BYU Black Menace Leaves Mormon Church Over Racism - Sebastian Stewart-Johnson | Ep. 1891

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  • Опубликовано: 14 июн 2024
  • Get ready for an explosive and unfiltered look at life as a Black student at BYU! Sebastian takes us on a wild ride as he dishes about the viral rise of his "Black Menaces" group, a provocative movement that fearlessly called out racism within Mormon culture. From protests that sparked national headlines to tense confrontations with horrified church leaders like Brad Wilcox, Sebastian holds nothing back. He delves into the trauma of being constantly stared at and "othered" on BYU's overwhelmingly white campus, receiving vile racist abuse and death threats just for daring to speak truth to power. Sebastian's story is a raw, unsettling wake-up call about the insidious persistence of racism, even in religious communities that preach love and equality. Get ready to have your perceptions shattered by this bold revolutionary's refusal to stay silent in the face of oppression.
    Episode Show Notes: www.mormonstories.org/portfol...
    theblackmenaces.org/
    ‪@theblackmenaces‬
    Other Black Menaces Interviews:
    Rachel Weaver: ruclips.net/user/live6-RYnZRbamM
    Nate Byrd: • BYU Racism Goes Viral ...
    Chapters:
    00:00:00 Intro
    00:05:40 The beginning of Sebastian’s Mormon Story
    00:10:45 They got help from the Bishop’s storehouse
    00:12:15 He had zero desire to get baptized when he turned 8
    00:13:50 The valuable parts of the church
    00:20:25 His Joseph Smith moment
    00:24:00 Basketball was a distractor, people thought he was crazy
    00:33:25 The only time his debate teacher said something about the church being racist
    00:40:00 Seeing the church as a business
    00:47:20 All organizations have been racist, it’s a religion
    00:51:10 The Truman Show
    00:56:00 Not taking the sacrament
    01:00:15 Knowledge of US History and Civil Rights Movement
    01:07:40 He was called to the Dominican Republic mission
    01:10:05 He loved the MTC
    01:15:04 He got sick on his mission and he was sent home
    01:22:25 He prayed that God would tell him NOT to go back on his mission
    01:24:55 He went back on his mission
    01:34:00 Racism on his mission
    01:38:55 Homophobia on his mission
    01:47:50 On his mission the church reversed the November 2015 policy
    01:52:00 He started experiencing pain, hernias caused from walking
    01:53:30 He was sent home again and didn’t have to go back
    01:54:00 How was his testimony at this point?
    01:58:20 He attended BYU
    02:04:40 The problem with Utah Mormons is they don’t understand other cultures
    02:09:55 People that were murdered by cops or white people
    02:15:00 How racist was Utah in 2020
    02:18:20 58% black graduation rate at BYU
    02:19:23 What is racism?
    02:24:00 What is reverse racism?
    02:26:20 The academic study of black dolls vs white dolls
    02:37:55 What brought him to start Black Menaces?
    02:44:20 White people don’t know how to interact with black people
    03:00:45 Black Menaces went viral
    03:30:40 Administration’s response to Black Menaces
    03:59:10 Plans for Black Menaces
    04:01:00 Lightning round of questions
    04:01:25 Curse of Cain
    04:04:15 White Jesus or Brown Jesus?
    04:06:05 Lamanite curse in the Book of Mormon
    04:09:15 Joseph Smith giving priesthood to black people
    04:12:38 Brigham Young
    04:17:50 Fence sitters in the pre-existence
    04:30:40 The Church’s growth in Africa
    04:43:30 What are his beliefs now?
    04:52:10 Encouraging students NOT to go to BYU
    ___________________
    At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
    Our overall mission is to:
    1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology
    2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis
    3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
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Комментарии • 347

  • @advocate7643
    @advocate7643 Месяц назад +214

    What bothers me about the church is that members will treat their black faithful members like a trophy to say “Hey look were not racist!”

    • @crystalengland8290
      @crystalengland8290 Месяц назад

      I am not Mormon but why are blk people shocked when yt people show their racism. This is the same religion that believes that having black skin is the curse of Cain!! I’m not shocked at all by anything he is saying happens or is said.

    • @DNaWhoot
      @DNaWhoot Месяц назад +4

      Very true, especially during conference weekend. All you see is "we're not racist anymore propaganda." Like that makes everything all good

  • @rin-eri
    @rin-eri Месяц назад +136

    Can I just say it's so fucking refreshing to hear a guest on MSP who WASN'T a total perfect devout mormon throughout their upbringing? I love hearing someone being like 'hmmm nope we didn't do all that' when it comes to a lot of the expectations the church puts on people.

