leader, like you are the chosen one in the future of the sport because of the ally ship, the truth, and the willingness to stand and say things if you have to. But I also think the nuance that you used in that article, and I hope everyone gets a chance to read it.

Yeah, I'm just so thankful that you are the leader, like you are the chosen one in the future of the sport because of the ally ship, the truth, and the willingness to stand and say things if you have to. But I also think the nuance that you used in that article, and I hope everyone gets a chance to read it.

Well, y'all the white folk the lost their mind. Charlie Kirk, you know that white racist who leads Turning Point in USA. This was a tweet that he posted, y'all go ahead and showed Calen Clark is getting very bad advice. The whole country is rejecting wokeism and anti white ideology. She has a chance to stay neutral and failed miserably. Her handler saw this as a chance to quote keep woke alive unquote too bad. She's an amazing athlete who totally missed on this one. Then, of course you got this white woman, what's her name, Riley Ganges. Now, she done made a name for herself because she swam.

Well, y'all the white folk the lost their mind. Charlie Kirk, you know that white racist who leads Turning Point in USA. This was a tweet that he posted, y'all go ahead and showed Calen Clark is getting very bad advice. The whole country is rejecting wokeism and anti white ideology. She has a chance to stay neutral and failed miserably. Her handler saw this as a chance to quote keep woke alive unquote too bad. She's an amazing athlete who totally missed on this one. Then, of course you got this white woman, what's her name, Riley Ganges. Now, she done made a name for herself because she swam.

She swam.

She swam.

She was in some swimming competition. She lost to a transgender ath the league, but she came in fifth place. So I ain't like she's a winner at anything. But she's got like one point four million followers, and so they made her this superhero on the right, and so she's been commenting on everything left and right, and so again I don't understand. I mean, I don't know what she's actually done, what she's actually accomplished. Ever, so this is what this fool tweeted. Y'all go ahead and pull it up. No one was asking for Caitlyn Clark to position herself as a right wing hero. All she needed to do was remain neutral. She's a phenom who inspires countless young girls to play and achieve. So I still have great admiration for her, but she missed the mark on this one columnist, author, podcast host Jabello, Hill Jorgesian right now and laud Jamel. These white folks are beside themselves, let's just call it. They desperately wanted Caitlyn Clark to be the great white first of hold on, let me pull all together. They want her to be the great white Christian, perfect anti black woman loves a man, uh superhero, That's what they wanted, I mean, And so they are losing their mind because she dan showed respect to the black basketball player before her. Because they hate the w n Bay, they hate the black lesbians, they hate the black people. They hate them because they take the stands. That's all this is about, and they are showing their real racist position.

She was in some swimming competition. She lost to a transgender ath the league, but she came in fifth place. So I ain't like she's a winner at anything. But she's got like one point four million followers, and so they made her this superhero on the right, and so she's been commenting on everything left and right, and so again I don't understand. I mean, I don't know what she's actually done, what she's actually accomplished. Ever, so this is what this fool tweeted. Y'all go ahead and pull it up. No one was asking for Caitlyn Clark to position herself as a right wing hero. All she needed to do was remain neutral. She's a phenom who inspires countless young girls to play and achieve. So I still have great admiration for her, but she missed the mark on this one columnist, author, podcast host Jabello, Hill Jorgesian right now and laud Jamel. These white folks are beside themselves, let's just call it. They desperately wanted Caitlyn Clark to be the great white first of hold on, let me pull all together. They want her to be the great white Christian, perfect anti black woman loves a man, uh superhero, That's what they wanted, I mean, And so they are losing their mind because she dan showed respect to the black basketball player before her. Because they hate the w n Bay, they hate the black lesbians, they hate the black people. They hate them because they take the stands. That's all this is about, and they are showing their real racist position.

Yeah, I mean, Roland, I'm so glad that you broke it down that way because we knew most of us that have followed women's college basketball and follow Kaitlyn Clark's career in particular, all some of the people forming behind Caitlin Clark information people she didn't ask to form behind her. So they essentially weaponized Kaitlyn Clark's success. They weaponized her popularity and they made her their avatar for everything they can't stand about black women. Let's just call it what it is. And when she didn't deliver that to them, they got mad, just like they got mad when she liked the Taylor Swift post social media posts of Taylor Swift endorsing Kamala Harris, they lost their mind in so we see the common theme here, Roland. Whenever Kaitlyn Clark shows any level of appreciation or respect for black women, they hate her guts And so their position could not be more clear and obvious, because I'm just laughing, Like, you know, y'all did all this talk when you thought she was your personal superhero, and now she's disappointed you because she said something that was so freaking obvious anybody could see. It's like, yes, this league was built on the backs of black women who contributed. Need I remind people who started the WNBA, the core group they started it around. It was Cheryl Swoops, it was Lisa Leslie, and it was Rebecca Lobo. Two of those three are black women, and the history of the game is littered with black women who have made contributions. She said a long time ago, kate Leclark did that her favorite player ever was Maya Moore. So this is just so laughable and it's so predictable. And now Riley Gaines, who honestly she needs to thank trans athletes, because what if it wasn't for the trans swimmer she lost to, we wouldn't even know who she was and at all like and Megan Kelly.

Yeah, I mean, Roland, I'm so glad that you broke it down that way because we knew most of us that have followed women's college basketball and follow Kaitlyn Clark's career in particular, all some of the people forming behind Caitlin Clark information people she didn't ask to form behind her. So they essentially weaponized Kaitlyn Clark's success. They weaponized her popularity and they made her their avatar for everything they can't stand about black women. Let's just call it what it is. And when she didn't deliver that to them, they got mad, just like they got mad when she liked the Taylor Swift post social media posts of Taylor Swift endorsing Kamala Harris, they lost their mind in so we see the common theme here, Roland. Whenever Kaitlyn Clark shows any level of appreciation or respect for black women, they hate her guts And so their position could not be more clear and obvious, because I'm just laughing, Like, you know, y'all did all this talk when you thought she was your personal superhero, and now she's disappointed you because she said something that was so freaking obvious anybody could see. It's like, yes, this league was built on the backs of black women who contributed. Need I remind people who started the WNBA, the core group they started it around. It was Cheryl Swoops, it was Lisa Leslie, and it was Rebecca Lobo. Two of those three are black women, and the history of the game is littered with black women who have made contributions. She said a long time ago, kate Leclark did that her favorite player ever was Maya Moore. So this is just so laughable and it's so predictable. And now Riley Gaines, who honestly she needs to thank trans athletes, because what if it wasn't for the trans swimmer she lost to, we wouldn't even know who she was and at all like and Megan Kelly.

