Ernestine Morrison Performs 'The Average Black Girl' on Arsenio Hall Show

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  • Опубліковано 13 кві 2014
  • Ernestine Johnson kicks off the show with an amazing and moving performance of "The Average Black Girl." You will get chills from this performance.
    Booking:
    GiveEJTheMic@gmail.com
    Website: www.ernestinejohnson.com
    Twitter: tinyurl.com/myn7yhl
    Facebook: tinyurl.com/kr7e4xk
    Instagram: @MrsErnestineMorrison

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @Lyz.ette.x
    @Lyz.ette.x 4 роки тому +698

    “You’re pretty for a black girl”
    But the moment we say black is beautiful, they start shouting.

    • @rubichanelinspires1586
      @rubichanelinspires1586 4 роки тому +9

      Elizabeth Ondoma so true

    • @fionagallagherapologist5968
      @fionagallagherapologist5968 3 роки тому +1

      its insane

    • @octavianjoseph8633
      @octavianjoseph8633 2 роки тому +1

      Grammatically speaking, that's expected for anyone who says "you're pretty for a bad girl".
      Since them saying that in the first place implies that you're out of the norm, essentially saying 'your black and I didn't expect you to look good, but you do, so I compliment you for that.'

    • @aisosabenedict5720
      @aisosabenedict5720 2 роки тому

      That’s a racial statement,

    • @HoneyBee1980
      @HoneyBee1980 Рік тому

      Facts

  • @mq177
    @mq177 8 років тому +1694

    When I see the comments, it seems like a lot of people get uncomfortable to see a black person have such a powerful message. They automatically call it "racist" and "ghetto" because truth hurts. I call it "passion" and "poetry" They can't handle it! Lol Murica

    • @DeyonSingh
      @DeyonSingh 8 років тому +4

      +Marty quinones you try to make a valid statement then end it with "Murica" Way to go.

    • @mq177
      @mq177 8 років тому +16

      +Deyon SinghThanks!! Appreciate ya

    • @tuliannas2641
      @tuliannas2641 8 років тому +7

      +Marty quinones Murica! I love it lolol

    • @winkytee897
      @winkytee897 8 років тому +7

      amen

    • @zactaylor6192
      @zactaylor6192 7 років тому +7

      Do you hate the dialect in which she says it or the country in itself. You must realize the people are not the government. Also, please do not feed into the division the media seems to be trying to create.

  • @Ms.Francis
    @Ms.Francis 7 років тому +392

    I shall not forget your name ´Ernestine Johnson¨ refreshing.

    • @BL3SSed-Bliss
      @BL3SSed-Bliss 5 років тому +7

      I did forget. I love(d), completely relate to/overstand, and shared this vid back when the ep first aired. I soon forgot about her.
      I was [re]introduced to her via “Sister Circle Live”, was very impressed, and shared her (and her husband’s joint) interview with my mother.
      My mother sent me Ernestine’s new C.R.O.W.N. seminar link... which led me here. I remember. I will never again forget. 💪🏽👸🏾👸🏽✊🏽💓💞💜

    • @ayalarich1606
      @ayalarich1606 4 роки тому +3

      DONT FORGET!

  • @JessJayEel
    @JessJayEel 8 років тому +543

    A white associate once told me "You are not like them". I told her off right then and there. We have to keep people accountable for their ignorance. People will always be an individual first before they become a stereotype. I hope more Americans train themselves to think like that. I am proud to be who I am, but that mostly includes who I am as a person vs a race.

    • @vasalexander5784
      @vasalexander5784 8 років тому +1

      But isn't this self contradictory Jess;
      You said you are an iidividual first good for you this is noble.
      So that white woman daisy exactly that,she made comments emphasizing on you not at your ethnic origin.
      And then you called her off!
      You Americans black or white are all so dramatic and you all love Hollywood type speeches.
      Emotions,drama and all this,life is not drama only

    • @JessJayEel
      @JessJayEel 8 років тому +28

      +Vas Alexander The point of my comment is that you can identify me as a black person without relating it to stereotypes. I can't separate from my blackness because that is my identity. I am a black individual. I'm proud to be black and who I am. The nature of her comment is that she thought it will be compliment to separate me from my race. My race is pretty diverse, but of course the media only promotes one type of black and everyday people eat it up. My point is, have a mind of your own. ✌🏿️

    • @vasalexander5784
      @vasalexander5784 8 років тому +1

      +Jess JayEel Ok now i understood what the 'nature of her comment 'was

    • @BabyGrl725
      @BabyGrl725 4 роки тому +5

      When I was younger I would always hear from my white friends "you're not like other black people" 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️. Always made me sad but I never knew how to react back then.

    • @sherrisolomon8673
      @sherrisolomon8673 3 роки тому

      @@BabyGrl725" You know, I was think the same about you too". "Great Minds think alike I guess". would've been the perfect answer.