  • @peterhoyt2529
    @peterhoyt2529 Месяц назад +41

    ‘I wouldn’t choose to be born gay, but I also wouldn’t choose to be born white.’ This gay white boy approves this message. 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

  • @Abbasgirl312
    @Abbasgirl312 Месяц назад +190

    Never Mormon here, but Mormon Stories is my favorite podcast!

    • @danielclingen34
      @danielclingen34 Месяц назад +4

      Same. I grew up an evangelical missionary kid& saw Mormon missionaries alit around my church, then again once I moved to Arizona so it’s just interesting and mind blowing to hear their story

    • @Abbasgirl312
      @Abbasgirl312 Месяц назад +2

      @@danielclingen34
      I am Pentecostal but love listening to people's stories. A missionary kid? That is awesome, you might have some stories yourself. May God bless you for the work you've done.
      John does a marvelous job!

    • @dehende07
      @dehende07 Месяц назад +8

      Mine's too I would have never thought that I could listen to a podcast for hours and hours but Mormon stores just do something for me 😊

    • @janicaribeiro6350
      @janicaribeiro6350 Месяц назад +2

      Same ! I am hooked !

    • @Abbasgirl312
      @Abbasgirl312 Месяц назад +3

      @@janicaribeiro6350
      Me 2🥰

  • @karenf5476
    @karenf5476 Месяц назад +44

    This interview is one of the most honest discussions I've heard on the black experience in white spaces. I appreciate Sebastian and Nate's honesty.

  • @cripplymacdeafy
    @cripplymacdeafy Месяц назад +229

    Sebastian is amazing and needs to be a household name, trust. Let’s elevate this Mormon story everyone!

    • @amygreen758
      @amygreen758 Месяц назад +6

      As a hearing impaired person, your tag name gave me a good laugh.

    • @cripplymacdeafy
      @cripplymacdeafy Месяц назад +3

      @@amygreen758 pleased to meetcha ☺️ more laughs and smiles, right?!!

    • @stephenhansen6335
      @stephenhansen6335 Месяц назад

      R​@@amygreen758

    • @nsasupporter7557
      @nsasupporter7557 Месяц назад +2

      @@cripplymacdeafyI’m gonna be a household name if I could ever get on this podcast with my Exmormon story

    • @cripplymacdeafy
      @cripplymacdeafy Месяц назад

      @@nsasupporter7557 I believe in you. Interested in (edit: mistyped) learning more about your Mormon story and your hopes and dreams surrounding being a household name.

  • @cccacost
    @cccacost Месяц назад +34

    I found out about the Black Menaces literally only a few days ago. Finding out that Sebastian is leaving the church was such a relief! He’s great, I hope the best for him!

  • @appledpickle
    @appledpickle Месяц назад +67

    Maslow's hierarchy: if you're concerned about food, water and shelter, you can't really worry about your enlightenment, there's so many needs before that!

  • @melissaw6427
    @melissaw6427 Месяц назад +32

    Growing up with zero black perspectives around me, this is so valuable for me to hear. I really think stories like these are important to those of us living in predominantly mormon white areas. It helps me realize just how the fact Utah is one of the whitest places is a representation that the church is racist. We need these stories. Loved Nate being here too. Thanks Mormon Stories and Black menaces.

  • @learnedempowerment
    @learnedempowerment Месяц назад +81

    "When someone says, 'I'm not racist/sexist/homophobic',
    I'm like
    'You're lying to yourself and you're lying to me'
    Because if you say that, what you're saying is 'I've stopped working on myself and allowed the -ism to take up residence inside myself'"
    -Sebastian Stewart (Black Menace)

    • @dygz
      @dygz Месяц назад +3

      What people mean is that they don’t hate others…
      Without understanding it’s not really just about hate.

    • @dygz
      @dygz Месяц назад +2

      It’s OK to have a black table or Latino table or LGBTQ table.
      It should also be OK for outsiders to sit at those tables and try to learn about and assimilate aspects of the cultures and become allies.
      But, of course, people who have shared cultures and values and perspectives are going to want to group together.

    • @ningiyizhuo
      @ningiyizhuo Месяц назад +2

      ​@@dygz I think that's actually exactly what he was getting at. like, for most people racism stems from a lack of understanding, so it's important to be conscious of this within ALL of us because even if it isn't rooted in hatred, internalised racism can lead to consequences just as bad as overt/conscious racism if not worse, since obviously, we can't introspect when we never realise we need to in the first place

    • @dygz
      @dygz Месяц назад +1

      @@ningiyizhuo
      I think I said it a bit more clearly than Sebastian.
      Also, most people in college are not aware that they still need to work on being a more empathetic person.
      Nice is different than good.

