They Were the Poster Child for the KKK; Now They Advocate for Antiracism | Amanpour and Company
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- Опубликовано: 9 янв 2025
- In a new memoir, “The Klansman’s Son," R. Derek Black writes about their upbringing and personal transformation - from a committed white supremacist since childhood to an outspoken anti-racism advocate. The author joins the show to reflect on their journey and offer insight into why people hold onto extremist beliefs.
Originally aired on June 4, 2024
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Good for this kid, I was a stupid right wing troll and took anti-rascist college classes and it changed my life. Blessings all we need to stick together more then ever.
Glad to hear you changed. The alt right keeps churning out all of these hateful, misogynistic, racist teens and young people. It's despicable to me.
That’s why the right is attacking education
That’s amazing! Can I ask what things you learned helped you change your mind?
@@jenk7569 I learned that being a prideful smartass gets you nowhere, that it’s not safe playing “spy” type games and LARPing online, it’s best to be authentic as my trolling never reflected my real world identity. I learned not to trust anyone online and that “ops” are more important than the truth, disinformation is deadly dangerous and the powers that be want us divided so they can rule over us and they’re happy to use us as pawns if it furthers their sick twisted agenda. I also learned I’m pretty powerless to change the world but I can choose to bring positivity into the peoples lives I come in contact with and that’s much more rewarding than trolling.
Was there anything that changed your mind? Or did it just become clear?
Glad you managed to make it to the other side! It's an incredible feat ❤
As a wise man once said "The cure for ignorance is education"
He literally said that people in this movement are educated and have white collar jobs. I'm one of them.
David himself said Dasatan and his radical cult members have embraced the idea of miseducating their followers with the banning of books and certain curriculums. Miseducated people often have to be educated.
@millennialsecularandauthri3338… and your “education” proves it was lacking the most important component of education: critical thinking skills! Being “educated” with a degree does not mean you you do not need to be educated. ✌️🫶
@@Im-ahthegreat I got a JD and before that I decided to support a movement for people of my demographics because of it. It’s perfectly rational to take your own side, all other races do it.
Banning books and curriculums is a form of miseducating and under educating! ✊
Who wants to bet that this book will be banned in Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma school libraries.
It may because they are trans :(
Especially oaklahoma
As someone born and raised in Oklahoma, yea. Probably be among the first.
Unless they block the internet, it would be pointless.
@@Sad_Bumper_Stickerit’s not trans
Stories like this give me hope that we will eventually get there...eventually.
After thinning the hate herd.
MAGA has put that back decades if not centuries.........
I have Hundreds of. MAGA neighbors which I have nothing to do ( I live in a Blue State. ) These folks are in a cult and nothing will change , these folks are unhinged .
It will never happen because justice has never been served!
He chose to change but he was forced by education system. He is just extreme case but there are less extreme cases in everyday life. As if u have to be part of a group to be hateful and have a sense of superiority. Majority of whites are conditioned to be white supremacist whether in Europe, South Africa or Mexico. Whites are superior to nonwhites in Latin America, look at Mexico and Brazil
That's the key reason: A sense of belonging to a community. When your family, friends, neighbors, and the people who attend your church all believe it, it's very difficult to part ways from the community and its belief system. That human need to belong to a community supersedes intelligence and education.
That is my thought as well. We are tribal in life after after life until our innate security no longer needs external definition of who we are.
@@wisconsinfarmer4742well said.❤
True, fitting in/belonging this begins with family, and extends to school, and grows with the expanding social bubble. It's instinctual as a social animal. They are your environment and shape you along the way with your innate nature. And your preceived norm/normal. They way your life was growing up. Which is different and similar for everyone. Even sibling growing up in the same family might have slightly different experiences from that.
And yet it happens more often than one would think.
Look at all the people stories that fell, got pushed from their (religious) community and being told they didn´t belong, often found in the LGBTI+ community. Then also telling them their community isn't a community and attacking the community trying to divide them.
Or in the community itself again, religious vs non-religious views.
Not all humans are the same my thirst for truth thus intelligence and education is part of my coming out story. I
got excommunicated after my comming out, I got kicked out of my parents home with my coming out.... things I was aware that would be the risk. Why it also took a while for me to come out.
But also in race situations; too black or not black enough. Oreo's black on the outside white in the center/middle...etc.
Or the mean girls social goups, and so forth.