  • @misscolthang
    @misscolthang 9 років тому +793

    I hear these things all the time. That I'm pretty.. "for a black girl", that I talk "white", that I'm not ghetto, ratchet, etc.. and that makes me some how better. These things don't make me feel good. It really hurts me when people are constantly telling me that I'm somehow above people who are of my own race. Because what they are essentially saying is that, since my skin color is darker than theres, I'm only good in their eyes, because I don't portray the things that they see on tv. That I will never be good enough to anyone unless I'm the image of what they think a black girl "should" be like. That Im not great just because I'm me, but because I'm not like "them". This poem was really beautiful and everything that she said I related to. I just wish things didn't have to be this way.

    • @oncetwice5942
      @oncetwice5942 9 років тому +14

      I feel you on that one. I get that all the time to. I even had someone ask me if my hair is real and I said yes. Am I supposed to have short hair because I'm black? I know a lot of other black women with naturally long hair. I hate stereotypes.

    • @misscolthang
      @misscolthang 9 років тому +10

      Kile Cooke Omg yes don't even get me started on my hair! Mine is short and I still get comments like that. People always ask why my hair is straight how can it be like that. Then they start asking what am I or if I'm mixed with white or something. And I'm like no I'm fully black -_-
      Its like their minds can't process the fact that not all black women look alike.

    • @misscolthang
      @misscolthang 9 років тому +8

      scatnez We'll of course I know that theres always going to be stupid people in my own race. But the way that they express their opinions to me comes off more so as, they think being black is a bad thing, and that I should be proud that I "act" more like a white person. Im proud of who I am as a person and I don't think being black should be something people look down on. Sadly thats how a lot of people think in our society.

    • @Pathd89
      @Pathd89 9 років тому +7

      Well, and I hear the "you're pretty smart for a blonde". There will always be THAT kind of people, you just be yourself darling. Don't worry about what others think of you :)

    • @misscolthang
      @misscolthang 9 років тому +5

      ***** Thank you. I plan on doing just that!

  • @pathwaysinstardustpoems7193
    @pathwaysinstardustpoems7193 4 роки тому +91

    I love seeing other black female poets. I've loved to write since I was a teen. This is perfection.

  • @sandreenalicia
    @sandreenalicia 7 років тому +172

    every back girl need to watch and listen to what she's saying

    • @rubichanelinspires1586
      @rubichanelinspires1586 4 роки тому

      Sandreen Alicia shes so inspiring 😍 she’s actually a role model to me I literally got motivated to start my channel because of her

  • @rocklesson86
    @rocklesson86 9 років тому +315

    I get told this all the time. Surprisingly it is from other black people.

    • @rocklesson86
      @rocklesson86 9 років тому +9

      *****
      I listen to rock music too,but I also listen to EDM and pop music. I am not a big fan metal. I remember in high school I was in this R&B choir class and they would play a rap, hip-hop, or R&B song I would not know. The one time I knew a song, they act like won a dam award. People are ignorant and these days I just don't give a fuck.

    • @user-cs8qb9mb4n
      @user-cs8qb9mb4n 9 років тому +1

      rocklesson86 They're a pack of angry jackals, and then blame others when they act out on their rabid hatefulness.

    • @rocklesson86
      @rocklesson86 9 років тому

      MrJojo8675309 True.

    • @rocklesson86
      @rocklesson86 9 років тому +3

      ***** I have started being me and I am OK about that.

    • @rocklesson86
      @rocklesson86 9 років тому +1

      ***** Yes they are. I just see music as music and I like what I like. You my friend are cool as fuck.

  • @WHZGUD2
    @WHZGUD2 10 років тому +369

    brought the house down!

    • @yogdrogxon687
      @yogdrogxon687 5 років тому +1

      MARQUESE SCOTT they too much complain about everything

    • @yogdrogxon687
      @yogdrogxon687 5 років тому +1

      They are nothing without white people.

    • @yogdrogxon687
      @yogdrogxon687 4 роки тому

      @Chigozirim ᴖᴥᴖ
      You are Evil and offended

    • @yogdrogxon687
      @yogdrogxon687 4 роки тому

      @Intelligent human
      They are definitely not above that

  • @zone6eastside672
    @zone6eastside672 8 років тому +210

    I can't even look at the comments because i know it's gonna piss me off, but good job baby girl, i loved it

  • @deadnamedan6726
    @deadnamedan6726 8 років тому +720

    I can't stand hearing crap like that from people. "You speak so white!" Doesn't make any sense to me.

    • @cherryivana1129
      @cherryivana1129 5 років тому +1

      DanTheWoaMan YESSSS

    • @zanelesibanga8272
      @zanelesibanga8272 4 роки тому +1

      Yah

    • @tayloryasmine3036
      @tayloryasmine3036 4 роки тому +1

      I know it’s bullshit

    • @andreas3812
      @andreas3812 4 роки тому

      RIGHT

    • @mistw.9323
      @mistw.9323 4 роки тому +6

      I hear it all the time and it's so frickin tiring, I'm 14 excuse me if I don't feel like cursing and screaming 24/7. Let me be me please, without having to fit into your stereotypes of what my race should be.