    • @ningiyizhuo
      @ningiyizhuo Месяц назад

      @@dygz oh ok, sorry I misread your initial comment and thought you were disagreeing with him. and yeah I completely agree with you :)

  • @jellojoe6493
    @jellojoe6493 Месяц назад +33

    I’ve been waiting for the black menaces to share their story since they came on the scene.
    So glad Nate, Rachel, and Sebastian have all had the opportunity now.
    I’m never Mormon, but i was a black kid who grew up in predominately white Christian spaces. So their stories are always special to me ❤

    • @NathanaelByrd
      @NathanaelByrd Месяц назад +7

      Glad you could learn from our experiences! Love from the Black Menaces❤

  • @sheliabryant3997
    @sheliabryant3997 Месяц назад +48

    "I manipulated people the way I was manipulated."
    M.L.M.
    [As they were pastured, so they became."].
    At least HE IS/WAS AWARE, and ACKNOWLEDGES IT!
    That is HUGE. 🌈 At any age.

  • @riahdaniels54
    @riahdaniels54 Месяц назад +35

    this young man taught me so much as a 54 year old never Mormon black woman. Thank you this is the best Mormon stories podcast I have ever seen. It had me glued. I have watched now three times to absorb it all. It is profound.

    • @user-of2xd4id1o
      @user-of2xd4id1o Месяц назад

      ❤ Of course let's change the rules

    • @user-of2xd4id1o
      @user-of2xd4id1o Месяц назад

      Freedom of speak what's happening at b y u

    • @user-of2xd4id1o
      @user-of2xd4id1o Месяц назад

      Well, Jesus had to be for the Middle East, so technically he would have more or less.Had browns again wouldn't he

  • @NicoleUntch
    @NicoleUntch Месяц назад +17

    I think Sebastian hit it home when he said when you’re a POC at BYU you feel like you can’t walk around freely. The stares are real, the small aggressions add up. I remember by sophomore year I would put in my headphones everywhere and anywhere I went in Provo and just watched the ground as a walked I became so anxious and paranoid.

    • @american236
      @american236 22 дня назад

      What? Girl that’s crazy. I would have hung out with you.

    • @chasemoray425
      @chasemoray425 22 дня назад

      No one is staring at you

  • @slvrsrfr92
    @slvrsrfr92 Месяц назад +16

    I've never been able to site an exact reason why I left the church. I left 6 months into my mission but could never really put into words why or how I changed my mind. I was put off by the crazy strict mission rules and not allowed to be my authentic self. But in watching this I think I figured out the words that best explain my departure from Mormonism. I really saw the cult mentality come into play the guilt and pressure and shame that came with being on a mission. I realized my name is Leland Bowers, not Elder, or Mormon, or a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was proud of who I was and respected myself, as a missionary I couldn't be those things or believe those things about myself. I never and could never fit the cult mold and I was doomed to failure as a missionary if I wanted to retain myself and my own authentic worth.

  • @runsprints4life767
    @runsprints4life767 Месяц назад +61

    Sebastian is one of the nicest people I've ever met. He's so insightful, respectful, and hilarious. love him!

  • @bodytrainer1crane730
    @bodytrainer1crane730 Месяц назад +33

    I totally understand what Sebastian was saying about not being able to feel at BYU. I was unbelievably depressed at BYU but never would have been able to graduate (or afford another university) if I had felt my depression. Emotions speak to us! It's so sad that most Mormons think negative emotions are about Satan trying to get you! 👹 It's like medieval thinking.

  • @peregrine1993
    @peregrine1993 Месяц назад +48

    "I was so unrelenting because I was holding on so hard." I felt that.

  • @jaycee5555
    @jaycee5555 Месяц назад +12

    I really appreciate your talking about wanting to die as a missionary. My mission really damaged my mental health and I hated myself for wanting my life to be over. It is so validating to learn that I was not the only one!

  • @bodytrainer1crane730
    @bodytrainer1crane730 Месяц назад +46

    "Joseph couldn't have translated out of a hat!" -Sebastian 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @Blue-Mondays
    @Blue-Mondays Месяц назад +13

    I proudly wear my ‘Be A Menace’ Hoodie. I love the Black Menaces and I am an older woman Ex-Mo. I am proud and impressed with these young adults. I am mostly in awe of how they made it through BYU without succumbing to the pain of racism and that they were intelligent and brave enough to create student interviews. ❤

  • @oopsmyeye
    @oopsmyeye Месяц назад +40

    I’ve been out of Mormonism for 17 years and it’s so frequent for me to come across something so deeply embedded that I need to do a deep revisit of bigger issues. I’m 40, white, Provo born, kid of a cop, etc etc…
    Malcom X was a good guy!?! I just remember being a kid hearing about a bad movie about a bad guy that I shouldn’t watch and haven’t really revisited in 30ish years. I gotta do more homework!

