James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni "A Conversation". Full Broadcast Video

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  • Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
  • In this new "Flaskback Friday" video we've dug up an oldie but goodie! In 1971 James Baldwin sat down to have an honest and open conversation with Nikki Giovanni about the state of affairs between the Black men and women of the time. They discuss relationships, "village" building and raising families. This conversation between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni is still relevant today.
    Original video from SOUL! and then shoutfactorytv. All rights and love to Soul! and shoutfactorytv for broadcasting this. Taped in London, November 1971.
    Original links: (part 1) www.shoutfactor...
    (part 2) www.shoutfactor...
    -Find more audio and video of Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin on this channel.
    &check out this playlist of other Baldwin videos: • James Baldwin
    to see a video of Nikki Giovanni reflecting on this conversation in 2016 is here: • Conversation Talking ...
    Yolande Cornelia "Nikki" Giovanni, Jr.(born June 7, 1943) is an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Giovanni gained initial fame in the late 1960s as one of the foremost authors of the Black Arts Movement. Influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement of the period, her early work provides a strong, militant African-American perspective, leading one writer to dub her the "Poet of the Black Revolution."
    James Arthur Baldwin (August 2, 1924 - December 1, 1987) was an American novelist and social critic. His essays, as collected in Notes of a Native Son (1955), explore intricacies of racial, sexual, and class distinctions in Western societies, most notably in mid-20th-century America. Some of Baldwin's essays are book-length, including The Fire Next Time (1963), No Name in the Street (1972), and The Devil Finds Work (1976). An unfinished manuscript, Remember This House, was expanded and adapted for cinema as the Academy Award-nominated documentary film I Am Not Your Negro.
    Baldwin's novels and plays fictionalize fundamental personal questions and dilemmas amid complex social and psychological pressures thwarting the equitable integration of not only African Americans, but also gay and bisexual men, while depicting some internalized obstacles to such individuals' quests for acceptance. Such dynamics are prominent in Baldwin's second novel, Giovanni's Room, written in 1956, well before the gay liberation movement.
    Soul! or SOUL! (1967-1971 or 1967-1973) was a pioneering performance/variety television program in the late 1960s and early 1970s produced by New York City PBS affiliate, WNET. It showcased African American music, dance and literature. en.wikipedia.o...!
    more on Soul! here: www.thirteen.o...
    Ellis Haizlip was born on September 17, 1929 (to January 25, 1991). He was a pioneering broadcaster, television host, theater and television producer, and cultural activist. Often host of Soul!
    If you are a copyright holder that would like something removed from my channel please message me on UA-cam & I will respond so you do not need to file a DMCA Copyright Takedown Request with UA-cam. Thank You.
    Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 943

  • @tkaeu
    @tkaeu 2 місяці тому +172

    Here listening 100 years from the day James Baldwin graced us with his presence on earth - August 2, 2024.

    • @TheeCuteness
      @TheeCuteness 2 місяці тому +2

      Me too!!

    • @ToriGanza2120
      @ToriGanza2120 Місяць тому +1

      2024 years since the year of our Lord Jesus Christ truly graced us with His presence and death/atonement for our sins. He is truly to be worshiped and praised.

    • @Bandoolie
      @Bandoolie Місяць тому +4

      15th August, 2024 @ 22.05 in Toulouse Blagnac Airport, waiting for a delayed flight to London ☺️

    • @audenhubbard7574
      @audenhubbard7574 Місяць тому +1

      8/20/24

  • @CattyAttie
    @CattyAttie 2 місяці тому +178

    "A cop is a cop. He may be a very nice man, but I haven't got the time to figure that out. All I know is he has a uniform and a gun, and I relate to him THAT way."

  • @loicemadziwa3106
    @loicemadziwa3106 6 місяців тому +1124

    2 April 2024....im here watching this ...who is here with me

  • @nkosinathimthembu2295
    @nkosinathimthembu2295 2 місяці тому +98

    18 July 2024. It's my birthday today and i felt this interview was the perfect gift to feed my mind, and my soul.

    • @timlynch6271
      @timlynch6271 2 місяці тому +3

      Happy Birthday 🎈🎊🎁🎂🎉

    • @sexxy1989able
      @sexxy1989able 2 місяці тому

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUMAN❤

    • @asampete3866
      @asampete3866 Місяць тому +4

      Hey hope you had a good birthday! That’s my birthday as well

    • @BanziBonga
      @BanziBonga Місяць тому +1

      ✨👌🏿

  • @berabosealinejoyce7639
    @berabosealinejoyce7639 8 місяців тому +286

    2024 listening to this whole conversation again to remind myself that raw conversations are important and necessary ❤. I wish we had this now

    • @adrianhartso7060
      @adrianhartso7060 8 місяців тому +5

      With this online social media culture, that's often geared toward "owning" someone you don't agree with, I don't even know if it's possible in a public forum.

    • @vinemp
      @vinemp 8 місяців тому +2

      ​@@adrianhartso7060 Yes, as they identify early in these nearly 2-hours, both owner and owned are "the two most unlikeable people in the world"...

    • @CrystalPearl777
      @CrystalPearl777 5 місяців тому +2

      I was 10 when the conversation originally took place. It's so enlightening to listen to this as an adult who can understand what they're talking about and contemplate whether or not anything has changed since then.

    • @kasiecalvin9386
      @kasiecalvin9386 5 місяців тому +1

      & Still possible here in 2024 ❤

  • @orangezest5501
    @orangezest5501 8 місяців тому +667

    Who came here after watching a short of this? Refreshing to see intelligent conversations.