Who I also heard, has something to say about this.

Who I also heard, has something to say about this.

You know, hey, I'm sorry that she's not She doesn't hate black people the way that you y'all wish that she did.

You know, hey, I'm sorry that she's not She doesn't hate black people the way that you y'all wish that she did.

I mean, look look at this, so many people were hitting her. Y'all go to buy iPad. While so disappointing, you cave into the made up fantasy world with delusional left. I was such a big fan of you, not because you're white, because you're majorly talented food. It's a whole bunch of black it's a whole bunch of other white women in a WNBA who can ball and then goes. Unfortunately, your ego and attitude is starting to stink more than your skills. Shine, You had a huge platform to bring people together. Instead you're choosing to push people apart. There is some mother dumb ass CC. Have you not learned seventy six million people just voted no unvoke, and yet for Trump you cave.

I mean, look look at this, so many people were hitting her. Y'all go to buy iPad. While so disappointing, you cave into the made up fantasy world with delusional left. I was such a big fan of you, not because you're white, because you're majorly talented food. It's a whole bunch of black it's a whole bunch of other white women in a WNBA who can ball and then goes. Unfortunately, your ego and attitude is starting to stink more than your skills. Shine, You had a huge platform to bring people together. Instead you're choosing to push people apart. There is some mother dumb ass CC. Have you not learned seventy six million people just voted no unvoke, and yet for Trump you cave.

You blew it.

You blew it.

Somebody else Nope, no longer supporting you.

Somebody else Nope, no longer supporting you.

You cave.

You cave.

What's wrong with your teammates threatening you? How sad I was about to buy jersey for my daughter. Hell no, I'm back to the shadows of the WNBA. She really betrayed her whole fan base. WTF.

What's wrong with your teammates threatening you? How sad I was about to buy jersey for my daughter. Hell no, I'm back to the shadows of the WNBA. She really betrayed her whole fan base. WTF.

At least we know she's in it for the money now nice time magazine, though, I guess all other people who defended you for how bad you were treated have not been betrayed by youth such a disappointment.

At least we know she's in it for the money now nice time magazine, though, I guess all other people who defended you for how bad you were treated have not been betrayed by youth such a disappointment.

Just go ahead and say we are some racist crackers.

Just go ahead and say we are some racist crackers.

I mean they literally told on themselves rolerd because if okay, the comment that you just read a moment ago, the person who tweeted that or whatever post social media posts they put that in, they said that we thought.

I mean they literally told on themselves rolerd because if okay, the comment that you just read a moment ago, the person who tweeted that or whatever post social media posts they put that in, they said that we thought.

You brought people together again.

You brought people together again.

All those people who are complaining and who are now anti Caitlin Clark, Why are you so mad that she actually showed respect for the women that were before who happened to be black. Don't you think you need to be asking yourself, what is it about black women that so bothersome to me that the idea of someone else being respectful of their contributions is so off putting that I would sit up here and be upset and mad about it, to the point where I won't buy my little girl a jersey like your little girl can't idolize someone who respects other races and other cultures. I thought, that's what y'all wanted. Y'all said that y'all want unifying. You know, y'all want a unifier. Y'all want somebody that brings people together. What part of being brought together is being able to appreciate, respect, and understand other cultures. And you know, I thought the Time magazine piece, I think what they also hated. Rolling on top of her showing respect to black women is the fact that she debunked a lot of the narratives that they let run around in their.

All those people who are complaining and who are now anti Caitlin Clark, Why are you so mad that she actually showed respect for the women that were before who happened to be black. Don't you think you need to be asking yourself, what is it about black women that so bothersome to me that the idea of someone else being respectful of their contributions is so off putting that I would sit up here and be upset and mad about it, to the point where I won't buy my little girl a jersey like your little girl can't idolize someone who respects other races and other cultures. I thought, that's what y'all wanted. Y'all said that y'all want unifying. You know, y'all want a unifier. Y'all want somebody that brings people together. What part of being brought together is being able to appreciate, respect, and understand other cultures. And you know, I thought the Time magazine piece, I think what they also hated. Rolling on top of her showing respect to black women is the fact that she debunked a lot of the narratives that they let run around in their.

Head for the last year about this woman. You know, this idea.

Head for the last year about this woman. You know, this idea.

They were the ones that ran with this idea that Kaitlin Clark was being targeted by these big bad black lesbians and black female basketball players.

They were the ones that ran with this idea that Kaitlin Clark was being targeted by these big bad black lesbians and black female basketball players.

And she said very plainly in this piece she never felt.

And she said very plainly in this piece she never felt.

Targeted, and all of those kind of silly ideas they had running around in their mind that she was somehow being bullied and discriminated against by these black women, and that wasn't the case at all. In fact, it's black women quoted in the piece talking about what a great teammate she was, and you know how they, you know, tried to help her transition into the WNBA and all these things. So it's just not even the fact that she is showing some kind of respect for these other players in the league and the players that came before. It's also the fact that they have nothing that they can use to hate on the league that most of them weren't even a fans a fan of, or players they weren't a fan of. They just liked the idea of being able to rub Caitlyn Clark's success and her popularity in the faces.

Targeted, and all of those kind of silly ideas they had running around in their mind that she was somehow being bullied and discriminated against by these black women, and that wasn't the case at all. In fact, it's black women quoted in the piece talking about what a great teammate she was, and you know how they, you know, tried to help her transition into the WNBA and all these things. So it's just not even the fact that she is showing some kind of respect for these other players in the league and the players that came before. It's also the fact that they have nothing that they can use to hate on the league that most of them weren't even a fans a fan of, or players they weren't a fan of. They just liked the idea of being able to rub Caitlyn Clark's success and her popularity in the faces.

Of black women that they couldn't stand to begin with.

Of black women that they couldn't stand to begin with.

Here were the tweet from super white woman Meghan Kelly, you know, you know, the one who actually said that Santa was white and blackface was cool. Look at this, She's on the knee all but apologizing for being white and getting attention The self flatulation, the old police, pay attention to the black players, who are really the ones you want to celebrate. Condescending, fake transparent said no, no, no, you're fake Meghan because you failed at NBC because the public saw you as nothing but being a lousy right wing Heck, that's why you couldn't cut it at NBC. And it was stupid to pay you all that money, and they gave you six sixty nine million dollars to leave. And so you suck, Megan Kelly. And so you're showing us exactly who you are. You're showing us that your white kate matches your white hood. That's all is is. And so so, I mean, they are so angry because she's talking about the history of the game. You cannot talk about the history of women's basketball and not talk about the great black ball players. She's just stating a fact.