If some people are in the group, that automatically means other people are out the group. Hormonal & intellectual mixed.
Intellectual we can enlarge that social bubble, hormonal/biological; either they are in or out of the group. You belong or you don't.
Lion King 2: 🎶 Not one of us. .....
Born in grief; Raised in hate
Helpless to defy his fate
Let him run; Let him live
But do not forget what we cannot forgive
And he is not one of us; He has never been one of us
He is not part of us; Not our kind
Someone once lied to us; Now we're not so blind
For we knew he would do what he's done
And we know that he'll never be one of us
He is not one of us... Deception; Disgrace
Also Lion King 2; We are one
We are one, you and I
We are like the earth and sky
One family under the sun
All the wisdom to lead
All the courage that you'll need
You will find when you see
We are one
Yes, I remember feeling very alienated growing up as a "closeted" feminist in my fundie evangelical community. Attending college and befriending secular people helped me have the courage to distance myself from all that fundie bs.
Which is why racist/religious people insist on spatial, educational, etc. segregation. They know that as soon as their kids meet the rest of us, their worldview will crumble.
And there you have it. Full stop.
I knew about Derek and their father because their dad is from the same town in Alabama my paternal grandfather is from but wondered what happened to Derek since denouncing their racist father. Glad to see they’re still fighting racism.
Inventing it, adopteg it as way of life, protected it and then fighted it ............ That looks like somthing ALL the racisist do/have done ....... I would rather hear about the crime, they have commited during their dark shadow life !!!! ........ And what they think, their victims should do about it !!!!
What are you calling him they?
@@UnfilteredAmerica I literally explained it in my original post. Reading comprehension goes a long way.
@@UnfilteredAmerica that’s their pronouns?
Nothing about this is normal. This country was literally founded on what Don black believes. Guess what’s founded on what Derek now believes?
It is always amazing to see the change in demeanor in people who have let go of hateful ideologies. They seem relaxed, peaceful and attractive. Hate is a killer of souls.
Yes, and as one of my favorite Tracy Chapman song's goes, All that You've Got, Is Your Soul.
Yes! They seem peaceful… and cleansed! 😇👏
IT IS. AND IT AGESS U TOO AND KEEPS U SICK😢
Because becoming trans is the final product
Much respect to R. Derek Black and this channel for a great interview and superior bravery and strength to speak up and speak out! 👏
What a brave and intelligent guy. I'll check out the book.
You must mean "brave and intelligent *person."* _They_ said _they_ are exploring _their _*_transgender identity,_* and the last question by the host asked _them_ about the change in _their _*_pronouns._* Try to *respect* _their_ choice.
@@wholeshebang1 I'm sure she can manage that. Guy is quickly becoming a gender neutral term.
Whoah! Let’s not make this about gender, this is about a journey of enlightenment, and his gender choice whatever it may be, is none of our business, so let’s stay focused on why this book was written? Read the title, what did the title say? Has anyone read the book?
She isnt a guy.
@@theodorehaskins3756welp, that's gross, but then we always knew there were sexual sickos in the racist groups also.
Extremely brave person. Great interview!
Great moral lesson ❤ elimination of all sorts of prejudice. Thank you Derek.
And look what you end up with. A very confused trans
Love kids finding themselves ❤
What an intelligent, thoughtful and honest person.
Michelle Martin is always masterful. So glad for this young man's desire to plumb his upbringing and live in the light. I wish him well.
You must mean "brave and intelligent *person."* _They_ said _they_ are exploring _their _*_transgender identity,_* and the last question by the host asked _them_ about the change in _their _*_pronouns._* Try to *respect* _their_ choice.
not a man!!!!!! Did you even watch the interview?
There's a tendancy to want to correct people who don't understand how to refer to trans people , but one should do it a kind manner. People will often revert to what they're comfortable with without meaning to offend.
@@wholeshebang1 "You MUST mean" Yeah, right. It was even said in the video that Derek is still in the process of figuring it out, so you'd expect people to know it all before the person in question has made up their mind about it? Go off.
@wholeshebang1 actually the host asked one more question after the pronouns question, and I highly recommend listening to the answer. To me that’s the whole shebang! :)
Seriously, God bless this young gentleman for getting his peace in his own hands. Imagine the pain. Your OWN FAMILY. stay strong, R. DEREK BLACK.
