Glad to see you tell your story. As a light skinned African American I know just what you are talking about.

Brandon seems like a really smart young man. We should all just keep going regardless of what happens in your life. At the end of the day regardless of what someone has done to you or what they didn’t do to you, you are still ultimately responsible for yourself and the way your life turns out.

I believe that in 2008 yes it may a little harder for an African American to make it, but it’s definitely possible to become whatever you wish. Look at Barack Obama as living proof. The difference in people who find success in this country regardless of race and the ones who don’t are the excuses some I think it’s high time this country stop making excuses for why things are they way they are and start making results.

I watch you on the weekends and during the week when I have the opportunity and it seems that you are always reporting like you are a white man. Noone is saying do something wrong to support Blacks, just be who you are and be fair. Sometimes we see reporters who will sale their souls for their jobs. I think there must be a time in your life and mine that our principles take front seat; and if you are right and qualified the jobs will come.

Loved what you wrote, sorry you had to and glad that you have gone past it. Always look forward to your reporting on CNN, in Atlanta and on-site at various points. Enjoy your manner and infectious smile. Appreciate your career climb more now! We all need to cross those lines and keep on moving – we’re getting there.

It is amazing what people can accomplish when afforded equal opportunities. Good Job Brandon. You make me really proud!

Don, Thank you for sharing your personal story and enlightening those who may never ever understand. We can indeed impact each other’s world we just have to want and desire change. This is a huge world we live in and when we decide that change begins with us then and only then can it ever happen. Thank you!

This is a stirring, informative, and thought-provoking piece. Thank you.

Since I grew up in Long island and mixed with many different races and many oother blacks of different hues, also being a “brown” skined person, I had no knowledge of the issues that a “light-skined” person had to endure. I always thought that they had the best of two worlds. They were desired by the girls because they could make pretty babies and they were more accepted by whites because they were closer to their color. It wasn’t until I had conversations with my son, who is very light, that i came to understand the acceptance issus they deal with. I guess I never looked at them as anything else then my friend and never rejected or accepted them because of the color of their skin. We need to sop the follishness and realize that they are black just like us and stop hating on them because of the color of their skin or the type of hair the have. We are stil one tribe!

Before I say the following I don’t want to suggest that all discrimination is gone but I do think black people assume they are being discriminated against when in fact everyone gets ignored, someone else less deserving can get the job, and any number of other events. Where I’ve worked people pay attention to the individual and if you’re the smartest, I promise word will get around regardless of color or gender.

The black community must shake off their past and embrace their future. I think they have held on to the past and hurt themselves. They must stop seeing themselves as victims so they can have all the success that is out there to have. I don’t care and I’ve never heard of someone talk about how dark or light a black person is (and really no one is 100% anything specific so color is really how you see yourself). I think America is further along than the black community thinks. If they will change how they think, I believe they will find they can accomplish more.

I also think I see black women ahead of black men. I don’t know if that’s because being the ones having babies they had to face that they didn’t also get help from the fathers so they changed how they thought faster. Regardless.. they’re in college and they’ll be rising faster in business. You have to persevere and find ways to make it. The women are the ones in front.. the men will have to follow.

Thank you for sharing the story of your youth and upbringing. I very much respect you as a journalist Mr. Lemon. You inspire me with your ability to rise above the pain that our people are subjected to while choosing to be hopeful. And look what you’ve become! Thank you and keep on inspiring us! Angela – Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Our youth may watch rappers on tv watch movies depicting blacks selling drugs, killing each other and gangbangin. Like what was said last night on “black in america” a high majority of white people buy those same albums watch those same movies but u have to wonder why the majority of them are not in similar situations as the minorities. It’s due to the difference in the communities in which they reside. It’s due to the lack of education in the public school system. It’s due to not getting the same praise from getting that A on ur report card tht u find some getting from having money in their pockets by selling drugs. It’s due to not seeing examples of success stories within those communities and I don’t mean making it to the NBA, NFL or any other sport. Success in educating one’s self going to college then coming back to that same community after they make it to show that anything is possible. We are bound to continue to repeat our mistakes as a race until we ourselves stop waiting for outside influences to change it for us. If each successful minority went from community to community year after year expressing options in the flesh not a movie about someone who lived 20, 30 or 40 years ago. Showing the hard work it takes to get there influencing our youth on the positives and that their is no statistic when it comes setting a goal and seeing it through. It’s a choice that is made and having the support, assistance and want to see it through!