Here were the tweet from super white woman Meghan Kelly, you know, you know, the one who actually said that Santa was white and blackface was cool. Look at this, She's on the knee all but apologizing for being white and getting attention The self flatulation, the old police, pay attention to the black players, who are really the ones you want to celebrate. Condescending, fake transparent said no, no, no, you're fake Meghan because you failed at NBC because the public saw you as nothing but being a lousy right wing Heck, that's why you couldn't cut it at NBC. And it was stupid to pay you all that money, and they gave you six sixty nine million dollars to leave. And so you suck, Megan Kelly. And so you're showing us exactly who you are. You're showing us that your white kate matches your white hood. That's all is is. And so so, I mean, they are so angry because she's talking about the history of the game. You cannot talk about the history of women's basketball and not talk about the great black ball players. She's just stating a fact.

Yeah, I mean, that was it.

Yeah, I mean, that was it.

It was just all facts.

It was just all facts.

And you know the other thing too, Roland and Katelyn Clark actually said this in the time piece, is how insulted she felt by a lot of the narratives.

And you know the other thing too, Roland and Katelyn Clark actually said this in the time piece, is how insulted she felt by a lot of the narratives.

That people created about her.

That people created about her.

And now all of a sudden, you have people on the right like Megan Kelly, like Riley Gaines, like I saw being Shapiro. He of course had stupid things to say, because that's what he does.

And now all of a sudden, you have people on the right like Megan Kelly, like Riley Gaines, like I saw being Shapiro. He of course had stupid things to say, because that's what he does.

Now they're all.

Now they're all.

Trying to act like she was somehow bullied and pressured into making these comments. So not only are they upset that she has showed a level of respect and knowledge of the game of women's basketball, they have played Caitlin Clark like she's some mindless puppet that can't think for herself if you know even a little bit about the game. As you said, there are so many black shoulders the game has been built and built upon. And that's not to say that there hasn't been some tremendous, iconic white players in the league. Diana Tarassi is one, for example, Brianna Stewart.

Trying to act like she was somehow bullied and pressured into making these comments. So not only are they upset that she has showed a level of respect and knowledge of the game of women's basketball, they have played Caitlin Clark like she's some mindless puppet that can't think for herself if you know even a little bit about the game. As you said, there are so many black shoulders the game has been built and built upon. And that's not to say that there hasn't been some tremendous, iconic white players in the league. Diana Tarassi is one, for example, Brianna Stewart.

I mean, there's you know, Anne Myers.

I mean, there's you know, Anne Myers.

I mean, there's a ton one of white players that have contributed to the game of women's basketball, but a great many of them have also been black.

I mean, there's a ton one of white players that have contributed to the game of women's basketball, but a great many of them have also been black.

And that's all she was saying.

And that's all she was saying.

And so as a lot of us in the sports called out, especially a lot of us black journalists, we called this out a long time ago, you know, we said hit that basically, we see what you all are doing.

And so as a lot of us in the sports called out, especially a lot of us black journalists, we called this out a long time ago, you know, we said hit that basically, we see what you all are doing.

You're using Caitlyn Clark to get your racist takes off.

You're using Caitlyn Clark to get your racist takes off.

And now that you find out that she doesn't support that nonsense, now you upset and you mad at her, and you want to call her weak minded, and you want to say that she's being pressured and bullied and she's gonna woke and all these other euphemisms for the fact that you just a racist and she just exposed you even more.

And now that you find out that she doesn't support that nonsense, now you upset and you mad at her, and you want to call her weak minded, and you want to say that she's being pressured and bullied and she's gonna woke and all these other euphemisms for the fact that you just a racist and she just exposed you even more.

Simple as that. Jabelle will appreciate it. Thanks, Buch anytime. Appreciate it. Let me go to my Pamela. Y'all of course a lavatoria Burt Jones. Right now, we got Joy Chaney, we got doctor Greg Carr. Let's get right into it long. This tweet here pretty much sums up what Jamail Will just seeing the person says, I hate Kaitlyn Clark now because it turns out she's not a racist piece of shit like me as I assumed she was. That is so disappointing. She's canceled eighty to ninety percent of conservative America right now cry more yu cons that's all they are.

Simple as that. Jabelle will appreciate it. Thanks, Buch anytime. Appreciate it. Let me go to my Pamela. Y'all of course a lavatoria Burt Jones. Right now, we got Joy Chaney, we got doctor Greg Carr. Let's get right into it long. This tweet here pretty much sums up what Jamail Will just seeing the person says, I hate Kaitlyn Clark now because it turns out she's not a racist piece of shit like me as I assumed she was. That is so disappointing. She's canceled eighty to ninety percent of conservative America right now cry more yu cons that's all they are.

Yeah, the entire thing is kind of a racial raw shack test in terms of people applying the thoughts that are in their head onto someone else. I mean, every time any of this has come up with Kaitlyn Clark is because some journalists has asked her about it, or somehow it's brought up by some sort of outside force. But what it all really boils down to is that there's a lot of people out there that want this discussion because of the commerce of content.

Yeah, the entire thing is kind of a racial raw shack test in terms of people applying the thoughts that are in their head onto someone else. I mean, every time any of this has come up with Kaitlyn Clark is because some journalists has asked her about it, or somehow it's brought up by some sort of outside force. But what it all really boils down to is that there's a lot of people out there that want this discussion because of the commerce of content.

I think the media wants this discussion.

I think the media wants this discussion.

I don't know that Kaitlyn Clark really wanted a discussion, but now they have it, and now they're not.

I don't know that Kaitlyn Clark really wanted a discussion, but now they have it, and now they're not.

Getting the answer that they want.

Getting the answer that they want.

And it is really sort of built on the idea that she was supposed to be the you know, certainly the idea that she was, you know, the best player. They wanted her to be the best player in women's basketball and superior to all others and all of that, and then that didn't happen. She loses the national championship, but then she comes back into the professional women's basketball league does really well.

And it is really sort of built on the idea that she was supposed to be the you know, certainly the idea that she was, you know, the best player. They wanted her to be the best player in women's basketball and superior to all others and all of that, and then that didn't happen. She loses the national championship, but then she comes back into the professional women's basketball league does really well.

But the thing that's so funny about it is that it.

But the thing that's so funny about it is that it.

Sort of reminds me of so many things when you anytime you have a white person who champions or platforms black people, in this way.

Sort of reminds me of so many things when you anytime you have a white person who champions or platforms black people, in this way.

They often are sort of called crazy, you know, so you know she must be confused or her handlers.

They often are sort of called crazy, you know, so you know she must be confused or her handlers.