    • @anuoluwapoomobolaji5642
      @anuoluwapoomobolaji5642 8 місяців тому +9

      Exactly why I'm here. It is important that we have a full view of the discussion, or else we'd conclude that one party is right on a subject.

    • @janetastra6041
      @janetastra6041 8 місяців тому +4

      Absolutely worth the visit, sex, intercourse, fornication and making love are 4 different things, serving different purposes.
      My humble thought is only maturity gives you the insight to see that we've been led to the intellectual definition and wrong answer, because the computation is wrong based on a European romantic ideology.
      We don't need superficial Roman antics, our way of thinking was family, intimacy, seeing into your mate and reciprocally meeting their needs. This was stripped away by a false money system of welfare and following a Govt Ordnance Dept, masquerading as source provider and false god, because we were led to forgot our own intelligent and natural way.
      We must allow ourselves to bring back the love and learn to ignore the beguiling interruption.
      💚Pax Amore et Lux. 💚

    • @freddyray6805
      @freddyray6805 8 місяців тому +3

      Me too. I knew of Baldwin, great writer, but only came across Nikki Giovani today. Great insights.

    • @flotaylor6421
      @flotaylor6421 8 місяців тому

      Ah Yes!

    • @ashleymakamu
      @ashleymakamu 7 місяців тому +4

      I literally typed *if I love you I have to lie to you vedio* and now I'm here

  • @mrsjocelyn421
    @mrsjocelyn421 Місяць тому +9

    Watching on August 20, 2024. This conversation is still so relevant and needed

    • @WalterCausey
      @WalterCausey Місяць тому

      Very very intelligent conversation I'm here with you. Aug, 2024

  • @dylanblue2271
    @dylanblue2271 6 місяців тому +336

    The discussion about black men and their role in the black community is so fascinating. I'm not black, but I can see both sides of the debate here. Nikki is frustrated by the issues around black fatherhood and black husbands, and violence in families and black men leaving their families etc, and James is expressing that the horrors which have been enacted on many of those men has made them unable to be nice, family men. They are traumatised and they have been emasculated, and made to feel lesser by white people. This understandably warps their sense of self, and then impacts those who love them very badly in many cases. It's such a deep, nuanced conversation.

    • @beeznhoney4323
      @beeznhoney4323 5 місяців тому +118

      Respectfully, I agree & disagree with your observations. BWomenKids weren't excused from social injustices & trauma. Bad things weren't reserved just for Bmales, so allowing BMales to DISMISS the fact that BWomenGirls went through the SAME horrors & problems, at the SAME time as they did is harmful. BCulture's gaslighting many generations of BWomen has gone on way too long. I'm a BWoman that is very glad this mindset has/is finally coming to an end.

    • @dylanblue2271
      @dylanblue2271 5 місяців тому +28

      @@beeznhoney4323 Fair enough. That's a really interesting response and gives me a lot of food for thought. Thanks for being an intelligent person on the internet, responding to a comment in good faith.

    • @jamabo0
      @jamabo0 5 місяців тому +1

      Well it isn’t all about them. Black women are equally traumatised. Yet that didn’t hinder them from being nice, family women.

    • @cbrushira831
      @cbrushira831 4 місяці тому +5

      Yes this is my take away as well

    • @AfricanStoriesbyOma
      @AfricanStoriesbyOma 4 місяці тому +53

      @@beeznhoney4323 exactly, Black women also went through their own horrors and still managed to show up for their kids, family, community and BLACK MEN.

  • @ladynita7329
    @ladynita7329 2 місяці тому +24

    I’m here listening on Saturday, August 3, 2024. This conversation is eloquently, beautifully and brilliantly presented, spoken. I love and appreciate this intimacy amongst black man and black woman. Revelations on so many levels ❤

    • @kennethallen8742
      @kennethallen8742 Місяць тому +5

      Read William Julius Williams' ( When Work Disappears) an excellent commentary about what Baldwin's Father was dealing with.

    • @jameswalker5260
      @jameswalker5260 Місяць тому +1

      @@kennethallen8742 thanks just opened the link and will check it out now. That bit about what his father had to go through was my favorite part by far. When baldwin stated "but there it goes" refering to the love disappearing between a father and mother I cried my eyes out. So powewrful, so truthful and an example of the pyscological horrors that human cruelty can inflict.

  • @Wanjash
    @Wanjash 26 днів тому +3

    This video will last for an endless time 🎉,it contains insight that black race should know

  • @sheisthee
    @sheisthee Рік тому +607

    Mature adults engaging in intelligent discourse without screaming at each other. Those were the times.

    • @PeaceNotPerfextion
      @PeaceNotPerfextion 8 місяців тому +37

      They still exist it’s just not broadcast on mainstream mediums… there’s no chaos in that… this world thrives on chaos✌🏾

    • @bnorwood57
      @bnorwood57 8 місяців тому +1

      Try Sonnie Johnsons spaces and xm program

    • @freddyray6805
      @freddyray6805 8 місяців тому

      Now we have to deal with only fans models saying they are empowered on podcast. How shameful.

    • @JNante
      @JNante 7 місяців тому +15

      ​@@freddyray6805 don't leave out infantile/childish mindset of some male species in your analysis... It takes 2 to tangle 😉

    • @benniesagittarius2865
      @benniesagittarius2865 7 місяців тому

      This is hard to find these, black intelligent conversation, what we have is 2 intelligent black individual. Nikki Giovanni is so beautiful and very well educated, I admire her so much.

  • @abdullahalmansour4339
    @abdullahalmansour4339 2 місяці тому +19

    "There's two people in this world that are unlikeable, a master and a slave."