  • @JayPee575
    @JayPee575 Месяц назад +39

    Since Mormons are mostly white, I found this refreshing to see black men speak about their experiences. I loved this ep.

    • @elliek5350
      @elliek5350 Месяц назад +1

      I'm actually wondering if the majority of the Mormons worldwide is actually white at this point.

    • @JayPee575
      @JayPee575 Месяц назад

      @@elliek5350 I am a never Mormon from the USA, so I’m not sure but I know the religion is growing overseas.

    • @elliek5350
      @elliek5350 Месяц назад +1

      @@JayPee575 I believe so too, but I don't have any data to confirm it

    • @JayPee575
      @JayPee575 Месяц назад

      @@elliek5350 it just opened up to allowing people who aren’t white though so who knows.

  • @TirraOmilade
    @TirraOmilade Месяц назад +9

    I am a former Christian and i think i Watch ex-Mormon videos because on some level I relate. Hearing Sebastian speak about his split from Mormonism…I can relate so much.

    • @mormonstories
      @mormonstories  Месяц назад

      I would love to interview you @TirraOmilade. Please email me: mormonstories@gmail.com

  • @britty4755
    @britty4755 Месяц назад +14

    The first thing the holy spirit told me when I became post mormon was that Brigham Young was racist and didn't represent God, lol. Jesus loves black people! Stay strong. You are all valuable and loved.

  • @davidkauppi6029
    @davidkauppi6029 Месяц назад +29

    Besides everything else.. It’s sooo saddening and alien hearing someone even having to concider cost when discussing universities, quality and reputation.
    Yours,
    Sweden

  • @shellyb5014
    @shellyb5014 Месяц назад +11

    I love that there are so many former black Mormons being interviewed. Ive noticed that Mormons who grew up in Utah vs Mormon who grew up elsewhere have such different experiences.

  • @SuzySylvania
    @SuzySylvania Месяц назад +28

    I love that a thunderstorm is “menacing “ through the Salt Lake Valley as this premier is airing! Go Black Menaces!!! ❤

  • @loadofcraft2278
    @loadofcraft2278 Месяц назад +8

    I cannot believe he was strong enough to go back to his mission. It sounds so emotionally and physically exhausting.

  • @bodytrainer1crane730
    @bodytrainer1crane730 Месяц назад +41

    A Mormon mission sounds like hell on Earth.

    • @stokenasty
      @stokenasty Месяц назад +4

      It’s a subtle hell. It’s the cultiest aspect of the church imho

    • @jakeswanson3831
      @jakeswanson3831 Месяц назад

      Best experience of my life. Just because it’s not something that everyone is prepared for or fully understand its purpose doesn’t mean it’s bad. Learned so much from my mission. It was hard and good.

    • @stokenasty
      @stokenasty Месяц назад +4

      @@jakeswanson3831 are you still an active member of the church?

    • @chlyri
      @chlyri Месяц назад +1

      ​@@jakeswanson3831but it isn't designed to be good. it's designed to reinforce brainwashing and drag in new recruits. it hurts people.

    • @nathanaeldavenport2251
      @nathanaeldavenport2251 Месяц назад +3

      My perception of it has evolved, especially after I left the church. When I was younger and still very much in, I had buried a lot of the unpleasant memories that I had from my mission. That’s not to say that I didn’t have some good experiences, but it would take me the better part of 20 years to revisit the bad memories and try to make sense of them. Especially the crippling depression that I experienced about 3/4 of the way through my mission. I didn’t understand that as depression at the time, but rather as complete and utter failure on my part. Also the constant stress I feeling like I would be held accountable by God for the people I could have “saved” if I didn’t give my very best efforts… There’s a reason why I sunk into depression. It’s amazing how indoctrination could make me gloss over that much pain and trauma.

  • @sharonminer9350
    @sharonminer9350 Месяц назад +13

    The phone plan explanation was great! It really made it make sense.

  • @madzabinga8382
    @madzabinga8382 Месяц назад +19

    Awesome interview! This was so insightful and one of my favorites this year, John. I feel really proud of those men and the changes they are making within the Mormon narrative!

  • @FishareFriendsNotFood972
    @FishareFriendsNotFood972 Месяц назад +30

    Would like to hear more about the terse relationship between Baptists and Mormons!

