Raven-Symoné Revisits Controversial ‘I’m Not African American’ Remark | Information


Raven-Symoné is setting the document straight—once more—about feedback she revamped a decade in the past that proceed to observe her.

Throughout a latest look on “The Jason Lee Present” this week, the previous little one star revisited her controversial 2014 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the place she drew backlash and confusion for saying she didn’t establish as African American.

“I’m not an African American. I am an American. I’m a Black American. I’m undoubtedly Black. And sure, my ancestors come from Africa,” the actress shared earlier than asking, “How lengthy does a bloodline must dwell in a single land earlier than they’re thought of a pure species of that land?”

She continued, “A real African American is somebody that’s from Africa and moved right here, both first technology or second technology, and has a tie to that nation that I don’t have.”

RELATED: Commentary: Are You Black, Black-ish or Not Black at All?

The previous “The Cosby Present” star emphasised that whereas she respects those that select to establish as African American, her personal identification was rooted in her household’s deep generational ties to america. 

“I believe there comes a degree the place, whenever you construct a rustic, whenever you combat for freedom, earn money and pay taxes and generationally dwell in a rustic, you could have the privilege to name your self pure American,” she added, sharing that her household was listed within the first Virginia census that allowed Black individuals to be named.

Raven additionally opened up concerning the backlash she had confronted. Throughout an episode of the “Tea Time With Raven & Miranda” podcast together with her accomplice Miranda Maday, she shared feeling instantly “judged” and misunderstood. The Hollywood veteran even recalled strolling off stage feeling like she had “stated one thing that’s dangerous—which contradicts who I’m as a human.”

Supporters nearly instantly rallied behind that actress within the remark part on-line, together with one Instagram consumer who wrote, “Beloved how she articulated her level. I can’t say I disagree. I imply we don’t name white individuals European People.”

One other individual admitted, “I used to be fully closed-minded to how she stated it at first, however as she defined her perspective, I completely understood what she was speaking.” 

Take a look at the dialog with Jason Lee under. 

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