  • @ionlyspeaksarcasm4481
    @ionlyspeaksarcasm4481 8 років тому +43

    This poem brought me to tears. You've just vocalized every thought I could not fathom into words. I can't thank you enough for exposing people to our harsh reality.

  • @cozyinmycorner
    @cozyinmycorner 7 років тому +54

    You were born a black girl because you are strong. Like they say, beauty hurts. Black women get looked down upon because other people are jealous of our beauty, or features. Like big lips, wide hips, and big butts. You are beautiful. Black women are meant to go on their own personal journies to discoveeing how beautiful they actually are, no matter what people say.
    Black girl, keep your head up and let your beauty shine, because you are Golden💗

  • @MetaITurtle
    @MetaITurtle 8 років тому +133

    I love black women

    • @blacksapphire04
      @blacksapphire04 7 років тому +7

      Nigel 1990 ...black women love u!!!

    • @FuchsiaSquare
      @FuchsiaSquare 6 років тому +2

      We love you too! 🤓

    • @285dwhite
      @285dwhite 3 роки тому +1

      I love Black Women with everything in me, because if it was not for black queens, I would not be a black King.

    • @actuallyflora5041
      @actuallyflora5041 3 роки тому

      Nigel MT Productions amen

  • @fleurpoe8196
    @fleurpoe8196 8 років тому +84

    This gave me so much confidence

  • @livydean2422
    @livydean2422 8 років тому +183

    This is the best poem I've heard in awhile

    • @rubichanelinspires1586
      @rubichanelinspires1586 4 роки тому

      Livy Dean 100% she’s my role model . One of the reasons I took poetry seriously on my channel

  • @LelahGInternational
    @LelahGInternational 9 років тому +12

    The 18 beings that had the nerve to thumb down this exceptional piece of spoken art, deserve to have their "human" cards pulled. Immediately.

  • @gorgeousenergy6269
    @gorgeousenergy6269 3 роки тому +7

    Every few years I come back to watch this video.

    • @beetlejamie8065
      @beetlejamie8065 3 роки тому +1

      Ernestine has an electric magnetism about her! Her presence as a speaker is just raw power.

    • @gorgeousenergy6269
      @gorgeousenergy6269 3 роки тому

      Jamie M. Yesssss

  • @margotchild
    @margotchild 4 роки тому +18

    I remember when I was like eleven I overheard my dad listening to this (which is weird bc he doesn’t listen to poetry) and it kind of stuck with me as a child. I think it was good for me to hear about racial stereotypes.

  • @MiszRicanGiee
    @MiszRicanGiee 7 років тому +67

    I want to be the average black girl... They ROCK

  • @morganann842
    @morganann842 4 роки тому +44

    "I am not the average black girl - I can only aspire to be."

  • @WhateverLex
    @WhateverLex 8 років тому +621

    There seems to be a lot of white men on this video who seem to think that they can tell us what we are and what we should be offended by. On this VIDEO. Of this POEM. How ironic.

    • @gw6746
      @gw6746 4 роки тому +13

      Exactly..... especially when they are the ones that did not go through half of the struggle we went through and they claim to be so unbothered by what our race preaches...

  • @aryannamincy2122
    @aryannamincy2122 8 років тому +22

    Ernestine Johnson has me in tears every time I hear this because it's so true... I can't stand the people she explained. if your one of them then you have no respect for anybody except for yourself. this us why I write. this is why I read. this is why I do everything that I do in school and at home.

  • @lillittle09
    @lillittle09 7 років тому +74

    this give me chills love it

  • @pretzelsfan
    @pretzelsfan 8 років тому +56

    This was so powerful in every single way possible. The irony of the title is my favorite part. You are amazing!!!

  • @twila.17
    @twila.17 8 років тому +47

    I got chills. Such a good job.

  • @xobripxo
    @xobripxo 8 років тому +35

    This touched my heart.

    • @rubichanelinspires1586
      @rubichanelinspires1586 4 роки тому

      xobripxo 100% she’s my role model . One of the reasons I took poetry seriously on my channel

  • @JesusUnoWTF
    @JesusUnoWTF 9 років тому +98

    Impressive. This is one of the reasons that my girlfriend hates being called an "Oreo" especially since she's dating me, a white guy (which, for some reason, changes people's perspective on her). People hear her talk and the way she acts and the first thing they think is that she is acting white. She hates it because she is her own person, not some stereotype, or lack thereof. She is who she is because she worked to get there and molded her own personality to a place she is comfortable being. Proper English is important, but never sacrifice who you are just to fit the expectations of other people. So if that means speaking with a different dialect, or behaving different, people should not judge these people just because of these decisions. This was a great piece of slam poetry. I only wish I could come up with something this great. Keep going!