I mean, the Charlie Kirk thing is particularly revealing, although he's an idiot, so you can't really read too deeply into anything that he says, but the idea that somehow there's something wrong with her or her handlers, like they sat down that night before and made this decision to make these statements. Because of course, Charlie Kirk, being a racist who is completely obsessed on this subject matter, thinks that everybody else is obsessed with the subject matter and they're not.

I mean, the Charlie Kirk thing is particularly revealing, although he's an idiot, so you can't really read too deeply into anything that he says, but the idea that somehow there's something wrong with her or her handlers, like they sat down that night before and made this decision to make these statements. Because of course, Charlie Kirk, being a racist who is completely obsessed on this subject matter, thinks that everybody else is obsessed with the subject matter and they're not.

She's just speaking as another human being.

She's just speaking as another human being.

So it is fascinating to see the sort of rush at test quality of this moment. Uh and it is quite satisfying, I have to say, it really is.

So it is fascinating to see the sort of rush at test quality of this moment. Uh and it is quite satisfying, I have to say, it really is.

I mean, these people, here's a deal. Joy. We always knew who they were. We always knew, and all they're doing is is Jamel said, they're just telling on themselves, right, That's right. I mean, this is what we always know.

I mean, these people, here's a deal. Joy. We always knew who they were. We always knew, and all they're doing is is Jamel said, they're just telling on themselves, right, That's right. I mean, this is what we always know.

And you know, I talk gender, and part of this is about wanting women to fight, wanting women to be angry with each other, wanting to pick heterosexual women against lesbian women, trans women against this women, black women against white women, anything. And if it was two white women, they'd come up with something for them to fight about. You know, this, this is race, this is gender, this is everything we saw in the election. It's better if they keep us at each other's throat. And what Caitlin said was no, Mas, I'm not doing this. I'm not fighting with Taylor Swift. I'm not fighting against Kamala Harris. I'm not fighting against other black women in the league. She still also owned her own greatness too, write she said, I earned everything I got, but I can still acknowledge and celebrate the success of other women because I do it on their shoulders. Good for her, I have always let her. I like her even more now. And it's a reminder for us to never to fall privy and pray to their efforts to divide us. That's what it's about. And the people that are posting their trolls their trolls, and they're just angry because Caitlyn showed them up.

And you know, I talk gender, and part of this is about wanting women to fight, wanting women to be angry with each other, wanting to pick heterosexual women against lesbian women, trans women against this women, black women against white women, anything. And if it was two white women, they'd come up with something for them to fight about. You know, this, this is race, this is gender, this is everything we saw in the election. It's better if they keep us at each other's throat. And what Caitlin said was no, Mas, I'm not doing this. I'm not fighting with Taylor Swift. I'm not fighting against Kamala Harris. I'm not fighting against other black women in the league. She still also owned her own greatness too, write she said, I earned everything I got, but I can still acknowledge and celebrate the success of other women because I do it on their shoulders. Good for her, I have always let her. I like her even more now. And it's a reminder for us to never to fall privy and pray to their efforts to divide us. That's what it's about. And the people that are posting their trolls their trolls, and they're just angry because Caitlyn showed them up.

I'm just laughing. Adam Grigg and I always say this here. I always appreciate when a racist shows me exactly who they are.

I'm just laughing. Adam Grigg and I always say this here. I always appreciate when a racist shows me exactly who they are.

I agree I'd laugh at him if it wasn't so boring. There's never been a time when we, whoever the hell that is, were united. So the idea of attempts to dividing us, that's just a historical And let's be very clear. She is an avatar, she is a representative, and there's nothing she can do about that. She's made some statements that are important to make because it's like saying, oh, the sun is in the sky, yeah, and people say yes, everybody, calm down.

I agree I'd laugh at him if it wasn't so boring. There's never been a time when we, whoever the hell that is, were united. So the idea of attempts to dividing us, that's just a historical And let's be very clear. She is an avatar, she is a representative, and there's nothing she can do about that. She's made some statements that are important to make because it's like saying, oh, the sun is in the sky, yeah, and people say yes, everybody, calm down.

Let me be very clear.

Let me be very clear.

Sports is a proxy for war, okay, and there's one team in a war.

Sports is a proxy for war, okay, and there's one team in a war.

Of white supremacy. It's whiteness.

Of white supremacy. It's whiteness.

You put the verses there, and it's everybody. Not Detroit versus everybody, but alway to respect to our sister Jamail Hill, but whiteness versus everybody. Let's be very clear. I've been following the women's game since my girl was a forward for Tennessee State's Tiger gyms. Oh, by the way, parenthetically, HBCUs have a history women's teams of not being lady anything else. Tiger jims, tiger bells, tackle sharks. They have their own identity. You won't find that in white teams in college. But my point is this, I'm old enough to remember the American Basketball League. That's the league that was partially owned by the players that David Stern and his friends put out of business by creating the WNBA at a loss for years because they didn't want any type of formation that would put them out of business.

You put the verses there, and it's everybody. Not Detroit versus everybody, but alway to respect to our sister Jamail Hill, but whiteness versus everybody. Let's be very clear. I've been following the women's game since my girl was a forward for Tennessee State's Tiger gyms. Oh, by the way, parenthetically, HBCUs have a history women's teams of not being lady anything else. Tiger jims, tiger bells, tackle sharks. They have their own identity. You won't find that in white teams in college. But my point is this, I'm old enough to remember the American Basketball League. That's the league that was partially owned by the players that David Stern and his friends put out of business by creating the WNBA at a loss for years because they didn't want any type of formation that would put them out of business.

This is a race war.

This is a race war.

Caitly mccarr is an avatar, and this has always been a case. This is Texas Western versus the University of Kentucky. This is Bird and Magic that revived the NBA. This is Tiger Woods versus everybody. At the end of the day, you gotta make a choice, okay, And my question is very simple, when are we going to be more sophisticated about this and make these people stop playing in our faces? Bill Belichick then signed for the University of North Carolina because he's taking the NFL to the college of ranks where it already is, and he's not even trying to pretend about it.

Caitly mccarr is an avatar, and this has always been a case. This is Texas Western versus the University of Kentucky. This is Bird and Magic that revived the NBA. This is Tiger Woods versus everybody. At the end of the day, you gotta make a choice, okay, And my question is very simple, when are we going to be more sophisticated about this and make these people stop playing in our faces? Bill Belichick then signed for the University of North Carolina because he's taking the NFL to the college of ranks where it already is, and he's not even trying to pretend about it.

These aren't student athletes, their employees.

These aren't student athletes, their employees.

Ky La Clark is an employee, and guess who's not gonna stand against her sports illustrated the WNBA. No, I'm sorry, who's not gonna stand against those white nationalists, all those people who are looking to profit from those white nationalists who will say, Okay, that was great, she said that, but let's be clear, we've never been on the side of black women, and that includes black queer women.