  • @adiashabazz6268
    @adiashabazz6268 Місяць тому +30

    Stunningly beautiful inter-generational exchange. The value they hold for each other is seen in their eyes, the posturing of their bodies, their investment in each other. True humility and confidence are complimentary.

  • @kingben1327
    @kingben1327 15 днів тому +1

    September 2024 I was here gaining this knowledge and enjoying the times where black Americans would have real conversations, even the uncomfortable conversations. Showing a form of growth we disparity need today.

  • @fats3231
    @fats3231 Рік тому +66

    I know this is an old interview but I'm captivated by Ms Nikki's voice and image.

    • @aarondigby5054
      @aarondigby5054 2 місяці тому +1

      Not all that extra from Giovanni, no tattoos, painful looking piercings, just clean and pure almost angelic. What's happened to. Our black women

    • @tcrijwanachoudhury
      @tcrijwanachoudhury 2 місяці тому

      ​@@aarondigby5054you happened

  • @nemo5225
    @nemo5225 6 місяців тому +171

    "Love is a tremendous responsibility."
    "It's the only one to take. There isn't any other."
    Mic drop

  • @robertgarcia1605
    @robertgarcia1605 6 місяців тому +149

    “It may be wrong-of course it’s wrong, but we’re dealing with human beings”

  • @Flygrl808
    @Flygrl808 2 місяці тому +76

    No where near finished with this video but I can’t help but be struck by the dynamic of this conversation. James Baldwin, in all his intrinsically poetic glory, guiding the conversation and Nikki Giovanni, who is noticeably younger than Baldwin both in speech and thought, seems a bit intimidated by the conversation but unrelenting in giving and receiving counterpoints. A brilliant and inspiring conversation

  • @divinaito3282
    @divinaito3282 Місяць тому +8

    James was NOT hearing Nikki about the divide in the romantic relationship between a black man and a black woman that is breaking up the black family. He says love is irrational and she argues we MUST be rational about love, so in his logic to create a new type of child (generation). This also makes sense with his views of Christianity as a religion while in the same breath not understanding someone’s own relationship with Jesus as entity that pre-existed before the slave master twisted it and packaged it to fit his agenda. Hard but necessary part of the convo to watch. Still very relevant today.

    • @healinspaces4u
      @healinspaces4u Місяць тому

      Thank you. It seems to me that he wasn't hearing her on many things.

  • @pongtrometer
    @pongtrometer Рік тому +87

    I fell in love with this conversation the first time I listened and watched it. Timelessly relevant.

    • @goodgalriro
      @goodgalriro 9 місяців тому +2

      I’ve seen this too many times

    • @PeaceNotPerfextion
      @PeaceNotPerfextion 8 місяців тому +2

      Me too🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @poeticwisdom6420
    @poeticwisdom6420 Місяць тому +20

    These are two people that are confident in themselves and don't need to compete. It takes a good listener to hear the "cadence" in their conversation. He is pouring into her and in turn, she's pouring into him. They are "supreme" equals with nothing to prove. I love my people.

  • @DaychTV
    @DaychTV Місяць тому +1

    It's August 2024 and I'm here... taking notes and learning from the greats

  • @mnrvaprjct
    @mnrvaprjct Рік тому +146

    Watching this at age 21. It’s invigorating, so much wisdom.

    • @AndriaaLeoLove
      @AndriaaLeoLove 10 місяців тому

      Do your own research on whether welfare took Black men out of the home or not.

  • @natashalowery3224
    @natashalowery3224 10 місяців тому +33

    I want to see Nikki Giovanni comment on her 28 year old self. I’m so curious on what she has to say about this video and James Baldwin.

  • @camirrahcharles2493
    @camirrahcharles2493 8 місяців тому +16

    I stumbled across this just this morning and it brought me to tears, because of the raw passion, eloquent dialogue, and respect they had for one another. Its so many gems in the conversation that I went back two to three times to hear it again. This is so profound and Im glad i took the time to watch it.

  • @Lindokuhle.Nkwanyane
    @Lindokuhle.Nkwanyane 2 місяці тому +86

    9 July 2024. Turning 23 in a couple days and I feel like videos like these are so important and insightful.

    • @alysah6396
      @alysah6396 2 місяці тому +3

      Hey same boat except I’m turning 22 :)

    • @adriansmith1939
      @adriansmith1939 2 місяці тому +2

      Same I'm turning 27 in 2 weeks 🎉

    • @Therealhelldweller
      @Therealhelldweller 2 місяці тому +1

      Nice to see someone from e'mzansi here. Knowledge is power.

    • @TerriWorlddd
      @TerriWorlddd 2 місяці тому +2

      Sameee im turning 23, on the 28❤ #Family

    • @an6nda
      @an6nda 2 місяці тому +1

      happy belated birthday 🎉❤

  • @simonascends
    @simonascends 5 місяців тому +6

    this is a conversation that is very important to be had in the chaotic world that we live in today, if not people need to listen to this conversation maybe they will see the world in a different light

  • @MatthewVallye
    @MatthewVallye 2 місяці тому +1

    I’ve watched this about 5 times a year for the past 5 years

  • @richardcaines5372
    @richardcaines5372 3 місяці тому +4

    This a beautiful dialogue! We need to have more of these discussions. We should be unpacking where we are as a people in this country constantly and educating.

  • @LiquidFlux66
    @LiquidFlux66 Рік тому +179

    The respect they have for each other is profound.Nicki seems enthralled by James.The ability to be poised, excellent mannerisms. Talk,laugh,listen. No clash of egos.The way a father and daughter would talk.The gems dropped in this conversation is timeless wisdom..