  • @blacktyke
    @blacktyke 8 років тому +96

    Greenwood is a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As one of the most successful and wealthiest black communities in the United States during the early 20th Century, it was popularly known as America's "Black Wall Street" until the Tulsa race riot of 1921, in which white residents massacred black residents and razed the neighborhood within hours. The riot was one of the most devastating massacres in the history of U.S. race relations, destroying the once thriving Greenwood community.
    Within five years after the massacre, surviving residents who chose to remain in Tulsa rebuilt much of the district. They accomplished this despite the opposition of many white Tulsa political and business leaders and punitive rezoning laws enacted to prevent reconstruction. It resumed being a vital black community until segregation was overturned by the Federal Government during the 1950s and 1960s. Desegregation encouraged blacks to live and shop elsewhere in the city, causing Greenwood to lose much of its original vitality. Since then, city leaders have attempted to encourage other economic development activity nearby.

    • @andrewmeri4211
      @andrewmeri4211 4 роки тому +2

      I dont know if desegregation was a good thing for Us black people.

    • @thequietstorm12
      @thequietstorm12 4 роки тому +1

      Kevin Fulgence Wow

    • @tinaamariee832
      @tinaamariee832 4 роки тому +3

      My grandfather survived this massacre he was 6 years old at the time he did an interview about it in a Detroit newspaper in 2000 (m.imgur.com/a/VSru09w ). He eventually went on to get a degree in engineering from Lincoln University. He moved to Detroit & became one of the first black engineers hired by a Ford motors. Then he switched to education & was a principal at one of Detroit’s highest ranked tech schools. Unfortunately, his uncle, his wife, & 3 children didn’t survive that night they were tossed into mass graves along with all the other black/white casualties. His life’s dream was to find those graves & give them the funeral they deserved he never got to accomplish that dream. But that dream has now become my own.

    • @biancambera2929
      @biancambera2929 3 роки тому

      @@tinaamariee832 Not to be rude or anything, and I know this comment is a year old but how did he have kids and a wife at six years old lmao.

    • @tinaamariee832
      @tinaamariee832 3 роки тому

      @@biancambera2929 I was saying he was 6 at the time of the massacre he survived. Then attached an article he did shortly before he passed in 2000. Then I just wanted to brag on all the amazing shit he accomplished in his long life. Despite his family losing everything they had when he was 6 yrs old. To still be able to go to college in the 30s as a black man is a huge accomplishment.

  • @NappyLife
    @NappyLife 9 років тому +34

    Gave me chills

  • @MoneyGist
    @MoneyGist 2 роки тому +2

    "...she was out there fighting, breaking, and changing laws." 🔥🔥🔥

  • @captkurt11
    @captkurt11 9 років тому +60

    What an awesome poem! As a white guy, I sometimes find myself thinking "why am I surprised" when I hear an articulate black person speak. The stereotypes that have been perpetuated over the decades that try and mislead us towards an "average black person". When I hear a black person speaking in slang, I have to remind myself that he or she could very well be a very educated and highly intellectual person that is just expressing themselves in a dialect that's comfortable among peers. I get disappointed in myself that I have to work at it and it doesn't just come naturally. Why society works so hard at denying the "white privilege" and placing fault at blacks instead of accepting the myths that they perpetuate is offensive in so many ways. Its sad that schools aren't teaching the sacrifices of the Diane Nash's and Ella Bakers as our history is viewed through a white lens. Its even sadder that whites are often offended when these discrepancies or discriminations are brought to light. "We're so tired of the victim mentality" as though their hearing about it equates with blacks living it! We need to wake up as a nation and deal with race head on. Saying we're tired of hearing about it, or that you weren't around during slavery is just plain ignorant. Fortunately, as the minority population grows, here in "the land of the free, where ALL races and religions are welcome", the white race will be forced to see that minorities are just as equal and articulate as the average white person, regardless of their dialect or skin color.

  • @John-kd4ef
    @John-kd4ef 8 років тому +11

    When people say, "You're so pretty for a Black woman" they think that they are offering that person a complement. In reality, that sort of statement reveals pure ignorance, bigotry and racism, and is demeaning and insulting to the woman to whom it is directed. I am a white man, married to a beautiful Black woman and when I see an opportunity to complement another Black woman (not by flirting, but by being genuinely caring), I simply tell her that she is a beautiful woman, period. We both realize that she is Black (a quality of which she should be proud) but there is no need to qualify the complement by adding any extraneous words. Black women are the most beautiful woman that God created, in my opinion, and that's all I have to say. Great poem, by the way, and beautifully delivered.