I agree! Also, R. Derek Black now uses they/them pronouns instead of he/him and identifies as nonbinary. It's mentioned in the video, but only briefly.
@@BE-ew2pthe’s still a guy
@@calisongbird Nope she’s transgender so you’ll be respectful and not some bigoted person
@@calisongbird guy != nonbinary. Some nonbinary ppl can refer to themselves as guys but that's not the default
Usually I give people a pass for their bigotry based on their upbringing, it’s amazing that this person has been able to change for the better despite everything.
Maybe we as a nation need to stop giving some people A PASS for hate and bigotry? Call out the people in your life saying bigoted things
@@leadwithgreeneconomy *Unless you're a minor and they're your parents or some other authority person. Basically be cautious if it would turn into a dangerous situation
Don't give hateful people a pass for their upbringing. That would mean giving basically all of them a pass, since their hate is a learned behaviour. Also shouldn't give them a pass, because their upbringing doesn't excuse the fact that they can't be bothered to change.
I never give racism a pass!
Sure, give them a “pass” but ensure you call it out
Thank you to Derek and his fellow Novo Collegians for assisting him in his educational journey . This is exactly what a true liberal arts education is all about and why Gov DeSantis and Chris Rufo etc are trying to destroy New College of Florida. As a New College alumna we support the students in trying to keep the focus on open education and inquiry not indoctrination.
You must mean *them.* Derek said _they_ are exploring _their _*_transgender identity,_* and the last question by the host asked _them_ about the change in _their _*_pronouns._* Try to *respect* _their_ choice.
I am so grateful for the open education, critical thinking and supportive community offered by new college. I was there when Derek started and people knew about his background but that’s not what defines him. Go Derek!
@@ZoeMC369yet you ignore their pronouns…you are apart of the problem.
@@illegitiminoncarborundum1323there are people who believe and support transgender people, but let's face it, many, many people have grown up with the old pronouns, and mistakes are made. Perhaps a gentle reminder would have been more appropriate.
@@hildeschmid8400thank you. When i went to school with Derek, “he” was the pronoun used, and I was referring to the person I knew back then, as I knew them! Also I think ostracizing others for a simple pronoun slip is more problematic than the error itself.
Although now I wonder, in talking about a person in the time before they transition, would it be ever appropriate to use their former pronouns? Idk.
This country has had a very violent past. I admire this young man's bravery. I have difficulties understanding racial hatred, so I always find it interesting to listen to such stories.
I really don't understand the so-called Christians who don't understand God wants us to love each other. Hatred holds the world back in so many ways. Could you imagine the world without hate? Wow! That would be an awesome place.
Your wish will soon come true. The end is very near then in Gods new world love will thrive. Psalm 37:10,11,29
@@mayenessien93702tim3:1-5 😇👍
Love thrives.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Derek mentions in the video that they’re transgender and uses They/She .
@@mayenessien9370and Dumbledore will grow everyone a tomato garden
R. Derek Black ~ THANK YOU
Wow - this is the exact outcome I hoped for, for this kid, when I saw their childhood interview. What a thoughtful and kind person. I thought it was interesting that, while outsiders describe hate groups in terms of who and why they hate, the author described it based on what they love. I think that distinction is important, if we want to get through to people. I don't think fascists/supremacists view themselves as small minded (obviously). They view themselves as having a sense of responsibility both personal and community, and of citizenship. They don't view themselves as evil, but as protectors. I thought it was a fascinating insight when the author said that what is needed is to expand the circle of people for whom they feel responsible.
Yeh, super interesting observations!
You wanted the klans’ son to become trans?
Gives me hope in humanity. Inspiring 🙏🏼
Wow. I will read the book and return to this salient conversation. I appreciate you both.
It's always possible for people to learn and grow as better humans.
It probably helps to be uncomfortable in your assigned gender.
You should walk with your white kid in diversity areas and tell us how Is it 🤡
@opinion3742 if you really think that, you’re as dumb as David Duke
Happy Pride ❤🧡💛💚💜💙
F 🏳️🌈
🏳🌈🏳🌈🏳🌈
Whoo hoo!
So grateful for this person's incredible story and the courage they have to tell it. It's an example of how delusion works, i.e. the stories we tell ourselves. Each person is responsible for interrogating who we authentically are, independent of the culture and society in which we were raised. Everyone is vulnerable to the right kind of manipulation. We owe that to the victims of historic injustice.