Question: When a black person is pulled over by the police, is it always racially motivated? Based on the opinions here on CNN, it would appear so. I guess the only way to correct this is for police to never pull over black people anymore. He makes the comment, “like getting pulled over by the cops because I was driving a nice car”. I would like to know how he knows that to be fact. If he does not know that 100% to be correct then he is making a racist assumption himself. Quit blaming everything on the “white man” and the police. I’ve been pulled over before….is it because I’m white and have money?
It is easy to find excuses for your behavior when you look really hard.

This country will never get over race…too many people on both sides want to see in color instead of seeing people as they truly are….human – brothers and sisters in Christ (no matter what color).

Great article. It definately touches on some issues of the present and not so distant past.

Don is my favorite CNN Anchor. His delivery is great, his comments are sharp and interesting and his demeanor is always calm and considerate. Thanks for the Blog and for giving us insight into your background. We need to know these things so we as Americans understand our country and work harder to make it better. A lot of whites think all is well now and still don’t realize the struggle blacks have to this day.
Thank you.

Let me first start off that I am white. This story about Brandon Henry makes me feel good. Did you guys air this on your show? This would be a good lesson to all those blacks who think the world owes them everything. Brandon obviously didnt let anything hold him back. He didnt make excuses. He went out and achieved on his own. There is plenty of opportunity for everyone in this country. It doesnt matter if your black, white, green or blue. You just have to want it. Two thumbs up to Brandon. Congradulations on your success.

Don,
Your story sounds a lot like my story.

The story continues in Corporate America.

Blacks are not as divided over complexion as you are portraying it. I’m 38 and fair skin with light brown eyes. I lived in the south and north while growing up. I have a brown sister and a dark brown brother. The types of situations that are encountered amongst the different complexions are “typically” more superficial than anything else. At your age, you would know this to be true. As a matter of fact I went to Morehouse. The HBCU’s have not been divided over color in a very long time, including the fraternities. All of this race bating is hogwash and is being used as a detracter from the Obama campaign…

Great piece. i was very disappointed that the “positive” images of Black males in the documentary were primarily light skinned Blacks.. Having grown up in south Louisiana, I know well the about the skin color issue in our community. It seems that the closer Blacks resemble whites, the more they are excepted.. Nothing has changed! .

What can I say Don. I am from the South as well. 3/4 “white,” 1/4 American Indian. I grew up in a small Georgia town entirely unaware of the tensions between people of differing skin colors. My parents & grandparents, bless them, know that human is human. I asked my Grandfather, one time, about the Indian part of our family, and what had happened to the tribe. His answer was: “That is history. We are Americans now, and that is all that matters. Your duty is to live your life in the world as it exists today & excel in that environment. Bitterness over the past will only hold you back.” Of course I can “pass” for “white.” The only clues to my Indian heritage are my facial structure, the fact I cannot grow a beard & the fact I rarely burn.

It was only in my teens that I was hit in the face with the tensions that still exist. I was excoriated by a girl who started telling me my ancestors were responsible for slavery, etc. Nevermind the fact that the Indian part of my family were never slaveowners, and my “white” ancestors hadn’t emigrated from Europe. Nevermind the facts my ancestors were essentially starving until we finally started prospering in the early 1900’s.

It is time for people to start dealing with the individuals they know as individuals. And afford them the same kind of respect they would like to receive themselves.

Great article Don Lemon. I watch you frequently. I see prejudice with blacks on blacks. Sometimes, it isn’t skin color, it is frequently socio-economic divisions. We all need to keep going to make things better.