  • @lillittle09
    @lillittle09 7 років тому +30

    I watch this everyday I love this poem

  • @RukiaBlackBlazer
    @RukiaBlackBlazer 3 роки тому +2

    *I can only aspire to be, the average black girl.* Well said sis, here here.! Kudos! And my Generational black American sisters in the belly of the beast, has led the way, for the pass two hundred years. *I stand and salute,* my America sisters, much love and shared tears from Trinidad and Tobago, I see you, and value all of you, warts and all Because we share, the same warts and plight, *worldwide my sisters.* Respect each other, add context to our talking points about each other because we are, *our only Allies.*

  • @Carolinas_SweetTea
    @Carolinas_SweetTea 3 роки тому +4

    I felt every bit of that. I am a lighter skinned tone black woman and you have no idea the things I've been through. I've been told I'm not the average black woman. Because of my skin tone, my hair the way I talk and because I don't act a certain way. So I know every bit of what she was saying cause that black woman is me. 💯💯

  • @paulineb2213
    @paulineb2213 2 роки тому +3

    7 years later and I am still 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.

  • @deadscene666
    @deadscene666 8 років тому +18

    she is beautiful love this very powerful message

  • @carnyferobin3193
    @carnyferobin3193 3 роки тому +8

    2021 still an inspiration I love this so much!❤️❤️❤️

  • @jamescowger9590
    @jamescowger9590 8 років тому +6

    This beautiful lady has earned my respect through words. She deserves the standing ovation, she got. She can't aspire to something that she has already surpassed. That's all I have to say. Go ahead and hate, I won't even give your shit a primary thought.

  • @BashariSr
    @BashariSr 8 років тому +6

    Worked on a film with wonderfully, super talented, "average black girl".... Brilliant my sister, brilliant!

  • @luckybynum6246
    @luckybynum6246 7 років тому +5

    I'm in tears Ms Johnson. The good kind. Thank you so much for this breath of life. God bless you!

  • @BravenTheRaven
    @BravenTheRaven Рік тому +1

    I remember watching this year's ago. I sadly forgot who it was. I looked for 2 weeks when I remembered something about this speech. I typed in many of many different text descriptions to attempt to find this video. 2 weeks later I finally found it again. Saved to all my playlists to never lose it again. A lot of women and even men can learn from this beautiful speech. Times like this is when black lives matter even though ALL lives matter.
    Bless you. Bless you Ernestine 🙏♥🙌💖

  • @SatanistSin
    @SatanistSin 9 років тому +16

    I read the title of a blog about this video on upworthy "_They Liked Her Because She ‘Talked White.’ I Bet They Didn’t Expect This._" It sent me into a rant about why "talking white" shouldn't be a thing... and then I watched the video. She made every point I would've, plus some.
    This was great.

  • @grace-lw6lm
    @grace-lw6lm 3 роки тому +4

    As much as this left in complete awe i'm still disheartened by the fact that we as black people still have to talk about issues like these

  • @WilSylvince
    @WilSylvince 9 років тому +6

    Education, motivation, uplifting, and setting the record straight all in 4 and 1/2 minutes! Love you Ernestine!

  • @Pocky_Fox
    @Pocky_Fox Рік тому +2

    This is the most beautiful and meaningful spoken word I have ever heard.

  • @blessednotstressed2739
    @blessednotstressed2739 8 років тому +16

    That was amazing. I've noticed in the comments that people of other ethnic background seem to think we aren't taking responsibility for how we act when we portray certain stereotypes. That is our responsibility however I believe the poet was shedding light on the reason that black women are "angry". Because we are mistreated for not only being a woman but being black. Since African slaves came to America we were believed to be sex machines which was false but some still believe this which is why sometimes we are treated certain ways. Just a thought

  • @PSOChristen
    @PSOChristen 9 років тому +14

    This was excellent and definitely moving. THANK YOU for sharing this with us!

  • @briancrim132
    @briancrim132 7 років тому +7

    OMG YASSSS #YOUGOGIRL #KUDOSTOYOU MY BLACK QUEEN NO NOT BLACK QUEEN JUST A QUEEN 👑👑 PERIOD POINT BLANK👌👌👍👍👏👏💯💯

  • @raqueladeclat
    @raqueladeclat 6 років тому +2

    This video will NEVER get old to me 🙌🏾❤️ “I am not the average black girl, I can only aspire to be”

  • @bisnitchh
    @bisnitchh 6 років тому +20

    Its amazing how many of you missed the message. *palm to face*
    "I'm not the average black girl, but I aspire to be." Speak, Queen!

    • @laposhiaboyd4525
      @laposhiaboyd4525 Рік тому

      Yep!! She was talking about being her sister’s keeper.
      There is no such thing as the average black woman. That’s from outsiders looking in. But we understand we are a rainbow of women. And we are absolutely breathtaking. ❤️❤️❤️

  • @treewizdom6093
    @treewizdom6093 9 років тому +4

    You have blessed my Soul, BabyGurl! We are proud of our youth who remember where they came from and that they/we stand on beautifully empowered shoulders! You speak for all of us! Thank you!!!