  • @jonellechristopher3209
    @jonellechristopher3209 2 місяці тому +3

    I like how she allows him to interrupt and correct her as an elder & one of the best thinkers of the last two centuries

    • @ebbiec
      @ebbiec Місяць тому

      Right, I'd allow James to interrupt me too😂

  • @noguidancemedia
    @noguidancemedia Місяць тому +1

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was awesome!

  • @dorneciagray7751
    @dorneciagray7751 3 місяці тому +59

    I'm watching this June 30,2024 and this is still relevant to this day!?

    • @gatortot6753
      @gatortot6753 2 місяці тому +3

      I know right? To the point where I’m looking to older folk like “okay, this isn’t ALL new so what’s the freak out for?”

    • @temzyu1379
      @temzyu1379 2 місяці тому

      it shouldnt be. they succeded in shutting us up. there's still time tho

  • @peacedoll7946
    @peacedoll7946 Рік тому +243

    “ I don’t like white people and I’m afraid of black men… what do I do? Nikki it’s 2023 and many women feel the same way right now…. The fear and dislike is so real ❤ thank you for being so brave and honest.. I just seen Nikki on the Grio channel and searched her on UA-cam and this was one of the first videos I’m so glad I found out about her.. I didn’t get to expand my education when I was younger but I’m definitely making up for it now!!! ❤ thanks for sharing ❤❤

    • @IfeomaCreates
      @IfeomaCreates 8 місяців тому +8

      I really felt when she said this

    • @JNante
      @JNante 7 місяців тому +10

      Keep expanding my young sister, the more you know the more self worth you'll have and the more value you'll have in what you accept from others. I'll always lift you up. Your auntie.

    • @summertea8609
      @summertea8609 7 місяців тому

      With all due respect, racism is taught, it’s not genetic or automatically inherited because of one’s skin color. A lot has changed, yes there are still evil white people but there’s evil in every race since the Biblical day’s. Please take into consideration that there are some good hearted white folks on this planet just like there are black, brown, red and yellow. Two wrongs don’t make a right. I guarantee you that there are some white folks out here that will go to war against their own for their black and brown brothers and sisters!!!

    • @a-kil5646
      @a-kil5646 7 місяців тому

      We’re afraid of ourselves queen.
      In a man’s version. "I don’t like white people and I can’t be a man for my black woman, what do I do?"
      If we have to lie to you and lie to the world when do we get be ourselves truthfully? That’s ALOT of pressure. So much so that it could destroy a man, we could lose ourselves in what’s real and what’s not.
      45:02
      A white man can become a millionaire (and nowadays, a black man and woman can too only by acting a fool, being an athlete or multiple forms of prostitution.)
      Baldwin says, Here I am I can’t be the version of a man society programmed men and women to think a man SHOULD be. How can a black man be a man to anybody?
      It takes a very mature woman to realize a man isn’t defined by the money and status but the spirit and knowledge.
      As a 24 year old, finding a woman that values a man for being A MAN and not use a man for his money and status seems damn near impossible.
      Nikki says as long as we’re there for the child it’s acceptable. But to black men in our hearts our image of ourselves is tarnished to a point of our absence being a misguided advantage for the child. It’s a vicious cycle but we’ve ended up blaming each other for the cycle for so long that we no longer compromise the great or good of the family.

    • @remainconfident1
      @remainconfident1 7 місяців тому

      I wonder how women can be afraid of someone they say is absent. In 2023, single motherhood is championed by women saying I don’t need a man. It’s not about “family” anymore. It’s not about a “village”. It’s all about self in 2023 and still trying to demonize their own sons.

  • @SneakerPhetish
    @SneakerPhetish 4 місяці тому +157

    Who is here after listening to the Vince Staples album?

    • @urstube6901
      @urstube6901 4 місяці тому +9

      YEZZIR, here again after years

    • @imnotamon
      @imnotamon 4 місяці тому +4

      It hit too deep, I had to find the original

    • @gwilliams4674
      @gwilliams4674 3 місяці тому

      Yep. Such a beautiful use of this conversation

    • @ChefffX
      @ChefffX 3 місяці тому

      That track was way to powerful to not to find the whole convo

    • @lil-j-waters
      @lil-j-waters 3 місяці тому +4

      fun fact: this exact piece of the conversation was sampled first in "birdsong" by billy woods

  • @cleanwhite6527
    @cleanwhite6527 2 місяці тому

    Watching July 2024. These are the conversations we need in our community. And we need to listen to each other openly and honestly.

  • @mpick26
    @mpick26 Місяць тому +8

    Love this... But it hurts to know my internal conversations were being had before I was born, broadcasted on air. And nationally, things haven't changed much. And we rarely have celebrities of their caliber as easily accessible .

  • @neb3757
    @neb3757 Рік тому +51

    This interview is shot so uniquely. 32:00 the discussion, to me, develops into a cathartic moment of inner tragedy. Stay with it. Its long.

  • @toumik4331
    @toumik4331 Рік тому +190

    1:14:45 such a profound moment. I love watching a conversation where both parties are invested in learning. You can see Baldwin's mind processing what is being said and his heart aching because it's true.