Ky La Clark is an employee, and guess who's not gonna stand against her sports illustrated the WNBA. No, I'm sorry, who's not gonna stand against those white nationalists, all those people who are looking to profit from those white nationalists who will say, Okay, that was great, she said that, but let's be clear, we've never been on the side of black women, and that includes black queer women.

We've never been on the side of black people and will never be on the side of black people.

We've never been on the side of black people and will never be on the side of black people.

And once they figure out what she said will test against their market value, they may ask her to go in and we all agree, But could you be a little quiet because we want those races coming to our games at some point?

And once they figure out what she said will test against their market value, they may ask her to go in and we all agree, But could you be a little quiet because we want those races coming to our games at some point?

Can we just stop playing like we don't understand what this is?

Can we just stop playing like we don't understand what this is?

Well, we know exactly what it is. And Megan Kelly could just go to hell. She really can, She really can. She shows on a daily basis how trash she really really is. But then again, we've always known that. All Right, I got to go to a break. We can come back, folks. We're gonna talk about the great Nicky Jill Vone. She passed away at the age of eighty one. That's next right here. Roland Martin on the filtered on the Black Star Network.

Well, we know exactly what it is. And Megan Kelly could just go to hell. She really can, She really can. She shows on a daily basis how trash she really really is. But then again, we've always known that. All Right, I got to go to a break. We can come back, folks. We're gonna talk about the great Nicky Jill Vone. She passed away at the age of eighty one. That's next right here. Roland Martin on the filtered on the Black Star Network.

Hi, I'm Isaacs, the third founder and CEO of fan Base. Fan Base is a free to down load, free to use, next generation social media platform that allows anyone to have followers and subscribers on the same page. Fan Base was built through investment dollars from equity crowdfunding from the Jobs Act. People just like you help bill fan base, and we're looking for more people to help build fan base. You're currently raising seventeen million dollars in a regulation a crowdfund on start Engine. We've already crossed two point one million dollars. Or we're looking to raise war capital from people just like you that deserve the opportunity to invest in early stage startups without having to be accredited investors. So right now, I'd like you to go to start engine dot com, slash fan base and invest. The minimum to invest is.

Hi, I'm Isaacs, the third founder and CEO of fan Base. Fan Base is a free to down load, free to use, next generation social media platform that allows anyone to have followers and subscribers on the same page. Fan Base was built through investment dollars from equity crowdfunding from the Jobs Act. People just like you help bill fan base, and we're looking for more people to help build fan base. You're currently raising seventeen million dollars in a regulation a crowdfund on start Engine. We've already crossed two point one million dollars. Or we're looking to raise war capital from people just like you that deserve the opportunity to invest in early stage startups without having to be accredited investors. So right now, I'd like you to go to start engine dot com, slash fan base and invest. The minimum to invest is.

Three hundred and ninety nine dollars.

Three hundred and ninety nine dollars.

That gets you sixty shares of stock and fan base right now today, and then youth fan Mase to connect with friends, grow your audience and be you without limits.

That gets you sixty shares of stock and fan base right now today, and then youth fan Mase to connect with friends, grow your audience and be you without limits.

Now streaming on the black Star Network.

Now streaming on the black Star Network.

I had been trying to get a record deal for a long time.

I had been trying to get a record deal for a long time.

You know.

You know.

When I finally got signed to the Motown record label in two thousand.

When I finally got signed to the Motown record label in two thousand.

And three, I was thirty four to thirty five years old, and.

And three, I was thirty four to thirty five years old, and.

Up until that time, I had been trying to get record deals the traditional way. You know, you record your demo, you record your music, and you send it, you know, to the record labels or maybe somebody a friend of a friend knows somebody that works for, you know, the record label. And really chemistry was that was my last stitch effort at being in the music business.

Up until that time, I had been trying to get record deals the traditional way. You know, you record your demo, you record your music, and you send it, you know, to the record labels or maybe somebody a friend of a friend knows somebody that works for, you know, the record label. And really chemistry was that was my last stitch effort at being in the music business.

How long have you been trying.

How long have you been trying.

I have been trying since I was since I was a teenager.

I have been trying since I was since I was a teenager.

Wow, and and and you know, and I'm grateful that it didn't.

Wow, and and and you know, and I'm grateful that it didn't.

I'm grateful that it happened when it happened, because I wasn't prepared, you know, as a teenager to embrace all that comes with a career.

I'm grateful that it happened when it happened, because I wasn't prepared, you know, as a teenager to embrace all that comes with a career.

In the in the music industry.

In the in the music industry.

This is Sambula Man, and this is David Mann, and you're watching roland Mark on theater.

This is Sambula Man, and this is David Mann, and you're watching roland Mark on theater.

Oh the last couple of days. Tribute has been pouring in all around the world for Nikki Giovanni. She passed with the age of eighty one due to lung cancer. She was a fierce writer, poet, activist, you name it. She talked about race, she talked about gender, She talked about all sorts of things, and it was always delight to hear her, to read her work, and so many people have been talking about what she has meant to them as individuals. But one of the places where she really touched folks at Virginia Tech. She taught there for more than thirty years, showing us right now, doctor Laura Bellmont, dean of the College of Little Arts and Human Science, as a professor of history there as well, glad to have you here. It's always it has to be just so interesting of yours student, and you get to sit in a class with a true legend and icon, and you get to see him up close, you get to talk to them, walk the same halls with them. She was truly beloved by the Virginia Tech family.

Oh the last couple of days. Tribute has been pouring in all around the world for Nikki Giovanni. She passed with the age of eighty one due to lung cancer. She was a fierce writer, poet, activist, you name it. She talked about race, she talked about gender, She talked about all sorts of things, and it was always delight to hear her, to read her work, and so many people have been talking about what she has meant to them as individuals. But one of the places where she really touched folks at Virginia Tech. She taught there for more than thirty years, showing us right now, doctor Laura Bellmont, dean of the College of Little Arts and Human Science, as a professor of history there as well, glad to have you here. It's always it has to be just so interesting of yours student, and you get to sit in a class with a true legend and icon, and you get to see him up close, you get to talk to them, walk the same halls with them. She was truly beloved by the Virginia Tech family.

She absolutely was.

She absolutely was.

She was unforgettable. And the impact she made on the Hokey nation, both in the classroom and beyond, I don't know if it will ever be matched.

She was unforgettable. And the impact she made on the Hokey nation, both in the classroom and beyond, I don't know if it will ever be matched.

What.

What.

First of all, what does she teach there.