  • @Kiannamonroeee
    @Kiannamonroeee 5 років тому +8

    You inspired me to start writing spoken word . Thank you so much ❤️

  • @rubini46
    @rubini46 8 років тому +1

    Fabulous, melanin is beautiful. Get smart black girls and raise smart kids. And never forget, "We are all Africans"

  • @shavohna
    @shavohna 4 місяці тому +1

    9 years later & I still get goosebumps

  • @ArghRawrWhoa
    @ArghRawrWhoa 9 років тому +8

    Amen. I'm sick of all these stereotypes too. And, I try to distance myself from people who throw out the very comments you've mentioned. It only makes them look ignorant by saying it in the end.

  • @arbrianna672
    @arbrianna672 4 роки тому +3

    You are a brilliant and gifted poet! You have a voice that needs to be heard! Thank you for this beautiful poem

  • @nicholasdavenport3612
    @nicholasdavenport3612 8 років тому +2

    This is a prime example of why I believe poetry can act as an amazing answer, or light for some hard questions. As a black male I've also had to fight against these stereotypes. I've heard it all from I can only make a career from basketball, I don't dress black enough, its time for me to start working on building muscle because I'm black. Yes I am black and I am so proud to be with every breath I breathe I am so proud to be a black man, but my color does not define me. I love basketball but music is my calling, going to college for me will be based on my 4.1 GPA and my scholastic achievements, the only thing I can hope for is to be able to do what this amazing woman here did and put out words such as these to help change the world.

  • @FormerItGirl
    @FormerItGirl 8 років тому +2

    This is everything and then some. Literal #BlackgirlMagic at its best. At the same time... its sad because no matter how aggressively we speak, no matter how much time we spend explaining... Some people will choose to just never understand. I applaud you, Ms. Ernestine Johnson for your courage and your powerful, powerful words. Supporting black people and black women more specifically means supporting EVERY aspect of black culture. Not just supporting the ones who you categorize as the "right" kind of black. For we are many, but we are all beautiful in our own unique ways.

  • @SpacelyHendrix
    @SpacelyHendrix 8 років тому +6

    deeeep and inspiring poem.... I'm about to go write some more poems wowwww I loved this!!!!

  • @thebmusproject
    @thebmusproject 9 років тому +3

    Woah, gave me chills!

  • @sadbadbitch
    @sadbadbitch Рік тому +1

    i’m crying black women deserve so much more

  • @kethnijyles808
    @kethnijyles808 3 роки тому +2

    2020 and this post still shakes me to my core..💯💯👏👏💝💝⛪⛪

  • @rawda1421
    @rawda1421 7 років тому +8

    this is amazing!

  • @helenkifle7067
    @helenkifle7067 7 років тому +4

    That was very touching❤❤

  • @Kyle-vp2dk
    @Kyle-vp2dk Рік тому

    I still come back to this! So good.

  • @divayoung5394
    @divayoung5394 2 роки тому

    Love this yess thanks!🙌🏾🥰🏆🤩

  • @kadijadiallo7257
    @kadijadiallo7257 9 років тому +4

    I'm blown away, I love how powerful and correct (because I can definitely relate)this spoken word poem so much. 🙌 Found my society guideline. 😂

  • @SallyandPaul
    @SallyandPaul 7 років тому +3

    Amazing! I love the truth in her words!

  • @DDINism
    @DDINism 8 років тому +1

    I got tears in my eyes!

  • @bean125
    @bean125 2 роки тому

    Wow!!!! Thank you. You’re amazing. ❤️💕

  • @PoEdUpReality
    @PoEdUpReality 9 років тому +54

    David Banners Sway in the morning interview brought me here

  • @user-pv9my4gl9w
    @user-pv9my4gl9w 9 років тому +9

    This was so right on and so beautiful. I'm glad that I had came upon it. Black women in America don't get enough credit from anyone, even black men. The number of black women who shaped our civil rights in the US is substantial, but they still don't have the fame of their male counterparts. America needs to wake up and recognize the atrocities that we place, YES Fox News...even today, on those of African decent. Holding stereotypes over someone is wrong. If you think a black woman is too loud, your not listening. If you think a black womans hair is not right, then you need to change your perspective or recognize that our government is holding them down financially and otherwise. If you think that a black woman has attitude, then respect that her strength and the strength of her ancestors before her are what got them through some of the most heinous acts that we white people could dish. wake up White America! That is all.

  • @singitoutloudarianna
    @singitoutloudarianna 9 років тому

    This was beautiful, and very empowering. Thank you so much for this.

  • @ladylilrels
    @ladylilrels 7 років тому +1

    She gave me goosebumps and caused me to shed a tear, but these tears were tears of joy and pride. She made me feel that there is nothing wrong with being who I am and loving the fact that I come from a long line of strong, intelligent, beautiful, and courageous women. Thank you Ernestine!