    • @jasonstevens3071
      @jasonstevens3071 Рік тому +30

      I’m guilty of this, so it made me really uncomfortable the first time I saw it. But, it’s 100% TRUE. Baldwin knew it too, which is why he had no rebuttal.
      Baldwin claims that if he loves her, he can’t lie to her, but that’s not true. In fact, men often argue the exactly opposite. Many men claim that love is the reason they DO lie, especially during periods of infidelity. So which one is it?
      Now, I agree that the human psyche needs to feel authentic in order to reconcile itself, but we have to find healthy ways to be authentic without submitting our wives to unnecessary emotional abuse.
      This is a HARD, POTENT, yet UNCOMFORTABLE truth that black men need to get on board with. We’re acting at work. We’re acting all day long with total strangers. We need to act the part at home too with our wife and kids.
      I’m a black man, and agree with this message 100%. It was a great discussion, one of the best dialogues I’ve ever seen! 💯🔥
      Watch the whole thing. It’ll blow you away. Here’s the link: ua-cam.com/video/y4OPYp4s0tc/v-deo.html

    • @Natures-Void
      @Natures-Void 10 місяців тому +1

      Yesssss!!

    • @freddyray6805
      @freddyray6805 8 місяців тому +1

      And listening. Not trying to make a youtube shorts

    • @LatauraGregory
      @LatauraGregory 8 місяців тому +2

      I absolutely love your response and insight.
      I have a question for you though, Do men lie when it comes to infidelity because they don't want to hurt their wives or significant others, or do they lie because they are lying to themselves about who they really are? The reason matters. I know it's been a while since you posted this response, but I am taken in by your reply.

    • @StormGod-X
      @StormGod-X 8 місяців тому +2

      ​@@jasonstevens3071Like James said, the performance cannot be kept up all day. At some point it has to end. So what then?

  • @DiceB
    @DiceB Рік тому +324

    This is so powerful hard but important conversation still relevant in 2023 amazing

  • @dachildsupportgod8678
    @dachildsupportgod8678 Рік тому +6

    Truly refreshing in 2023 thanks soul. And a very special thanks to the late James Baldwin and a gem of a woman Nikki Giovanni

  • @tae_516
    @tae_516 6 місяців тому +8

    Still watching in 2024. Powerful, Intellectual, Everything! 👸🏽🤴🏾🤝🏽👏🏽

  • @halfgazo
    @halfgazo Рік тому +114

    I can't thank you enough for posting this.

    • @ChattyPassenger
      @ChattyPassenger  Рік тому +8

      You're so very welcome.

    • @mrluvit8232
      @mrluvit8232 11 місяців тому +3

      fully agree!!! 💯
      1 of the most pleasant conversations i've ever heard
      thank u for uploading this
      😁👍

  • @KDM209
    @KDM209 5 місяців тому +1

    The confidence he has in what he’s saying is so solid that it’s nearly supernatural.

  • @gaddisrathel7484
    @gaddisrathel7484 8 місяців тому +43

    “The more things change, the more they stay the same” James Baldwin

  • @normalguy8550
    @normalguy8550 7 місяців тому +50

    1:14:48 "Of course you can lie to me", this line is the reason why I decided to watch this video. I found this segment in an instagram reel and found it so interesting. I am glad to have been able to watch such an insightful conversation.

    • @ChattyPassenger
      @ChattyPassenger  7 місяців тому +4

      I'm glad you watched it too. It's such a thought provoking conversation.

    • @BWCMediaNetwork
      @BWCMediaNetwork 6 місяців тому +7

      Ive watched this several times since I came across it around a year and a half ago and altho I understand both sides I think her view on that particular topic is so ideological and almost dismissive of reality that its hard to relate ti. He's basically laying out a man broken by society and why he behaves how he behaves (right or wrong aside) and her solution is simply "well don't be broken society". He says well whos going to pay the rent and she says "the rent is going to get paid". He references where the baby is going to sleep or what its going to eat and shes it will sleep somewhere and eat something. Shes saying to just be there for her emotionally & physically but how can she expect a man to smile in her face when he cant feed her or the kid. Her sentiment is beautiful because she saying she doesn't see him as any less due to understanding his struggle but a man who cant face himself can absolutely not face his family.

    • @mercynamikoye9084
      @mercynamikoye9084 6 місяців тому +8

      ​@BWCMediaNetwork the statement as a woman and we say it to our men all the time infers is that especially as black and African women we mostly receive the worst parts of our men when they come home and they expect the best of us. And we are simply asking....why does your boss, your mates, the stranger on the street get you best but at home we get silence, anger, negativity and sometimes we even catch hands
      And that's what we mean when we say...if the other parties can get those happy sides why can't we also get a portion of that? Why does the man being himself imply showing me your woman only or rather majorly your dark, broken side. If the issue is provision she says that trust us and be with us well and believe you me that rent will get paid, the kids will get fed and your home will be fine. But even in 2024 we as black women are treated as the bottom of the barrel everywhere. So we said if you can't pretend then we are done

    • @BWCMediaNetwork
      @BWCMediaNetwork 6 місяців тому +3

      @mercynamikoye9084 Well I'm only speaking to the time of the conversation, not today because I believe if a man can't make money today then he's just a useless man. So let's compartmentalize the argument to a man in the 40s-60s that was actually facing overt racism on a daily basis, and also had the pressures of taking care of a family. Baldwin never excused his behavior, he is merely describing what creates the issue. To simply ask that man to "pretend" is literally asking him to die. It would be the same situation as a woman losing a baby and you telling her "pretend to be happy". That's simply not how life works. Before we are men or women we are human and that was his point that you can only expect a human to be pushed so far. If we believe that hurt people also hurt people then one could understand that being treated like literal trash while forced to smile is only going to create a monster and energy will always release in one way or another. The ultimate of which is suicide which has always been common among men. As for 2024 both men and women (I dare say especially women) are extremely privileged and spoiled that trying to compare life now to life then is extremely disrespectful but unfortunately everyone wants to feel like their issues are important. Black men and women back then had real issues to worry about. Black men and women today have superficial issues that we try to pass off as real and most can be solved with one's change in behavior today.