Great interview! Thank you👏👏👏👏👏
Well done, Mr. Black. Respect. Yasher koach.
Excellent interview. This never-ending anthem of the south will rise again continues piercing the heart of America. From the end of the Civil War, the United Daughters of the Confederacy have been rewriting our history. This group is responsible for the majority of all the Confederate statues and monuments around the country. They have also been extremely influential in selecting history textbooks for many of the public schools across America. It's hard to believe, but to this day, this group is wielding much power and spreading much misinformation about the cause of the Civil War and downplaying any part played by slavery. Much of America's history has truly been whitewashed and imo the government has been complicit in this in so many ways when they should have been much more aggressively working to stop these same old south will rise again white nationalist beliefs from dividing and destroying us all.
SO TRUE
Well said.
I was not aware of that!
Yet the leaders are the white men not the women. Yes they have their corner the men let them lead the nit picking work but men rule not women.
I’d like to see the sources you have that prove this
This person is my hero! Congratulations on coming out! It doesn’t make sense to be someone for someone else
I actually have worked with grassroots organizations in Florida to support them in trying to become to stem this disturbing attack on the 2SLGBTQ2+ community, particularly the trans community. Terrific story and reporting! Thanks so much for sharing this with your audience. R. Derek Black, I love that speak up for the world you want to see.❤😊
Excellent interview. What an honorable person to have come out on the other side of that depraved movement.
Great conversation.
Brave and beautiful young man.❤ what a tragedy for New College and Florida- and all of US
Welcome Derek to the right side of the world, ❤
Love to Derek🤗🤗🤗. Definitely purchasing his book ❤
That is one morally brave person right there.
They are one of the bravest, most love filled humans i’ve had the pleasure to listen to… ❤️
Congrats to this young person on keeping an open mind. The fact that his transformation took place in a college community is exactly why conservatives are taking aim at public education and colleges.
It takes courage to break the cycle. ❤
David Duke. Shivers from the past. Thanks for sharing your story. Derek.
Very intelligent and well-spoken person.
They're kinda cute, ngl.
Coming out as trans in the same book as "how I escaped the cult of white nationalism" is a power move. Based.
He, not they
@@snorristurluson5849 Wrong, and no one cares that you think otherwise.
@@FelisImpurrator wrong? I'm not the one who's intentionally fking up English grammar. Also the vast majority of ppl care bout what I think bc they understand that it's absolutely a bunch of silly, ridiculous nonsense fairy tale horseshit for a singular individual male to go by the pronouns they them
He rejects himself. No confidence in himself so he’s all confused.
@@faithhope5833 Source: You made it up.
This kind of loony-bin nonsense is exactly why no one with two braincells to rub together takes conservatives seriously.
Very enlightening interview. Many thanks.
“As long as something is serving your community, people can be convinced to believe anything “ ..
Very special interview. Very special to see the transformation in this super articulate, caring person. Thank you for presenting this.
I wonder if this book will be banned in Florida? I hope not! I definitely want to read this, and will buy it, even if they ban it here. There are a lot more states that don't ban them.
This young person has looked beyond his past, and gives us hope for the future.
A testament to education and socialization. When we learn to critically think and socialize around people with differences, we're all better off and more likely to be empathetic and understanding people. I'm so glad they were able to escape ❤
Important interview. Thank you both.
Happy Pride Month 🏳️🌈
What a beautifully intelligent and eloquent young man
Just finished this book. It's a hell of a story.
So great to hear from Derek Black. He really is insightful and articulate.
I give major props to him for being able to change from that environment.
Somebody said that a BBC triggered that positive change.
This was a very informative and moving interview. Bravo, to this young man for having the courage to speak his truth. I am sure he has helped a lot of people. Sending loving thoughts to everyone.
Smart person and brave to own their own life… A lot smarter than I would have ever thought that movement would produce.
Thank you, for this.
Wow…very deep. This is a courageous young man. Thank you
R Derek Black is a very brave guy. I admire him for speaking out the way he is. I want to read his book.
Education should be teaching people to think critically. It should not tell them what to think. Students should feel free to share themselves and ideas with others. This young man is truly a good example of self awareness and others being open enough to listen and share other perspectives with him. His courage to share his personal experiences is commendable and shows that we can all change and look at one another with respect and dignity.
Good job, Derek!! This is a teachable moment if there ever was one.