  • @XDdu73
    @XDdu73 7 років тому +4

    you have so much poise and and an incredible amount of talent ! subscribed and I will be watching the rest of your videos

  • @MultiEightiesgirl
    @MultiEightiesgirl 8 років тому +70

    It is sad that there were so many racist comments regarding this video. I think that I have the answer to that. Well I heard things from Black and White people below saying that "this was bullshit". Well please remember that poetry is an art and art is an abstract expression from the artist. Therefore, to the racist people who gave those horrible comments, you lack in artistic expression and ability to understand the message of this poem. Also, let's see if the racist people below can answer this question without them saying first, "Well I don't want to be racist, but....." Here is the question, how come when a Black female is speaking of an experience, people call it bullshit, but when a White man like Tim Wise speaks of racism, everyone listens. But this is the best country in the world. Now that's bullshit.

    • @shylahharris5505
      @shylahharris5505 8 років тому +2

      don't hate

    • @kocolateavante6426
      @kocolateavante6426 7 років тому +10

      Why waste time reading the negativity of ignorant, envious and angry
      People! I seldom take time to bother with Haters - they are Losers!!

    • @jethrodassam
      @jethrodassam 7 років тому

      You're racist.

  • @sea_bass2197
    @sea_bass2197 3 роки тому +1

    this is the first spoken word poem i have ever listened to, it was introduced to me by a teacher i absolutely hated and i am forever grateful to her as without her i would have never discovered such an amazing community and my love for spoken word poetry.

  • @dawnic2003
    @dawnic2003 8 років тому +1

    I have probably watched this video a thousand times and the message she puts out is so powerful. Ernestine is an amazing and definitely an inspiring person.

  • @NecroArmorLink
    @NecroArmorLink 9 років тому +59

    Everyone talking about race, and I'm just sitting here, waiting for people to realize that there's only 8 planets in our Solar System, not Universe...there's trillions of planets in our known universe

    • @yolimejia29
      @yolimejia29 9 років тому +3

      there's is no physical end meaning endless planets molecules and entity exist and will continue to exist.

    • @ChildOfGiottoROBLOX
      @ChildOfGiottoROBLOX 9 років тому +12

      I'm pretty sure she knows the difference, I think she had to make it rhyme.

    • @5beyonce
      @5beyonce 9 років тому +11

      NecroArmorLink White ppl smh, its about Black pppl not planets FOH

    • @NecroArmorLink
      @NecroArmorLink 9 років тому

      Laura Forcha I never questioned what the poem was about, was just pointing out, the inaccuracy of the verse about there's only 8 planets in the universe. Please don't mistake my comment for hate, but if she's going to correct anyone, it might help using the correct information.

    • @NecroArmorLink
      @NecroArmorLink 9 років тому

      ***** "And in case you didn't get the memo, there are now 8, not 9, planets in the universe."
      This statement is false. There may be 8 planets in our Solar System since the removal of Pluto's planet status, but our known Universe consists or trillions of planets, even more when you consider that we have yet to discover an end to our universe. I made light of this as a joke, assuming everyone was aware of this fact and it was just made so it could rhyme.

  • @lolalissom
    @lolalissom 8 років тому +4

    Goosebumps everywhere.

  • @paulwils0n
    @paulwils0n 9 років тому +67

    THE WHITE GUILT WASHETH OVER ME

    • @kourtneydouthard-becker8105
      @kourtneydouthard-becker8105 9 років тому

      Lmbo smh

    • @tatyee3407
      @tatyee3407 9 років тому +12

      as it should

    • @MsCwebb
      @MsCwebb 9 років тому

      Pussy LOL!!!

    • @cris-oq4po
      @cris-oq4po 9 років тому

      tatyee PhD in playing the victim.

    • @tatyee3407
      @tatyee3407 9 років тому

      Cris Cod and deservedly too. i don't have white entitlement n privilege like you that makes me act out stupidly/throw bitch tantrums when i don't get my way. this "victim" act is all i got. btw shut the fuck up and mind your business.

  • @DeMonSpencer
    @DeMonSpencer 9 років тому +1

    Moved to tears.

  • @kudzuqueen3
    @kudzuqueen3 9 років тому +8

    Powerful, poignant, phenomenal - one of the next Maya Angelo

  • @carlosfelipe.rodriguez
    @carlosfelipe.rodriguez 9 років тому +14

    I only regret it's censored. The swearing is part of the emphasis, it's important!

  • @marlonely3722
    @marlonely3722 7 років тому +1

    I'm in tears. this was amazing

  • @Gabs2315
    @Gabs2315 6 років тому

    I loved this poem

  • @brown029
    @brown029 9 років тому +11

    Love how she paid homage to The G.A.P

  • @sarafina03
    @sarafina03 9 років тому +36

    I might get attacked for this....but it has been on my mind for a long time and I've never felt OK to say it out loud. As a white female who has friends of many races and ethnicities, I cannot count how many times I've been told I'm not the typical white girl, or not white at all. I've been told I must be black on the inside or have African roots when I can hang out and be accepted by a group of black women. I used to laugh about it and take it as a compliment, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that what I was basically being told was that my friends were assuming that for whatever reason, they wouldn't normally be able to have that kind of friendship with a typical white woman so I "must be black on the inside". I remember one time in particular a friend of mine was joking about some white girls at the club dancing on a pole and making a fool of themselves. The group was laughing and saying things like "you know, they were acting the way drunk white girls do". So I (jokingly) said "um, excuse me. I'm a white girl remember". My friend responded with "Oh don't worry, you're not really white, we all know that". Of course I laughed along with my friends that night but when I think back to all the times that kind of thing has been said to me, I wonder if maybe I could have used those moments to strike up a conversation about some of these stereotypes that go both ways. Or maybe I should just keep my mouth shut because my ancestors have had it too good and what do I really have to complain about.