First of all, what does she teach there.

She came to us in nineteen eighty seven as a creative writing professor, and she and her partner Genny Fowler, were instrumental in making our creative writing program a real force to be reckoned with We have a significant percentage of underrepresented students in that and Nikki.

She came to us in nineteen eighty seven as a creative writing professor, and she and her partner Genny Fowler, were instrumental in making our creative writing program a real force to be reckoned with We have a significant percentage of underrepresented students in that and Nikki.

Certainly was a huge draw for that.

Certainly was a huge draw for that.

They were.

They were.

Iconic figures in the English department and the college and the university itself. But a lot of what Nikki did that affected people's lives didn't happen necessarily in the classroom, although if you were lucky enough to get into her class that was certainly an unforgettable experience. She spent a lot of time, for example, mentoring student athletes. She did a lot of outreach with children in the Blacksburg area. Just last summer, the college hosted a summer camp for rural middle schoolers and she came in with these sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and read her poetry and interacted with them, and as you might imagine, they were pretty awestruck. But she was also an extraordinary mentor for early career faculty. And if you ran into her in the community, if you could maybe not trip over your tongue and fan girl on her, she was always very warm and gracious and happy to interact and she will be deeply missed.

Iconic figures in the English department and the college and the university itself. But a lot of what Nikki did that affected people's lives didn't happen necessarily in the classroom, although if you were lucky enough to get into her class that was certainly an unforgettable experience. She spent a lot of time, for example, mentoring student athletes. She did a lot of outreach with children in the Blacksburg area. Just last summer, the college hosted a summer camp for rural middle schoolers and she came in with these sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and read her poetry and interacted with them, and as you might imagine, they were pretty awestruck. But she was also an extraordinary mentor for early career faculty. And if you ran into her in the community, if you could maybe not trip over your tongue and fan girl on her, she was always very warm and gracious and happy to interact and she will be deeply missed.

I take it. There were also those moments in faculty meetings where she was never called shi.

I take it. There were also those moments in faculty meetings where she was never called shi.

Well, anybody who thinks that freedom of speech on campus is in danger never interacted with Nikki Giovanni. She said what she thought and never failed to speak.

Well, anybody who thinks that freedom of speech on campus is in danger never interacted with Nikki Giovanni. She said what she thought and never failed to speak.

Truth to power, whatever the issue, whatever the context.

Truth to power, whatever the issue, whatever the context.

There were a lot of people, obviously she had huge fans around the world. But after the tragic mass shooting on the campus in two thousand and seven, when all eyes were on the memorial service that took place there in Nikki Giovanni delivered these words at that Sarah that really shook folk to their core. Guys, go to play it, Ladies and gentlemen.

There were a lot of people, obviously she had huge fans around the world. But after the tragic mass shooting on the campus in two thousand and seven, when all eyes were on the memorial service that took place there in Nikki Giovanni delivered these words at that Sarah that really shook folk to their core. Guys, go to play it, Ladies and gentlemen.

Virginia Tech University Distinguished Professor of English and celebrated author Nikki Giovanni will deliver closing remarks.

Virginia Tech University Distinguished Professor of English and celebrated author Nikki Giovanni will deliver closing remarks.

We are Virginia Tech. We are sad today and we will be sad for quite a while.

We are Virginia Tech. We are sad today and we will be sad for quite a while.

We are not moving on.

We are not moving on.

We are embracing our morning. We are Virginia Tech. We are strong enough to stand tall, tearlessly. We are brave enough to bend to cry, and sad enough to know we must laugh again.

We are embracing our morning. We are Virginia Tech. We are strong enough to stand tall, tearlessly. We are brave enough to bend to cry, and sad enough to know we must laugh again.

We are Virginia Tech.

We are Virginia Tech.

We do not understand this tragedy. We know we did nothing to deserve it, but Neither does a child in Africa dying of AIDS. Neither do the invisible children walking the night away to avoid being captured by a rude army. Neither does the baby elephant watching his community be devastated for ivory. Neither does the Mexican child looking for fresh water. Neither does the Appalachian infant killed in the middle of the night in his crib, in the home his father built with his own hands, being run over by our boulder because the land was destabilized.

We do not understand this tragedy. We know we did nothing to deserve it, but Neither does a child in Africa dying of AIDS. Neither do the invisible children walking the night away to avoid being captured by a rude army. Neither does the baby elephant watching his community be devastated for ivory. Neither does the Mexican child looking for fresh water. Neither does the Appalachian infant killed in the middle of the night in his crib, in the home his father built with his own hands, being run over by our boulder because the land was destabilized.

No one deserves a tragedy.

No one deserves a tragedy.

We are Virginia Tech, the Hoky Nation embraces our own and reaches out with open heart and hands to those who offer their hearts and minds. We are strong and brave, and innocent and unafraid. We are better than we think and not quite what we want to be. We are alive to the imagination and the possibility. We will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears, through all this sadness.

We are Virginia Tech, the Hoky Nation embraces our own and reaches out with open heart and hands to those who offer their hearts and minds. We are strong and brave, and innocent and unafraid. We are better than we think and not quite what we want to be. We are alive to the imagination and the possibility. We will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears, through all this sadness.

We are the Hokies.

We are the Hokies.

We will prevail.

We will prevail.

We will prevail, We will prevail. We are Virginia. Ten. You followed up dropped the Mike Mummy.

We will prevail, We will prevail. We are Virginia. Ten. You followed up dropped the Mike Mummy.

Absolutely a really nonparael ability to eloquently speak to a community that was reeling in deep pain. And every April sixteenth, Nicky's voice becomes the voice of commemorating that singular awful moment in our university's history. And she provided tremendous comfort and gave incredible expression to a community devastated by loss.

Absolutely a really nonparael ability to eloquently speak to a community that was reeling in deep pain. And every April sixteenth, Nicky's voice becomes the voice of commemorating that singular awful moment in our university's history. And she provided tremendous comfort and gave incredible expression to a community devastated by loss.

When you think about you mean interactions, what does the cherish memory? What stands out the most for you?

When you think about you mean interactions, what does the cherish memory? What stands out the most for you?

To know Nikki was to forever be changed by her.

To know Nikki was to forever be changed by her.

One never knew what she.

One never knew what she.

Would say, and you could go from laughing so hard you were crying one moment to the next moment her posing a question or saying something that you found yourself haunted by months later because it profoundly challenged your view of the world. We were so fortunate to have this global legend among us, and she will never be forgotten.

Would say, and you could go from laughing so hard you were crying one moment to the next moment her posing a question or saying something that you found yourself haunted by months later because it profoundly challenged your view of the world. We were so fortunate to have this global legend among us, and she will never be forgotten.