Derek's perspectives on change are relatable, profound and hopeful. I appreciate Amanpour & Co. for sharing them with us.
Thank you for your courage
Very intelligent and thoughtful. Thank you for sharing!
Hope he'll be safe and watch his back, because KKK ain't gonna' be happy with him. Be safe R. Derek, very brave you are.
I am curious to know how he gets along with his father and crew now.
Good question. I'm guessing, that's going to be a struggle but I hope he's opening their minds if only a crack.
THis happens alot. People who get raised in racism grow up seeing the truth and realize they were raised wrong.
Thank you young person! You helped me understand, well, more than I did before. I hope you are able to help shift some hearts and minds! I wonder what I can do to help you in your quest and hopefully help heal our country's bitterly devided soul.
❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
Wow, what a beautiful human being!
Wow! What a great interview.
I’ve shared this video with everyone I know and then some. I only wish it could have been shared sooner but better late than never. This offers so much hope! We can only hope for the amount of insight it took to get here.
Wow. Prescient ideas. Brilliant social observation
Great interviewer,great guest!!!🎉❤
No matter what you did or believed anyone can learn and change if the desire is sincere
I would read this book for sure.
I wish this was SHAREABLE !!!!!
I"m beyond proud of them! What a great person and thank GOD they know the truth. I hope they're much more happy now.
As an enby who has their own complicated history with far-right ideals (though more of the national populist variety than anything racial), Derek's story inspires me to wanna recount my own history. To relay the nuances of my own experiences and how I ultimately got away from it.
I commend you for your change..we all grow from the mistakes we make and it takes a big person to know amd to change..May God bless you..
Education isn't just school. Experience among people that are different than ourselves is valuable knowledge. I am in rural Colorado now and I see the ignorance that comes with a lack of experiences prevalent. People that do not experience a varied life and remain insulated can convince themselves of anything.
I've repeated this a lot across the internet, but you know you are on the right side of history when people are actively realising their mistakes and joining you.
You never hear stories about truly peaceful and empathetic folks suddenly deciding to join hate marches or other bigotry parades.
So I googled him because Jenny Jones is such an old talk show but he looks like 21 years old in this interview. Shockinly, he is 35!
Being hateful makes you age faster, hence why the stereotype is YT ppl age like milk.
What an enlightening interview! I am reminded of a quote from Thich Nhat Hanh:
“There is the mud, and there is the lotus that grows out of the mud. We need the mud in order to make the lotus.”
good one.
I like it👍
Bravo Derek !! Proud of you
Gonna pick up their book today
Glad to see that this exceptional man is apparently not in the country. Hopefully he's not even where the video shows. Interesting that he attended New College in Florida, the liberal arts college that Ron DSantis later destroyed.
Bravo to this young man👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Keep walking forward, young man.
"Speak up for the world you want to see" .. nicely put Derek. Thanks for sharing your story.
I remember running across their "White Nationalism for Kids" page. I think Derek was only 11 at the time. It was surreal.
So happy this showed up in my feed! I remember hearing about them on a podcast years ago and feeling so inspited, it's wonderful to see them doing so well 💛
Brave and smart ❤
Fair dues to R Derek Black, being open to changing your opinion if you are wrong, even when having held his beliefs THAT strongly, and having them THAT connected to his family. Well done to R Derek Black! Their work to improve themselves is inspirational :D
Great interview
Thank you for your bravery! To rise above your upbringing and share your growth is a gift and inspiration to us all! It is important to recognize that our colleges are under attack because they can be so transformative and challenge the status quo. Thank you for bringing this to light for us all.
this person is awesome. what a beautiful story ✨♥️
“I was a racist, because I care about my family,” doesn’t work. It’s that you did not want to think for yourself. Just like all the people that want Fox News or Donald Trump to think for them. And that want them to tell them who to hate. So many people are afraid to think, but glad he came around.
A large proportion of people are lemmings.
"Change your thoughts, and you change your world." - Norman Vincent Peale. Thank you, Derek, for being a part of the change in the world. Love is stronger than hate.
What an interesting interview! Thanks
My God bless you‼️❤️👍🏽
I own a firm that supports organization’s journey to be more inclusive and what they say resonates with me. I firmly believe that while sometimes difficult and subjecting yourselves to people who hold beliefs that trigger you at your core, it is crucial to come at these discussions without judgement to help yourself to understand who the person is and what are the underlying reasons they believe what they believe.