  • @learnedempowerment
    @learnedempowerment Месяц назад +22

    "The more you feel, the more likely you are to leave"
    Truth bomb

  • @TheWanderingHeretic
    @TheWanderingHeretic Месяц назад +8

    I've commented in the past about how these stories of BYU's institutional provincialism remind me of my time at MIT. But let me also validate that BYU is extreme. I was a very disruptive activist at Smith College during my undergrad, then again at MIT for grad school. At Smith College I made the Board of Trustees hate me during the fight for trans-inclusive admissions. At MIT some friends and I even marched on the Chancellor's office to demand an end to a building plan that would have made parents with 2-year-olds homeless. We were NEVER made to worry that we'd be expelled.

    • @TheWanderingHeretic
      @TheWanderingHeretic Месяц назад +4

      Plus Idk of any other university that would deny someone a transcript after they transfer out. And to think BYU is doing it over behaviors that are not illegal anywhere in the US and have nothing to do with academic honesty (namely activism and gay dating)... I wonder if that particular BYU practice should be illegal.

  • @froggie9871
    @froggie9871 Месяц назад +12

    Not only was this enlightening and informative it was also entertaining. That is hard to do. What an art.

  • @dynamitedame4743
    @dynamitedame4743 Месяц назад +7

    It’s crazy that most missionaries have the same story of depression and anxiety

  • @bodytrainer1crane730
    @bodytrainer1crane730 Месяц назад +41

    Great metaphor between The Truman Show and Mormonism.

  • @electra424
    @electra424 Месяц назад +9

    Thank you Sebastian, Nate, Rachel, and all the other Black Menaces for all the incredible work you have done. Revealing the dark underside of BYU to the world must have been so taxing on all of you I cannot even imagine. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

  • @nicetryubmrellacor7714
    @nicetryubmrellacor7714 Месяц назад +12

    john dehlin simply does not miss great interview great guests

  • @TirraOmilade
    @TirraOmilade Месяц назад +7

    Definitely following Black Menaces on YT and I made my first donation. All in! Thank you Sebastian and Nate for sharing your story and keep the movement going!

  • @peregrine1993
    @peregrine1993 Месяц назад +35

    Loved how forceful and how genuine that 'God dammit' was from John 😂

  • @Elparker28
    @Elparker28 Месяц назад +8

    I was really looking forward to this one, thank you for sharing Sebastian. I’m nevermo but raising my children (always a lifelong practice for myself too) to be critical thinkers and intentionally open minded. I really like the videos you’re putting out now teaching about current events in politics and how to actually be an ally. These are things that not everyone is learning at home or in school. The more voices of reason there are out there, the better. Thank you

  • @soude85
    @soude85 Месяц назад +4

    Thank you all, loved the metaphors!😊👌🏼

  • @RampidWarthogStudios
    @RampidWarthogStudios Месяц назад +14

    These guys just humbled me. I never had racism explained to me like that and I definitely want to be better and work on the things about me that are wrong.
    Awesome guys❤

  • @christeljulia
    @christeljulia Месяц назад +8

    I couldn't stop watching this interview. Spellbinding,. important stuff

  • @guideme1503
    @guideme1503 Месяц назад +8

    Took guts to try to represent blacks in LDS. IMPOSSIBLE. But, one by one, telling us…..educates, gives us a tiny chance to begin to grasp. God bless you both….and your lives.

  • @joannaprevost426
    @joannaprevost426 Месяц назад +8

    I'm not Mormon, but grew up in a city that was primarily LDS. I also gave up my organized religion at 13. It just felt fake, wrong and I didn't connect to it. There is a life outside religious indoctrination.

  • @jenniferanderson4201
    @jenniferanderson4201 Месяц назад +28

    Such a brilliant and important interview, on so many levels. Thank you!

  • @reneenolan3163
    @reneenolan3163 Месяц назад +8

    I am so glad you have survived to tell your story! Personal life experiences as a minority makes my heart cry for you on one hand and cheer at the top of my lungs for you! I hope you can find a joyful life on future!!❤

  • @SuperLibrarianInTraining
    @SuperLibrarianInTraining Месяц назад +7

    Reading Beverly Daniel Tatum’s Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? had a big impact on me. One thing from the book that still resonates with me is the idea that-while I benefit from white privilege/ institutional racism, I can’t be passively antiracist. I can be actively racist, passively racist, or actively antiracist.

  • @jordynreed526
    @jordynreed526 Месяц назад +6

    Nate and Sebastian, you are modern day poets, please keep doing your work 💓

  • @emmastanley4772
    @emmastanley4772 Месяц назад +8

    Loved John calling himself out for assuming the debate coach was a man!

  • @user-lq4sw1cx5z
    @user-lq4sw1cx5z Месяц назад +4

    You can feel the soul in the "co-pilot" - the friend. It is a beautiful heart that can face such adversity and still speak with such soul! let these men be an example for us all in our struggles. Make a difference. make the world a better place.