    • @helenlena4513
      @helenlena4513 3 місяці тому

      June 28, 2024 I tapped into this
      conversation between two people.
      In the 60's, 70's I studied, read their books, poems, and videos .
      "LIE TO ME" I can identify with my
      ancestors, siblings, relatives, and
      my own experiences. With the men we all try to encourage them. When they come home from work
      or can't seem to get hired.
      His demeanor is low and he's feeling frustrated. He srrounded by his family. His pockets are empty he begins to feels less than a man. Who can't support his 👪.
      The home environment becomes
      hostile. Everytime that man walks through the door with nothing
      to give. But the word hello I am a
      failure again.
      Wherefore "LIE TO ME" definitely
      creates a sense of. Don't come
      home and pretend your somebody
      that your not. Like you do in public.
      Because it's truly a lie and your wife or partner knows it. Who you are not. Hiding behind a fake
      smile and being polite.
      For the wrong reasons is tiresome for a long period of time. Because bk men have to work to get paid. This affords the owner of a company richer. Meanwhile the employees will accumulate an income that takes years to save enough money. To buy a car or home etc.
      That's not to say a man can
      also have those opportunities.
      College degrees and education levels is a requirement. Not all
      black man pay scales will make
      a decent salary.
      What economic requirements
      are in demand. Some men abounded the ship..
      Arguements sometimes physical fights, and verbal abuse. This behavior breaks up the homes.
      The women in my family. Went on to raised their children without their husband's or baby daddies.
      Mother's can't teach her son to be
      a man. Daughter are missing a father in her life. This doesn't
      mean black men are weak.
      They just stop trying to believe
      they can achieve a chance to
      make it in this world. Liquor stores, drugs addicts, and prosecution behavior. Becomes the norm and escape. This isn't a good look. At the same time.
      What we see and hear. Help shape
      decision making ideas. What they
      want in life and what they don't want to happen in their own lives.
      Ma ma may have Papa may have
      but God bless the child who gets his own.
      This was a great respective point
      of views. According to James Baldwin, and NiKY Giovanni.
      Both of who I believe rightful
      receptive navagators about.
      Black people live in a diverse
      society. Whose checks and balances still remains uneven.

  • @Jayh0v
    @Jayh0v Місяць тому

    This conversation is still relevant today but this was released in 1971. Thanks for the upload.

  • @fabiangroom3228
    @fabiangroom3228 4 місяці тому +32

    As a non American this conversation is extremely fascinating and informative. I'm not sure when this was but it seems like it took place around the time after MLK was killed. You get the feeling of both resignation and hopelessness in the room. It must have been a very difficult time for black people. Today we've seen the first black president but still no woman yet. It seems like America is moving forward but also in circles at the same time. 🤔

    • @maxwelltruesdalejr855
      @maxwelltruesdalejr855 2 місяці тому +9

      A black man from America here and I’m 25 years of age and I’m here to tell you that as a society here in America we are moving g backwards. Adults don’t have these type of conversations anymore without yelling at each other. Young kids are dying even younger, education system is failing, we value social media more than actual human interaction. There are just so many things going on at one time it’s very difficult just to see the world around in chaos all the time

    • @yakimalevy27
      @yakimalevy27 2 місяці тому +1

      Thank you for your insightfulness ❤

    • @truth4618
      @truth4618 2 місяці тому +3

      No matters the locations , slavery and colonization effects you in similar manners expressed by these two persons whether or not you know it ......The difference between the effects are rooted in the methods....if you are in Africa, they used tribalism and classism, in the west, they depraved their victims of fair and equal opportunities ....wherever you are, unless you are oppressor, you are affected by it

  • @1uplink169
    @1uplink169 Місяць тому

    She is always so chill but not a pushover, I love her demeanor and presence. Simple, clean, feminine, smart and sweet.

  • @TravelwithTray1
    @TravelwithTray1 7 місяців тому +33

    Came here after watching a now 80 year old Nikki Giovanni speak today. She is remarkable and has been for a very long time. She is still as quick witted, articulate and amazing today as she was in this video.

  • @TheSoChi_Podcast
    @TheSoChi_Podcast Рік тому +8

    Thank you for sharing sister🙏🏽

  • @delaneywalkerjr7421
    @delaneywalkerjr7421 Рік тому +35

    I would love to have a conversation like this with an elder an elder who has no bias and an unconditional love for his black people but is willing to criticize his people from a place of love

  • @fayechamp4156
    @fayechamp4156 8 днів тому

    Let me watch in its entirety
    Thanks Ex

  • @monogee
    @monogee 11 місяців тому +22

    @1:15:04, James Facial Expressions had me dyin'. He was so caught off guard by Nikki's statement, "LIE 2 ME!!!"

    • @petrify4814
      @petrify4814 6 місяців тому

      I came here because of a single clip I saw because of his facial expression when she said "to humanize the police officer."

  • @pk3778
    @pk3778 2 місяці тому

    I love this man by every inch of his lived life, experiences, wisdom and even his foibles. Ever the ungrudging counter humanist to those that were almost obligatorily condemned to the scrapheap of prejudiced bigotry and passive indifference occasioned by raw animosity...
    He'd be ashamed that not much has really changed post his life time today....