I like your story. It’s interesting to hear how other people have lived. I admire you for becoming what you have. The only thing I regret is most of the stories during this Black in America thing is people don’t take into account it goes both ways.

I am a white girl who has grown up in an inner city surrounded by all races. Some of my best friends are black and pakistani. When I talk to them and people around me I don’t see color. I see another person. I thought long and hard about it and it is true, I don’t just say that.

I went to inner city schools and often times were picked on because I was not black. We get called all sorts of racial slur names as well. I’ve been ganged up on and hit because I was not black. I’ve been harassed, both verbal and sometimes boarderline sexual. I had a knife pulled on me in 3rd grade by a black guy and was told I would be cut up after school unless I submitted sexually to his brother. When I complained to adults, principles, teachers, I was told they didn’t want to hear about it. I was being racist for saying such bad things about black people.

It’s situations like this that make a person hate another race. I still enjoy my friends, but I think twice before I go into any store or neighborhood that is mostly black. I find I am afraid to. So things go both ways. It’s not just blacks who get this treatment.

Thank you for the article. I grew up in Venezuela – Dad worked for an oil company. We didn’t have prejudice there – I first learned about it when I came to the US for high school. Was accosted by a group of blacks because I was white & in the wrong part of town. Not a pleasant experience. Saw prejudice during pilot training when black students were given twice the amount of “downs” or flight failures as white students to “meet quotas”. The list goes on and on.

My grandfather was an American working for the oil companies in Mexico. When the oil companies were nationalized, he stayed there, ranched, and married. My father was born in Mexico and went to high school and college here in the US – just like I did. Today, I am proud to say that I am an American of German and Mexican descent. First and foremost, though, I am just an American.

It’s interesting to me that there are no “black Venezuelan”, “black Costa Rican”, “black Cuban”, “black Puerto Rican” major league baseball players. They’re just Costa Rican, Cuban, or Puerto Rican ball players. However, their colonial history mirrors that of the US to a great degree.

As long as there’s money to be made from being different, special, or unique, prejudice will flourish. As long as there are quotas and political gains to be had, prejudice will flourish. As it continues, it will make it even harder for those such as yourself to be viewed without reservation by others. Thank you for being “just one of us” – no better, no worse, no different.

I grew up in Chicago and experienced much the same things as you. I didn’t fit into the black community and certainly not the whites. I was called “high yellow” most of my life and I did and still do have what they call “good hair”. I got beat up growing up by black kids for infractions such as going to a private school, talking “proper”, wearing a uniform to school and just because of they way I looked, supposedly I thought I was better than everyone else. All I really wanted to do was fit in and make friends. Not the easiest thing to do in that situation.

In college in Wisconsin, the only fraternity/sorority at the was an all black one. My older brother adviced me not to join because of some things he knew happened there, so I didn’t. Because I didn’t join and just attended my classes, I then became the victim of severe harassment by the members of the fraternity/sorority. On 2 occasions, I was held against my will and lectured by them for not joining and asked why I did not have a “token” black friend.

Despite the growing pains, I too learned to expect racism by both groups and ignore a lot of it. I believe that I’m a much stronger person for these experiences and I embrace all nationalities as being created by GOD. Being black in America is definitely rocky at times but also inspiring and rewarding.

“Of course there were the usual infractions from whites like getting pulled over by the cops because I was driving a nice car, getting followed around by security guards in retail stores, being ignored by restaurant and bar staff. Sadly I had to learn to accept it, even expect it. But it somehow cut to the quick when black people did it. It hurt me deeply. Hey, whose side are you on anyway?”

I know that sounds awful… but if you look at the DOJ numbers, African Americans have crime rates that are rediculously high for the percentage of their population.. Go look at them before you get too hurt. Then if you imagine why their is this correlation you can understand your own pain better. Also remember that Black people arent the only one’s who are being accused of shoplifting despite being innocent. I have been stopped twice as a customer, and once as an employee of a large company who I wont name. Do I think this happens to black people more often, yes. Do I think African Americans cause more crime relative to their population, yes, the DOJ numbers say so.