  • @whitesalamander
    @whitesalamander Месяц назад +9

    Gotta love how these two young men being authentic demonstrate how absurd Mormonism as manifest by BYU admin really is. 🤣

  • @derekdriggs720
    @derekdriggs720 3 дня назад +1

    Really appreciated your sincere story and authenticity Sebastian, as well as your insights Nate. So sorry for the emotional difficulties you went through at BYU.

  • @singer0004
    @singer0004 Месяц назад +20

    Ahh excited for this! I've been following him on Instagram

  • @purpleprose78
    @purpleprose78 Месяц назад +8

    This is a solid episode and I'm very much enjoying it. I live and have always lived in a very diverse area and it is hard for me to imagine living in a space as white as Utah. The concept that racism was a thing of the past was never a luxury that I enjoyed. I mean, I met my grandmother and got to listen uncomfortably as she used racial slurs. Being anti-racist is life long work, but in my experience it is worth it. White people who live in super white spaces are insulated from reality and the Black Menaces do good work shaking up that complacency.

  • @LynSmith-zg2qq
    @LynSmith-zg2qq Месяц назад +3

    Thank you Sebastian and Nate for this video and Black Menaces. Loved this video! Good luck guys!

  • @stephcon5458
    @stephcon5458 Месяц назад +2

    Love this episode! Thanks for having them on!! Sebastian obviously has a lot of wisdom to share despite being so young. Cant wait to see what happens post-college for these guys!

  • @annekimberling2825
    @annekimberling2825 Месяц назад +3

    Great interview! Thanks to Sebastian and Nate for sharing your experiences and giving us paths to a way forward towards more love. ❤️

  • @TirraOmilade
    @TirraOmilade Месяц назад +5

    Nate and Sebastian, I am so glad that you both completed your degrees in such stressful and antagonistic circumstances. Malcolm X would be proud.

  • @angelinajardean6484
    @angelinajardean6484 Месяц назад +4

    Brad Wilcox impression was off the charts hilarious… !!! I support you guys!!!

  • @kentthalman4459
    @kentthalman4459 Месяц назад +5

    Growing up in Provo during the '60s/'70s, I was 14 before seeing my first black man in person

  • @DestonieSalazar
    @DestonieSalazar Месяц назад +4

    What an amazing discussion. Once again Morman Stories delivers.

  • @carolebarnard5116
    @carolebarnard5116 Месяц назад +9

    I love all the work you do! Thank you so much.

  • @VerbenaComfrey
    @VerbenaComfrey Месяц назад +15

    This is an incredible episode. Thank you all.

  • @sheliabryant3997
    @sheliabryant3997 Месяц назад +9

    Nate's commentary on missio naries' going into other countries seeing themselves as "saviours' and/or "colonial- ists" whose own otherness remains intact, impermeable - thus, "untouched"/
    "inalterable"-
    when they have returned to SLC is absolutely scalpellary and eloquent.
    As are, really, all his insights and "expansions".
    As a university student in Atlanta 1966-70, these two were people by whom I had sensed I was surrounded for years; had hoped to come to KNOW, but feared we would never see a "freedom of association" in my lifetime.
    IN FAIRNESS, Atlanta was not as "bad" as people might think. But, the cumulative effects of Viet Nam War AND John Birch Society madness had been fomenting concurrently from about 1958 + - and were at a pass of such "moral" volatility - advancing from collective mind to personal conscience - that the flash-point hovered palpably just above one's hairline.
    One knew that "THE TIME" was "NOW! RIGHT. NOW. " and yet the threat of imminent global nuclear destruction just sucked the very breath of reason and HOPE of resolu tion right out of our nostrils, ears, eyeballs, and brains.
    What a time.
    What a sad and glorious time of POTENTIAL for the 😶
    HUMANITY of mankind.
    I think of it now as something like a kitten with the innards of a lion roaring to find its way out of a shoe-box.
    Maybe because I was a white female Sebastion yet to have a first date and a born REBEL STUFFED FULL OF "CAUSE", it feels now just as it did then.
    Are we really STILL trying to claw our way out of that g***d shoe-box?
    How much of FURY is
    unspent/- inarticulable
    GRIEF?
    I could weep like John Larsen right now.

  • @reneenolan3163
    @reneenolan3163 Месяц назад +8

    I wish we could change the name of BYU!! I am actually glad I did not graduate from BYU!

  • @danielclingen34
    @danielclingen34 Месяц назад +7

    I wasn’t expecting to see Nate, I feel like I haven’t seen him in forever

  • @letahamilton
    @letahamilton Месяц назад +5

    I’ve listened to several of the Black Menace podcasts & they are excellent. Recommend.

