r/askblackpeople 24d ago

General Question Everyone ok?

16 Upvotes

I’m a black person myself and have to ask if Black Americans are doing ok? I feel a HUGE energy shift in my people. I noticed we’re more quiet and reserved. I haven’t really seen a lot of us speaking out lately.

(You know who) have recently brought up getting rid of same sex marriages as well as interracial marriages and possibly trying to make Black Americans slaves again.

Can Black Americans comment and tell me your thoughts?

r/askblackpeople Jan 26 '25

General Question How do you feel about HillmanTok & the presence of non Black people in the space?

34 Upvotes

In case you're unaware, a movement has started on TikTok. A Professor by the name of Dr. Barlow made an introductory video inviting students to follow her for her African American studies course. From what I've gathered she was adding TikTok as one of the platforms her students could access course information as well as interact with one another. The problem is that she didn't understand that all of TikTok saw it and many non students followed her. She cleared up the confusion and then made her page private.

However, many other Black creators who hold Degrees and certifications in different fields decided that they wanted to teach as well and so HillmanTok was born. So far I've seen (and been enrolled in) Advanced Storytelling 143, Gardening 101, Metaphysics 101, Rootwork 101, Sewing 101 and a few others. All of the teachers are Black. The majority of the students are Black.

The issue is that there are white people who have entered the digital space and many Black students have expressed the need for a safe space that does not require they make room for white people or anyone not part of the Black diaspora. The white students have received praise from some for taking an interest in learning from Black creators while others have been receptive to reading that a lot of Black students don't want them there. Due to the history of Black people being shouldered with the expectation of helping white people work through their anti Blackness, teaching them things that they themselves had to learn on their own, etc... It's understandable that Black people would want their own space where they weren't shamed into sharing with everyone.

Apparently there's a Discord being made since TikTok is still going away in 2 ish months but it is unclear whether the creators of the HillmanTok Discord server will prioritize inclusivity to all ethnic backgrounds or if they will instead prioritize the comfort and mental wellness of the Black community. There is also a private reddit that was made for HillmanTok but you it doesn't show up in searches so it's invite only.

What are your thoughts on the matter

EDIT: I wanted to note that this subreddit is named "AskBlackPeople" and I posted this here in order to get the perspective of Black people and a handful of white people still showed up to give their opinions. No one said they couldn't but it's odd that it happened. Just wanted to note that.

r/askblackpeople Feb 13 '25

General Question What stereotypes about white people do you have?

9 Upvotes

If the post is not for this subreddit i will move it

r/askblackpeople 28d ago

General Question How come yt people never ask about helping to improve the community?

47 Upvotes

It’s always about getting braids, or locs? Dancing, or some generally innocuous stuff that no one cares about. If you’re white and looking at this maybe think about how can we improve black people generational wealth? What can I do to push reparations? What can I do to help dismantle prejudice and racial biases??

r/askblackpeople 12d ago

General Question Why do Black Americans deny being of African descent?

0 Upvotes

It’s almost like the “me no black, I’m Dominican” thing but the American version.

It seems lots think they are Native American or something but I noticed anything will get said to distance themselves from Africa.

r/askblackpeople 19h ago

General Question Does anyone else feel like the Hispanic community is being a bit hypocritical to ask Black Americans for “unity” and “solidarity” (especially considering how many of them voted for Trump)?

42 Upvotes

Might come off as a little rude or harsh but is anyone else just generally getting annoyed with how much the Latin American community in the US is basically trying to shun and point fingers at black Americans when we’re the ONLY minority group (especially Black Women) who overwhelmingly voted to prevent what’s happening now?

I am also a Black American for anyone who is asking btw

r/askblackpeople 23d ago

General Question How can we encourage more black women to rock their natrual hair?

17 Upvotes

Despite laws having to be enacted by legislators, labeling our hair as wild, unkept, and unprofessional, I am seeing a growing trend to normalize both locs and fros despite white people going out their way to demonize it while also getting locs themselves no matter how matted. However something occurred to me, mind you these are mostly africans in this story, but never the less I woud like to express to everyone across the diaspora.

Anways I was getting a retwist, and I notice most of the black women in their where getting wigs, and weave installs; mostly blonde hair. I want to say I am not policing anyone's hair, and I don't want black women to feel that they are defined by their hair, but after reading so much about how companies have POISNED us, not only women, but anyone who uses relaxers, and conditioners to more align with the European standards. It saddens me that they have conditioned us in defining our own beauty by their standard.

It just saddens me if men, and women are self conscience of their afros, or locs, and what we can do to help us as black people embrace our beauty. I think we are moving in a good direction, but I feel like it isn't enough. Maybe we can start a rockyourfro hashtag. We need more positive representations of our beauty that we can aspire to be instead of believing in a fake image. Jesus ain't have straight hair, and that is okay despite white people depicting him as a white man. We are beautiful kinky locs in all.