  • @prometheus200
    @prometheus200 Рік тому +43

    The conversation is so honest I can’t imagine this on tv today.

  • @rahsheemshabazz5860
    @rahsheemshabazz5860 2 місяці тому

    Not enough views on this ❤❤❤❤❤ wow these two are just so powerful!!

  • @EnsoHarter
    @EnsoHarter 2 місяці тому +8

    I literally watch this once a year. This is a conversation! Although Baldwin is an idol of Giovanni, but she STILL challenges him. Reminisce of Makeda, Queen of Sheba engaging in conversation with the ancient greats. Starting at 29:00 - Wooooo! Always gives me chills. Nikki is a real one.

  • @kennethallen8742
    @kennethallen8742 Місяць тому

    Thank you for posting, a priceless gift.

  • @BG-lo1vi
    @BG-lo1vi 3 місяці тому +18

    4th July 2024, Watching and absorbing.

  • @shackabiniski136
    @shackabiniski136 8 місяців тому +2

    Conversations like this can't be normal again

  • @KimuntuMidwife
    @KimuntuMidwife 5 місяців тому +3

    When She Said “Everybody’s Dead” 😭😭

  • @jacobbailey8037
    @jacobbailey8037 2 місяці тому

    I’m here very educating even to this day

  • @mrlij6534
    @mrlij6534 8 місяців тому +3

    It was typical to see this kind of conversations in this era up till the very early 80s and then suddenly stopped and then ratchedness started creeping into the mainstream and by 2000 ratchedness won. Its a shame BET should be replaying these interviews everyday

  • @paulamitchell1653
    @paulamitchell1653 5 місяців тому

    I’m going to watch the conversation from here to ♾️… for the endlessly generation…Just be able to 🖤🖤🖤 endlessly…

  • @jimmetesky6019
    @jimmetesky6019 Рік тому +32

    This is too incredible to start watching at one in the morning....

  • @XanniTheBlue
    @XanniTheBlue 2 місяці тому

    amazing talk, relevant as ever

  • @AbstractDivinity1
    @AbstractDivinity1 10 місяців тому +52

    This is a wonderful. A black feminist and a black gay man talking about black issues that are relevant today.

    • @jmoxie4425
      @jmoxie4425 2 місяці тому +2

      He wasn't out yet here i don't think

    • @AbstractDivinity1
      @AbstractDivinity1 2 місяці тому +5

      @@jmoxie4425 He was out and people knew.

    • @ebbiec
      @ebbiec Місяць тому

      She's out today

  • @ashhughes2485
    @ashhughes2485 5 місяців тому +1

    just to put out my voice against the ban, I looked up this conversation after seeing a clip of it on TikTok

  • @neb3757
    @neb3757 Рік тому +41

    45:09. This woman is absolutely beautiful, ms. Giovanni. And this is her natural beauty. I think its her eyes, that spills enchantment all over.

    • @desm2358
      @desm2358 Рік тому +3

      Woah I was looking to see if someone else felt the same way lol

    • @dshawnjackson7036
      @dshawnjackson7036 4 місяці тому +2

      Gorgeous..it's what made me click

  • @omotional
    @omotional Місяць тому

    Thank you for posting this 🖤

  • @ntatemohlomi2884
    @ntatemohlomi2884 8 місяців тому +50

    Whatever else goes wrong with social media, this here is its redeeming grace, this is right.

  • @catross3713
    @catross3713 14 днів тому +2

    I love Baldwin with all my heart and therefore it hurts to see him refuse to see Giovanni's point of view about men and love. He does not talk down to her, I can see him trying to see her but he refuses to see that how she feels is a true as what he feels about men. They are both irrational but for whatever reason he believes his irrationality is more real that hers. If there was some point in the middle the suffering of both sides could be abaighted

  • @pointeighteen2437
    @pointeighteen2437 6 місяців тому +3

    So happy it’s not a podcast

    • @ayo.and.successoHQ
      @ayo.and.successoHQ 5 місяців тому

      Whats the difference between this and a podcast?

    • @pointeighteen2437
      @pointeighteen2437 5 місяців тому +1

      @@ayo.and.successoHQ podcast is milked for 100+ episodes. This has a conclusion.

  • @deeliciousplum
    @deeliciousplum 2 місяці тому

    James Baldwin is a priceless historical figure. Many, if not all, of his thoughts, observations, and concerns have changed me. With that said, I am disheartened by James' spousal abuse apologisms. Nikki has all the right and more to identify the weaknesses/violent tendencies of a harmful man. What I am not saying is that a man who is abused ought not to have an outlet. That outlet ought not to be those who they love nor those who love them. 🌸

  • @rubylioness727
    @rubylioness727 2 місяці тому +9

    I remember the first time I saw this. I was a kid. I’m 46 now! Didn’t know what I was watching at the time. Don’t remember how or why I was seeing it at that time but I remember my mother and her girlfriends discussing it. Very cool full circle moment because now I understand and everything they are discussing is still relevant and important today.

  • @aleamcduffie1974
    @aleamcduffie1974 Місяць тому +1

    Their conversation about Black men is so profound because they both have the perspective of loving a black man & he can’t say it

  • @ItsleeBoy
    @ItsleeBoy 7 місяців тому +13

    I wish i could have this conversation with anyone. Or my loved ones. A nice sit down no one shouting. No talking over. Just listening and perspective.