  • @claudetterush1086
    @claudetterush1086 Месяц назад +7

    I moved to Provo from Fort Hood TX in the 60s when I was in high school. Cultural Shock! I didn't know how to get along here either and I'm white. It was too weird. So weird. I really hated it.

  • @ellasigns
    @ellasigns Месяц назад +2

    “The sun got brighter” 😂💀 Sebastian I am like a third of the way thru the podcast and can’t wait to hear the rest. You are an incredible storyteller and I’m so happy that you finally have the freedom to tell yours!
    Also- I feel you on the love for sleep. I have never related to something more 😮‍💨

  • @TirraOmilade
    @TirraOmilade Месяц назад +2

    Sebastian and Nate make me so proud as a Black/African American mom.

  • @jodieasterling1992
    @jodieasterling1992 Месяц назад +3

    I absolutely love this interview. I am so glad that I am in southern California. My husband and I have been together for 36 years and when we first got together we faced so much bigotry for being together. My sons have put up with all of the cops and everything that comes with racism, but it is not Utah. I can only imagine. I feel for you having to go through that but you are doing the right thing. People have to learn. I appreciate someone who speaks out and tells truth. I also have been working through my biases because I grew up with racist parents. A lot of that sinks in to your soul.

  • @dygz
    @dygz Месяц назад +7

    Isn’t crazy that Latter Day Saints want to be called Latter Day Saints - when they aren’t actually saints… and it’s still not the latter days???

  • @silktish
    @silktish 6 дней назад

    I effing love The Black Menaces! I learned about them here, but they are so so so important. I had no idea that there was a black/mormon intersection until I learned of them and I've been devouring their content ever since. I may be a white ex-mo, but i have my own pressures and prejudices experienced with church culture and while i will forever be deconstructing my own racism, i can certainly relate to some things. We are better together and loving one another as individuals...and fighting for one another as the human fam we are. Thank all three of you fellas for this interview. I learned so much and I have so much to think of. Thank you. You are AWESOME!

  • @tsugal11
    @tsugal11 11 часов назад

    Sebastian’s such a great young man! I’m looking forward to watching him expand his platform now that he’s finished with college. I want to adopt his policy of not putting up with Bullying!
    He reminds me of my students & what it would be like if they moved to Utah. I’m a public school teacher in a suburb of San Antonio, Texas & my students are 1/3 white, 1/3 black, and 1/3 Hispanic/latino - we do have quite a few Asian students too. Moving to Utah would be crazy to them & to me! I’m so glad I live in a community with diversity. Our students are so accepting of people…no matter who or what they are. I tell them often how proud I am of them & how they accept people for who they are.

  • @alex21mu
    @alex21mu Месяц назад +6

    Couldn’t wait for his story

  • @mads8744
    @mads8744 Месяц назад +6

    Oh my gosh!!! so excited for this one!!!!

  • @bombadillo2
    @bombadillo2 Месяц назад +10

    Stoked for this

    • @bernicebrown2527
      @bernicebrown2527 Месяц назад +4

      Please stop saying Catholic Church is High Demand. It is nothing like Mormon, Seventh Day Adventist and Jehovah Witness.

    • @jencendiary
      @jencendiary Месяц назад +4

      ​@@bernicebrown2527 sorry, karen. If the shoe fits, wear it.

    • @Lunatic4Bizcas
      @Lunatic4Bizcas Месяц назад

      @bernicebrown2527: Catholicism can be high demanding depending on the individual and how involved the individual member decides to get themselves involved. Yes, Mormonism and JW stood apart from other religions of Christendom in the way that the members would typically face direct pressure for going on missions; doing temple service etc, but in recent years overall, that pressure has lessened and for the most part if you become a casual member, the LDS church at least will mostly stay away and leave you alone. This has not been the case of course through most of its history but a recent phenomenon. In that regard, the LDS church and JW's to an extent ( I believe) are becoming more mainline and casual in overall worship and expectation for commitment. This present climate is making what were typically high demand religions become increasingly more relaxed in worship, which is similar to how the normative Catholic experience is. Aside from casual worship becoming common place in Mormonism for instance, another similarity that both LDS and Catholic Church's have is that they are very hierarchical. After all, it is pretty apparent that the Catholic Church laid the blue print for other large religions that have emerged within Christendom thereafter.