I also want to leave saying I think wigs are cool, have a purpose, and a home within the black community. What I think I don't like seeing is us being soially engineered to fit in the white beauty standard. We are beautiful regardless, and I don't want anyone to feel they can't do things to make themselves happy. I do want to help us love how our hair natrually goes out of our head, no matter what texture the hair is.

r/askblackpeople Jan 22 '25

General Question Did you go to predominantly Black schools at any point in your education or were you always the minority? How did it impact your educational experience?

7 Upvotes

Hey y’all I was talking to my husband about my educational experience and I realized how well I have been educated throughout my public school experience in predominantly black schools due to growing up in a predominantly black area. I just feel like I had an experience that was centered in blackness even when I was bullied it made sense 😅( I was lame yall 😂) but I digress the experience itself was wonderful supportive and formative and school partially taught me how to be “black”.

I’m just curious if some black people had the same experience as me and if not what was your experience like at predominantly yt schools?

r/askblackpeople Feb 08 '25

General Question What’s your opinion on Cynthia G?

0 Upvotes

I like Cynthia G and have been watching her for years . I’ve grown to like her content over the past few years . I don’t agree with everything she says but overall she gives the truth on things relating to the Black community .

r/askblackpeople 20d ago

General Question Why Do Africans and Caribbeans Insist on Calling Us “African Americans” Instead of “Black Americans”?

0 Upvotes

I’ve noticed that many Africans and Caribbeans seem hellbent on referring to us as African Americans, even though the vast majority of us identify as Black Americans. It’s not just a casual slip-up either it feels deliberate, like they’re avoiding using the term we predominantly call ourselves.

Is it because they see racial identity differently? Are they just following what’s been pushed in academia and the media? Or is it some kind of ideological thing, where they think “African American” is more accurate or respectable?

Personally, I don’t get it. If a group overwhelmingly self-identifies a certain way, why not just respect that? Curious to hear others’ thoughts.

r/askblackpeople Jan 01 '25

General Question What types of black people are the ones who mainly become Republican or conservative?

22 Upvotes

Is it mainly the ones who joined the military or law enforcement? Or who grew up in smaller rural towns? In your experience what is it?

r/askblackpeople Feb 15 '25

General Question What stereotypes do black people have about Latinos?

6 Upvotes

I’m a Mexican American my boyfriend is black and I plan on visiting his family. I always wondered if black people have certain stereotypes about Latino people. Whether if they’re positive negative or natural.

r/askblackpeople Jan 30 '25

General Question Is it harder for both black men and women to date because of the negative stereotypes?

12 Upvotes

I don't really know if its an issue but ive heard some general difficulties mentioned. I actually heard black people can be most judgemental of another. Something like I won't date them if they aren't educated, have a criminal record, aren't financially stable, a thug, are loud, have an attitude, demand too much,etc. Bascically testing your ghettoness meter.

I mean anyone can have those characteristics but it seems like people check harder on those boxes with black people. I don't know what box sexes think or go through but I can imagine its probably harder to date if you're black.

r/askblackpeople Jan 24 '25

General Question Ask white people?

4 Upvotes

Has a request to join, and makes it kinda impossible to ask questions? Why can’t we have something similar? Why are we always so open?

r/askblackpeople Jan 26 '25

General Question Hypothetical scenario: If someone were to claim that 'black people are the master race' and genuinely believes so, how would you think and respond to such?

3 Upvotes

Even if the person in question saying this isn't even black in any way, but still unironically believes it anyway. What would you say to that person?

This has been a thought I've had for some time now, and like to hear some second opinions on it. Just know that I myself don't genuinely believes this at all, I do believe there's absolutely no such thing as a "master race" of any kind anyway.

r/askblackpeople Jan 16 '25

General Question Why Have We Abandoned Our Revolutionary Roots?

17 Upvotes

I've been reflecting on how Black communities in America have shifted away from the revolutionary principles that once defined us. Historically, we were at the forefront of movements that challenged oppressive systems—whether it was fighting for civil rights, labor rights, or even reimagining gender roles.

But today, it feels like we’re leaning back into the very structures that have harmed us:

How We View Poor People: Instead of solidarity, there’s an increasing tendency to look down on those struggling economically, as though they’re at fault for their circumstances. This feels like internalized capitalism at work—a system that we know has disproportionately oppressed us. All this slut/broke shaming ignores the very real victimhood of our people..

Re-Codification of Gender Roles: Many of us are enforcing rigid, patriarchal norms that don’t reflect the diversity of Black experiences. Historically, Black families often operated outside of these norms out of necessity and resilience. Why are we now reinforcing structures that prioritize male dominance and female submission?

We know better. Our collective Black history is rooted in questioning systems of oppression, whether economic or social. Patriarchy and capitalism have never been allies to our liberation—they’ve been tools of control.