All right, doctor Bellmont, we appreciate it. Thanks for us sharing your thoughts about the legend, Donick, Nikki Giovanni, thanks so much, rolland I appreciate it. Thank you so very much, folks. A little bit earlier, I caught up with a doctor Michael Eric Dyson. He sent us give me one second and get it ready. He sent us video. He's actually in flight, and so I said, hey, go ahead and drop us a video, and he did, and so here it is. All right, let me see what's going on with his video.

All right, doctor Bellmont, we appreciate it. Thanks for us sharing your thoughts about the legend, Donick, Nikki Giovanni, thanks so much, rolland I appreciate it. Thank you so very much, folks. A little bit earlier, I caught up with a doctor Michael Eric Dyson. He sent us give me one second and get it ready. He sent us video. He's actually in flight, and so I said, hey, go ahead and drop us a video, and he did, and so here it is. All right, let me see what's going on with his video.

Here, give the dirty camera and the noise.

Here, give the dirty camera and the noise.

Okay, okay, here it is now, let's come back to it.

Okay, okay, here it is now, let's come back to it.

Here we go, y'all.

Here we go, y'all.

Forgive the dirty camera and the noise in the background and my scruffy outfit.

Forgive the dirty camera and the noise in the background and my scruffy outfit.

But I'm in the airport.

But I'm in the airport.

Just wanted to send these few words to brother Roland celebrating the great Nicki Giovanni.

Just wanted to send these few words to brother Roland celebrating the great Nicki Giovanni.

I went to.

I went to.

Knoxville in nineteen seventy nine, and Nicki Giovanni, of course, was intimately associated with Knoxville, and so that was one of my proudest moments to recognize that I was going to college in the very home base of one of the greatest poets.

Knoxville in nineteen seventy nine, and Nicki Giovanni, of course, was intimately associated with Knoxville, and so that was one of my proudest moments to recognize that I was going to college in the very home base of one of the greatest poets.

Of the Black Arts movement. The Black Arts movement, as you know.

Of the Black Arts movement. The Black Arts movement, as you know.

Was a rhetorical fusillade against the white supremacist discourse of the nineteen sixties and seventies and a recuperation of the ethic and esthetic of black culture as the armor against the forcible implosion of white supremacy.

Was a rhetorical fusillade against the white supremacist discourse of the nineteen sixties and seventies and a recuperation of the ethic and esthetic of black culture as the armor against the forcible implosion of white supremacy.

In the brains of so many black people.

In the brains of so many black people.

She wanted to help occupy the black mind with fox ideas, sensibilities, and realities that drew from our experience. Think about all those albums she made long before it was popular to do so. I mean, think about the poem to a Refair and so many others that she recorded that were spiritual nourishment to those of us who were.

She wanted to help occupy the black mind with fox ideas, sensibilities, and realities that drew from our experience. Think about all those albums she made long before it was popular to do so. I mean, think about the poem to a Refair and so many others that she recorded that were spiritual nourishment to those of us who were.

Young and coming up in the seventies.

Young and coming up in the seventies.

And of course I got a chance to meet her and become a friend, and I talked to her on several locase Asians. I even went to Virginia Tech and gave lectures there and we hung out and had a great time. And I remember her love and commitment to young people. I mean, with that tupac tattoo, she said, because somebody's got to call an mf an.

And of course I got a chance to meet her and become a friend, and I talked to her on several locase Asians. I even went to Virginia Tech and gave lectures there and we hung out and had a great time. And I remember her love and commitment to young people. I mean, with that tupac tattoo, she said, because somebody's got to call an mf an.

You're talking about keeping it real.

You're talking about keeping it real.

Before there was hip hop, before there was gangst the rap, before there was hardcore lyricism, Nicki Giovanni was doing that. She could do that in the streets, she could do that in the studio, she could carry her poetry, and then she could sit down with James Baldwin and have a conversation on television that got transcribed into a book that is a remarkable testament to an older and younger artist of our African American descent telling the truth about what they failed, not always agreeing.

Before there was hip hop, before there was gangst the rap, before there was hardcore lyricism, Nicki Giovanni was doing that. She could do that in the streets, she could do that in the studio, she could carry her poetry, and then she could sit down with James Baldwin and have a conversation on television that got transcribed into a book that is a remarkable testament to an older and younger artist of our African American descent telling the truth about what they failed, not always agreeing.

In fact, she schooled him.

In fact, she schooled him.

On some stuff as well, and he was receptive to that because they were beautiful in their intent to edify black people. Recently, I got her to go to a tech company and deliver a Black History Month speech.

On some stuff as well, and he was receptive to that because they were beautiful in their intent to edify black people. Recently, I got her to go to a tech company and deliver a Black History Month speech.

They had plenty of dough. They were willing to pay her.

They had plenty of dough. They were willing to pay her.

She refused to take the money, I said, miss Giovanni. I said, they got plenty of dough, so please don't hold back. She said, Eric, because that's what you called me, Eric. She said, Eric, It's not about them, it's about me. And I don't want to take money to represent for my people and to tell the truth to these folk who need to hear it. And I don't want any barrier to come in the way of me delivering my message. That's the kind of woman she was. That's the kind of tall spirit she remains even in death. The length of her influence, the depth of her power and presence and used to inspire us.

She refused to take the money, I said, miss Giovanni. I said, they got plenty of dough, so please don't hold back. She said, Eric, because that's what you called me, Eric. She said, Eric, It's not about them, it's about me. And I don't want to take money to represent for my people and to tell the truth to these folk who need to hear it. And I don't want any barrier to come in the way of me delivering my message. That's the kind of woman she was. That's the kind of tall spirit she remains even in death. The length of her influence, the depth of her power and presence and used to inspire us.

I love you, Nikki Giovanni. Like cotton candy on a rainy day.

I love you, Nikki Giovanni. Like cotton candy on a rainy day.

You spoke about that, but you remain a beautiful, ineffable, essential contribution to our humanity as black people and to our willingness to use rhetoric, literature, and literacy to fight back against white supremacy and black bush wire capitulation to the premises and practices of a dominant colonial culture. She decolonized the black mind long before that became a thing. Rest in peace, you great poet, you great soul, you great songstress, you great lyricists, your great sister. We love you now, our great ancestor, continue to lead and guide us home.

You spoke about that, but you remain a beautiful, ineffable, essential contribution to our humanity as black people and to our willingness to use rhetoric, literature, and literacy to fight back against white supremacy and black bush wire capitulation to the premises and practices of a dominant colonial culture. She decolonized the black mind long before that became a thing. Rest in peace, you great poet, you great soul, you great songstress, you great lyricists, your great sister. We love you now, our great ancestor, continue to lead and guide us home.