  • @Nef_TheGreat
    @Nef_TheGreat 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for making this available 🖤

    • @aarondigby5054
      @aarondigby5054 2 місяці тому

      Everybody should read at least a couple of James Baldwin's novels, what a prolific writer. He captures your attention with a gripping soliloquy that grasps your imagination ND holds you to the pages, you'll have to read it again immediately

  • @Pattonspecial5
    @Pattonspecial5 2 місяці тому +5

    Everyone he keeps interrupting her.. You must understand the whole point of an interview... It isn't a debate.. She is there to understand and pick the brain not to debate... She had a lot of good talking points for him and she got off her opinion . You can tell she admires him and want to listen to everything he says wants to make sure she hears everything. She is locked in. I feel what you all are saying but he isn't interrupting more so trying to catch that topic she brought before she goes on .

    • @MissRedWine
      @MissRedWine Місяць тому +1

      I agree Patton

    • @ebbiec
      @ebbiec Місяць тому +2

      Elder speaking ❤ Nikki Is listening ❤

  • @carmmmmen6746
    @carmmmmen6746 15 днів тому +2

    we’ve been having the same conversations for generations

  • @samuelkolale6084
    @samuelkolale6084 21 день тому +3

    Such engaging respectful conversations that will forever remain timeless

  • @LeannaFlorence
    @LeannaFlorence 28 днів тому +1

    😢 deep deep deep

  • @Vershantii
    @Vershantii Рік тому +21

    topics like this will forever be timeless . I’m so glad i learned about these two and their words

  • @7amanni
    @7amanni 4 місяці тому

    9 May 2024.. powerful interview

  • @cliquesnvues
    @cliquesnvues 8 місяців тому +13

    What nicking was trying to convey to James is that so many men get hung up on this...." I must provide and take care of and do all the things".. when what really matters is us being together..... Regardless of what the situation it is.

    • @BWCMediaNetwork
      @BWCMediaNetwork 4 місяці тому +4

      But he's also trying to explain to her the delusion in that thinking. Women don't just want to be together with a man I'm squalor. It's never "regardless of what the situation is" if that man has nothing to offer but love any self respecting women will leave that man for a man with resources. Love is not and never will be enough on its own in a capitalist society.

    • @cliquesnvues
      @cliquesnvues 4 місяці тому

      @@BWCMediaNetwork This is the reason why most men are incapable of real love.

    • @cliquesnvues
      @cliquesnvues 12 днів тому

      ​​@BWCMediaNetwork I am not saying Nor advocating for a woman to stay with a man who's not trying or just a complete deadbeat.That's not what i'm saying. Well that's not what she's saying... What she said is that....I understand that you're struggling.I understand that it's hard...but we stick together.We can climb out of this... When we have emotional support you can put your foot in front of the other foot and climb out of despair.

  • @the4ampodcast9
    @the4ampodcast9 Місяць тому +2

    Nikki Giovanni is angelically beautiful and brilliantly intelligent. Baldwin is the GOAT but don't forget Morrison.

  • @AJ803
    @AJ803 8 місяців тому +56

    Feb 1, 2024 I am here.

  • @PeaceNotPerfextion
    @PeaceNotPerfextion 8 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing this gem🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @dakotac180
    @dakotac180 Місяць тому +5

    Finally watching this August 17th 2024, it's so beautiful to see profound generations with so much free will in the time, come together. This conversation is so relevant now and I'm a 26 single working creative black queer female. "This is going to be your life and you're going to use it!"
    James seemed like one of the most present people, he knew exactly what was going on around him. I'm so grateful for this conversation, it made me feel less alone, it's awakening and enlightening.

  • @ThaDLoShow901
    @ThaDLoShow901 9 місяців тому +10

    I felt when she said he’ll figure it out because i began to see that as a man my presence was more important than bills. I then started seeing life totally different because then i began to realize that a man should depend on a another man to provide for my family.

  • @berabosealinejoyce7639
    @berabosealinejoyce7639 Рік тому +20

    I still come back to this Conversation and it sounds new to me

  • @MobileGamingKe
    @MobileGamingKe 2 місяці тому

    Kenyan Reps, greatings❤

  • @deremiahderrick6292
    @deremiahderrick6292 8 місяців тому +3

    She was so ahead of her time. She got bars.... And James smoking like he on a bag 😂

  • @physicals
    @physicals 7 місяців тому +11

    James Baldwin, helped me understand life, thank you rip 🙏🏻

  • @dadevi
    @dadevi 2 місяці тому +4

    Wild that the only way an open and honest conversation about black relationships could be had back then was between a lesbian and a gay man. Everyone else had their blinders on.

    • @ebbiec
      @ebbiec Місяць тому

      Big facts

  • @thunder_birdfps8294
    @thunder_birdfps8294 26 днів тому +2

    DONT LOOK AT THIS CONVERSATION AS OVER just because it was some time ago. ALL these things still occur and need discourse around. All of it. All

  • @felixicon
    @felixicon 2 місяці тому +3

    what puzzled me about this conversation is that the man is gay and the woman is (lesbian or queer.. not sure... ) married to a woman. But their commentary/ conversation is on heterosexual relations/ marriage/ partnership. 🙈🙉🙊🤷‍♂

    • @luciatheron1621
      @luciatheron1621 2 місяці тому +4

      No surprise here. Relationships are just that, people relating to each other. Their gender is irrelevant. Love is still love, a smile is still a smile, etc. Got it? Thank me later.😊

    • @felixicon
      @felixicon 2 місяці тому +1

      ​@@luciatheron1621 You're welcome

  • @m.john12_
    @m.john12_ 9 місяців тому

    Favorite conversation!!

  • @jasminej9238
    @jasminej9238 Рік тому +3

    I talked and had a convo with them watching this i was so invested and in tune with this entire conversation great minds indeed