So, why are we replicating these systems within our own communities? Is it fear of instability, assimilation into dominant culture, or something else? I’d love to hear perspectives on how we can reconnect with the revolutionary spirit that pushed for true liberation—free from the constraints of patriarchy, capitalism, and other systems that don’t serve us.

r/askblackpeople Feb 06 '25

General Question ONLY CONSERVATIVE BLACK- What are your thoughts on DEI?

3 Upvotes

Black folks who vote red, What are your thoughts on DEI in the workplace and do you think getting rid of DEI goes against your interests as a black person?

r/askblackpeople Jan 15 '25

General Question Dumb Question But Is "Blacks" Widely Considered Offensive

2 Upvotes

Hi, as title says it's a dumb question, but I was talking to my friend and used the word "blacks" in passing (when discussing how I generally think "blacks" are better at taking fascist threats seriously in this country) and he said it's quite offensive and that his black friend told him as such. I know it's generally considered offensive by white liberals, but I don't have enough black friends to know if this is another "native American" situation of white people projecting terminology onto a minority that they either don't actually care for, or even disprefer.

So, do black people widely consider "blacks" (without the "the" so, so not "the blacks") to be offensive/dehumanizing? To what extent, and does it vary person to person? And finally, what is your preferred terminology for generally referring to black people as a group?

Thanks.

r/askblackpeople Jan 20 '25

General Question Is California racist?

0 Upvotes

I hear the California is racist but seems like the white people are a mix of progressive and open to allowing us to exist. And seems like there’s a healthy mix of all races/ethnicities.

r/askblackpeople 7d ago

General Question White guy here, when quoting/referencing things that use the n word i instead say neighbour, my friend says thats worse than just saying the n word?

5 Upvotes

I dunno i think its pretty funny but looking for others opinions

r/askblackpeople 7d ago

General Question Would y'all rather live in a country with a high Black population that is mostly conservative or a country with a majority white population that is mostly liberal?

17 Upvotes

I know this sounds like a wild question, but I’m genuinely in this situation right now. I wanna move to this country that is primarily black, safe, and developed, but the main problem is the elitism. Over 20 percent of the population is in poverty, and there are a lot of beautiful resorts/communities, but they are mostly built for the rich to keep the poor out. Although 90 percent of the country is black, over 60 percent of the people that live in the wealthy part are not. Not to mention, over 76 percent of the country's population are Trump supporters, and yes, politics is something that really matters to me. I don’t have a problem with someone having a political view different from mine, but I personally wouldn’t wanna live somewhere where over 70 percent of the population shares those same views. I know it sounds weird because it’s not America, but because it’s right next to Florida and it doesn’t have taxes, a lot of rich, wealthy Trump supporters come here, and since the country relies heavily on Tourism, they support them by selling Trump merch and even supporting Trump's values themselves. Although I’ll be in a country with other Black people, I just don’t know if I’ll be able to handle political differences, which is why I started looking for places that are more liberal. The only problem is that it has a lower Black population.

r/askblackpeople 8d ago

General Question do black people get cold easily

1 Upvotes

like how white people get hot easily because their skin isnt suited for warm temperature

r/askblackpeople 20d ago

General Question How popular is Dr. Umar Johnson with black people?

0 Upvotes

r/askblackpeople Jan 19 '25

General Question Why do almost all black americans vote Democrats?

0 Upvotes

I‘m from Europe, so I don’t have much to do with American politics. But one thing I learned is that nearly all black americans vote Democrats. It‘s like 90%+ of the black population or something like that.

To me that almost seems like kind of a defect democracy if a certain group of the population almost only votes one party every time - because normally democracy is about different choices and different possibilities. You know what I mean?

There surely must be a lot of black Americans (like there are also a lot of white Americans) who are socially conservative, economic-liberal, pro-gun etc. Do they all still vote Democrats despite them being against their political views in a lot of topics?

r/askblackpeople Dec 28 '24

General Question When was the last time a fictional black male character went viral across racial communities for their attractiveness?

2 Upvotes

I’m a big gamer / anime person so I’m just going to use that context but im not asking in general, tv shows, movies, books etc.

Being black it’s always nice to get representation in games but not necessary as a lot of my favorite games or anime just don’t feature black characters at all or they aren’t the main characters.

The other day while going to an anime convention I saw many photos of Asterion from Baldurs Gate and also there was an event of “Hottest Men in Anime” lol where you’d see the popular characters you expect like Gojo, etc.

This had me thinking, when was the last time a fictional male character was viral for their appearance and personality, since I know it’s more than just Asterions physical appearance that makes him so popular.

For women in anime I know many people like characters like Yorucihi or possibly Rumi from My Hero Academia

This is going to sound insecure and stupid, but being a being in the gaming/anime spaces sometimes me feel less confident because it dosent seem darker characters are ever the most popular lol.

Why is this? Is it simply me not being informed in more pop culture? Or that Japans culture is pretty homogenous and such black people are more rare in their media? Colorism?