I first met Nikki when I was in to sicag Go.

I first met Nikki when I was in to sicag Go.

Uh.

Uh.

That was a party and a shit a book signing at the home of Rinaldo Glovery. He was a star basketball player at Fisk. He was an accomplished attorney. He was one of the investors of the Chicago Defender and got an opportunity to uh to chat with her, and my god, she Nikki Givonne had had a huge laugh, a huge smile, uh, and she was not always serious. She'd loved to have fun when y'all. When y'all see the interview that I did with her, uh. Six years ago. You'll realize that the quote, the quote Michael Dyson was talking about, I'm trying to get a I'm trying to get that on video. So I had sent Tavis smiling a DM and an email hit him on Twitter, and I thought I had tab it his number. I don't, uh.

That was a party and a shit a book signing at the home of Rinaldo Glovery. He was a star basketball player at Fisk. He was an accomplished attorney. He was one of the investors of the Chicago Defender and got an opportunity to uh to chat with her, and my god, she Nikki Givonne had had a huge laugh, a huge smile, uh, and she was not always serious. She'd loved to have fun when y'all. When y'all see the interview that I did with her, uh. Six years ago. You'll realize that the quote, the quote Michael Dyson was talking about, I'm trying to get a I'm trying to get that on video. So I had sent Tavis smiling a DM and an email hit him on Twitter, and I thought I had tab it his number. I don't, uh.

And uh.

And uh.

So it was in two thousand, Greg, Joe and Lauren at USC and uh, Tam has had one of these State of the Black Union or State of the Black American discussions at USC. And I believe it was Stanley Crouch, Nicki Giovanni, it may have been one other person, and the moderator was the late Great Dodtor Charles Ogletree. And uh. Doctor Ogletree asked Nicki Giovanni.

So it was in two thousand, Greg, Joe and Lauren at USC and uh, Tam has had one of these State of the Black Union or State of the Black American discussions at USC. And I believe it was Stanley Crouch, Nicki Giovanni, it may have been one other person, and the moderator was the late Great Dodtor Charles Ogletree. And uh. Doctor Ogletree asked Nicki Giovanni.

Uh.

Uh.

Uh.

Uh.

And I think Noel Jones may have been on that penalt too. Uh, he asked Niki Giovanni. He said, Nikki, why do you like to poc Shakur so much? And without missing the beat? And when y'all see the interview, I told her this, she said again. So for everybody out there who keep telling let me ro stop cussing, go ahead and turn the radio, turn it down. You don't want your kids to hear what I'm about to say. I'm about to quote Nicki Giovanni and what she said in this form. So I'm gonna give y'all five four three two one. So he asked her that, and she said, Charles, somebody got to call a motherfucker a motherfucker. Greg that So what I told one of my top three all time great quotes. You could take doctor King, Reverend Jackson, everybody. She made the cut in the top three because it cut man, and the room erupted, just erupted when she said.

And I think Noel Jones may have been on that penalt too. Uh, he asked Niki Giovanni. He said, Nikki, why do you like to poc Shakur so much? And without missing the beat? And when y'all see the interview, I told her this, she said again. So for everybody out there who keep telling let me ro stop cussing, go ahead and turn the radio, turn it down. You don't want your kids to hear what I'm about to say. I'm about to quote Nicki Giovanni and what she said in this form. So I'm gonna give y'all five four three two one. So he asked her that, and she said, Charles, somebody got to call a motherfucker a motherfucker. Greg that So what I told one of my top three all time great quotes. You could take doctor King, Reverend Jackson, everybody. She made the cut in the top three because it cut man, and the room erupted, just erupted when she said.

That, Yeah, man, that is Nicki Giovanni. That is Nicki Giovanni. Since she burst on the scene in the seventies. As you said that her brother went to FIST. She's a FIST graduate. And of course, like Mike Dyson out of East Tennessee, Knoxville, that has been here since she was a teenager man, since she turned, since they turned Gwynland Brooks, who was at Wonderpeter Surprise Black Women Poet in nineteen fifty at that conference at Fisk when they had the Black Writers Conference back and I guess that was sixty seven or sixty eight, and Gwenland Brooks was already black, but she got blacker after hanging out with Nicki Giovanni and people talking about this ball on conversation with her, and it's a very important conversation, but it's more important to place it in the context. Nicki Giovanni was still in her twenties when Ellis Hasler from Here from DC had a show called Soul in New York, and Nicki Giovanni was like the correspondent. She talked to Mhammad Ali, she talked to James Baldwin, she talked, She was in conversation across the board with so many people and she consistently pushed them. Mike is right, she was going to be who she was going to be.

That, Yeah, man, that is Nicki Giovanni. That is Nicki Giovanni. Since she burst on the scene in the seventies. As you said that her brother went to FIST. She's a FIST graduate. And of course, like Mike Dyson out of East Tennessee, Knoxville, that has been here since she was a teenager man, since she turned, since they turned Gwynland Brooks, who was at Wonderpeter Surprise Black Women Poet in nineteen fifty at that conference at Fisk when they had the Black Writers Conference back and I guess that was sixty seven or sixty eight, and Gwenland Brooks was already black, but she got blacker after hanging out with Nicki Giovanni and people talking about this ball on conversation with her, and it's a very important conversation, but it's more important to place it in the context. Nicki Giovanni was still in her twenties when Ellis Hasler from Here from DC had a show called Soul in New York, and Nicki Giovanni was like the correspondent. She talked to Mhammad Ali, she talked to James Baldwin, she talked, She was in conversation across the board with so many people and she consistently pushed them. Mike is right, she was going to be who she was going to be.

My favorite.

My favorite.

Nikki Giovanni is from the Black Arts movement period. You know, she Mary Baraka Sonya Sanchez, who still walks to Earth. Just the ninetieth birthday, Nikki Giovanni, Nicki Rosa, who can forget ego tripping if she did nothing else to the culture but contribute ego tripping. She was like twenty nine years old when she wrote that, and her album's Truth is on the Way. So yeah, I mean, anytime you around her and in with this, you have that sense that she was going to be who she was going to be. She got a thug life tattooed. She came to Howard one time. We all sitting there and these young people say, wait, you get that. She said, Tupac tells it like it is. We don't have to agree on everything. But what I love about him is his spirit. And so she was going to play it straight down the line. And it's just, you know, a great loss. But you know, she lived an incredible life. She beat cans Or twice. It came back again. She continued to write. She got another book coming out next year called her last book, She Fought to the End, Brother Well, a life well lived.