    • @jakeswanson3831
      @jakeswanson3831 Месяц назад

      What is so wrong with high demanding. The best things in life require sacrifice, challenge and effort. At the end of the day, you can always do less and have peace with that… or walk away. Beauty of choice/agency

    • @sheliabryant3997
      @sheliabryant3997 Месяц назад

      ​@@jakeswanson3831
      FRERE JACQUES! FRERE
      🎶 JACQUES!
      Dormez vous?🎶
      Dormez vous?

  • @janedoe2957
    @janedoe2957 Месяц назад +2

    I love watching them. They have such good humor and I am excited to hear their stories! I audiably went YAYYY when I saw this!

  • @jakearlow
    @jakearlow Месяц назад +8

    soooo excited for this ❤

  • @michelleadams1078
    @michelleadams1078 Месяц назад +3

    As I’m listening I’m recognizing the difference between growing up an “active” Mormon verses becoming active as a teen whom didn’t faithfully attend seminary. I’m biracial (Mexican and Black) and mainly look Mexican/white. Born in 1977. I heard so much prejudiced rhetoric within the doctrine/teachings and saw racist behavior in Phoenix/Utah. All the lessons on priesthood, church history, celestial kingdom, dichotomy between light and dark in scriptures, Nephites/laminites etc. The prejudices and racism was always apparent. As a person of color I was always making excuses for the inconsistencies, racism, and issues within the church because it’s impossible to make it all make sense especially problematic issues with racism.

  • @TirraOmilade
    @TirraOmilade Месяц назад +4

    So interesting how cowardly Brad Wilcox was when confronted. Speaks volumes!

  • @denisekeeran9883
    @denisekeeran9883 Месяц назад +10

    Nate's metaphors are blowing me away.

  • @ProjectDre
    @ProjectDre Месяц назад +2

    Followed! So proud of these young men! Thanks for sharing their story!

  • @JohnDoe-yh3oh
    @JohnDoe-yh3oh Месяц назад +1

    Respect for this conversation!👏

  • @dystoniaawarness3353
    @dystoniaawarness3353 Месяц назад +13

    We moved out in the mid 90s to Utah. Children said why is that man so dirty, black father of my children. My children got comments racist constantly. My daughter was jumped by a group of boys yelling n word she came home bleeding it got bad. I called principal and the parent tried bringing me a cake. Her son used to play with my children but he learned from parents to hate and started getting others involved. She started calling police saying gangbangers are at my home. Walk to store ppl would yell n word like it's nothing out car windows.. Follow us around the store. Finally ran back to WA and took my son a year to stop crying if anyone said he wasn't white. It really was alot of trauma. It's still bad

    • @MostBoringNameEver
      @MostBoringNameEver Месяц назад +3

      Oh my GOSH!!! 😱

    • @timhazeltine3256
      @timhazeltine3256 Месяц назад

      I'm very sorry for you and your son's trauma. But I'm not surprised.. for over a century LDS theology codified discrimination against people of color. I'm not sure much has changed as LDS approved images of Christ still depict him as a Scandinavian.

    • @claudetterush1086
      @claudetterush1086 Месяц назад +8

      I don't know what to say but I cannot scroll on without telling you that my heart hurts for your children.

  • @thekreactivators
    @thekreactivators Месяц назад +7

    As a former Black convert this makes me feel seen

  • @SLCNON
    @SLCNON Месяц назад +2

    So great to see the quality and depth of this discussion. Touches on so many great issues. Loved especially the details about moving to UT and experiencing that culture shock. Thank you for the gift of your story!

  • @pamelatd
    @pamelatd Месяц назад +3

    Thank you so much. What an incredible episode!

  • @denisekeeran9883
    @denisekeeran9883 Месяц назад +4

    Still listening, but this line really hit me: It didn't get better, but I got used to the pain.

  • @julieprince5538
    @julieprince5538 Месяц назад +15

    I love the Black Menaces 💙
    I found them on MS when you had Nate and Rachel on .

  • @julieabrams7110
    @julieabrams7110 Месяц назад +1

    MUCH RESPECT Sebastian and Nate~ Thank you!

  • @jaycee5555
    @jaycee5555 Месяц назад +1

    Thank you so much for sharing your story! This will help so many of us!

  • @TirraOmilade
    @TirraOmilade Месяц назад +2

    John, 256k subs is IMPRESSIVE! Kudos to you.

  • @AgentXaos
    @AgentXaos Месяц назад +6

    I'm something of a black menace myself.

  • @bodytrainer1crane730
    @bodytrainer1crane730 Месяц назад +10

    I just read a book called "How to Not Get Shot and Other Advice from White People," and it really opened my white eyes. I think white people need to be more educated on these issues because they are a HUGE part of U.S. history.

  • @lotion_laura
    @lotion_laura Месяц назад +4

    Awesome interview. I really enjoyed it and I could identify with them.