    • @sarafina03
      @sarafina03 9 років тому +6

      ***** Being judged wouldn't be new to me or anyone else, no matter what color.

    • @mrgoodbar991
      @mrgoodbar991 9 років тому +1

      Racism goes both ways, all ways. Racism is about labeling and hate if you ask me. Racism doesn't have a preference of colour or ethnicity, it just is and it really shouldn't be. Hate be-gates hate. Get rid of the hate and ignorance on both sides and we'll get rid of Racism. @sarafina03 don't be afraid to speak your mind. It will only spark the conversation that needs to be talked through so that the understanding can begin from both sides.

    • @RendelRules
      @RendelRules 9 років тому +1

      i think people just like to compare and point out things that are different, we are all different but when you stand out from the bunch that seems to be a problem, try to enjoy it at least, the best people on earth arent usually typical they are unique ^_^

    • @hatchibyebye
      @hatchibyebye 9 років тому +8

      Now you have a little sample taste on how it feels to be made lessor because of your race.

    • @sarafina03
      @sarafina03 9 років тому

      Javan uHnah Firstly, I wasn't made lesser by other people's opinions about members of my race. Secondly, you're right, being judged negatively based on my race is not a type of judgement I must encounter on a daily basis and that is something I am aware of.

  • @danielasylvester
    @danielasylvester 9 років тому

    That was amazing and so powerful. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

  • @taylurwitha_u
    @taylurwitha_u 9 років тому

    This is just phenomenal. Needed this. Wow.

  • @Nassit-Gnuoy
    @Nassit-Gnuoy 9 років тому +13

    People always say shit like that to me. I talk like i'm white and other crap. Whenever I read Martin Luther King's letter from Birhingham Jail, he put in words of the english language that I had never even heard of. Bet they wouldn't say anything like that to him.

    • @davisdowell1986
      @davisdowell1986 9 років тому +4

      Fuck em bro....They'll never understand....I get the same shit

    • @ncar2160
      @ncar2160 5 років тому

      @@davisdowell1986 YAAS QUEEN

  • @isakhelgi12
    @isakhelgi12 9 років тому +4

    I really love how everybody is trying to be well spoken in the comments, using a lot of commas and dots.
    When really they never use it.

  • @Cinnamental88
    @Cinnamental88 9 років тому

    That was amazing. I really got chills and tears came to my eyes. Powerful!

  • @ianikadiri4469
    @ianikadiri4469 8 років тому

    It's been a full 5 minutes since I finished watching this and I /still/ have the chills! That was amaaa a a a aaazing.

  • @DreadfulControversy
    @DreadfulControversy 9 років тому +10

    I've been Black and articulate my whole life. Never heard this once. Except in my case, I talk in slang when I'm with the homies and professional when needed, and I've lived in the "hood" my whole life. It all depends on how you were raised or who you were raised around, though I guess. I swear certain Black's speak about problems that the majority haven't been through and then talk about it like some kind of national issue.

    • @teammmx
      @teammmx 9 років тому +7

      Articulate isn't the word that comes to mind when describing you -- a person who harasses gay people for fun on UA-cam. Just for the record. You're not a man. ;)

    • @DreadfulControversy
      @DreadfulControversy 9 років тому +5

      +Teammm​ LOL, "Hey, this straight guy harassed me, so let me stalk him on UA-cam, reply to his comments, and harass him in return even though I was just complaining about being harassed."
      - Gay logic

  • @MultiEightiesgirl
    @MultiEightiesgirl 8 років тому +28

    Oh by the way to the racist people below. Evidently this young lady has over 5,000,000 view with tens of thousands of likes over dislikes. Therefore, that should tell you something.

    • @vtownboxingfan
      @vtownboxingfan 8 років тому

      W

    • @tbthomas5117
      @tbthomas5117 7 років тому +1

      So, just to be clear: anyone who disagrees with you is a racist. I have a suggestion: throw away the crutches and join the human race.

  • @rachaeldarko8495
    @rachaeldarko8495 5 років тому +1

    Refreshing performance! Good job, Ernestine.

  • @geraldjohnson848
    @geraldjohnson848 7 років тому

    Ernestine Johnson. Boss. Period. Thanks for the upload. Blessings