Its kind of like this: I am a very large, tall, blue-eyed white man, and I am expected to be a racist and sexist and because I am “priviledged”, and the world’s problems exist because of me. Why, because there are so many white men in the world who fit this bill and are in positions of power. I am not in a position of power, I am not racist or sexist nor do I have any priviledge because I’m poor and my parents were born poor.

Bottom line, dont let it get you down, you know who you are. Remember, peoples perceptions change very slowly, but it’s better that they are changing slowly than not at all.

Glad I’m not the only one who gets ignored by bartenders

I am very proud of CNN for taking time to do this special. It is educating for all races. So often the negative images of blacks are the ones that are put on TV and those images are the ones that make their way outside of the States. As a former Soldier, I would litteraly cringe whenever I was overseas, and see the negative stereotypical images of black women in rap videos. I tried very hard to be the antithesis to those images. I must respond to Lou, the Asian-American and his apparent tiredness of black people whining and complaining. I am glad to see that you are comfortable enough with the fruits of both the labor and sacrifice of those black people who marched and fought for civil rights of which ANY minority group including poor white people are the beneficiary of. When you are quietly in the background benefitting from the sacfifice of others try to not to complain too hard whilst the children of that movement are still trying to push the equality agenda forward.

This is the type of stories about young Black males that should be displayed on the front page of the paper. Not all Black males chose the “thug route”. Life is about choices, and there are a lot of Black males who are making the right choices. However, we only get to see the ones who are dropping out of school and/or on their way to prison. The meida so unfair.

Congrats to you Brandon, it’s young adults like you who will help change America’s perception of the Black male.

In today’s day and age there are so many organizations driven towards the black community. Each of these organizations tries to empower black people to exceed what they have dubbed their predetermined future as a criminal, drug user, or single parent (as mentioned in the article above). Each of these organizations aspire for GREAT things in the black community.

Turn the page on this; what do you think the response would be from the black community had we switched one word in that paragraph. If we had changed “black” to “white” it’d be a racist and discriminative organization. As it stands now, it’s considered a beneficial community organization. In other words, it’s another one of society’s examples of a double standard.

I really enjoyed this article. My one gripe is that if Blacks are giving Blacks a hard time, then why all the political focus on Whites giving Blacks a hard time? Is it ok for Blacks to discriminate? If Whites were killing Blacks at the rate that Blacks are in places like Birmingham, Memphis and Atlanta, there would be a second round of “Rodney King riots.”

I think this just proves that regardless of who you are, you have to deal w/ idiots any where you are. There is just a % that don’t like anybody. They have to hate someone and if it wasn’t you it would be somebody else.

Just a comment in general – This is a very interesting and worthwhile series of articles. It is giving me an insight into some things that, as a white man, I had no idea were part of daily life for African Americans. Just gaining some insight into someone else’s daily life takes them from faces in the crowd to someone you know at least a little bit. From that comes understanding and, hopefully, improved relations.

Wow Don thank you so much for writing this. I found myself both laughing and getting teary eyed in parts. Sounds like you had an amazing grandmother. There is just something about a grandmother that is extra special. We all thank her as well for what she did in raising you to be a great man.

It has been fantastic to see pieces from Don, TJ and Tony, Stephanie and Lola. I would love to head from Fredricka on this topic as well.

Why do we have this article about Black In America this is racism. I have never seen article white in America, Immigrants they all have dreams and goals in there live. People please stop feeling sorry for Black in America they are same as white, yellow,

It is sad to say, that when I was a kid, I thanked GOD for being lightskinned with “good” hair. I remember growing up how the darker skin black kids were teased, how they became angry and resentful ( how could you blame them). My mom always thought us the black people shouldn’t worry about skin color among other blacks, but she also thought us that we should avoid marrying a man with dark skin or nappy hair. I was confused, was my loyalty to be to my race or my color? Even today when I see a very dark skinned child with kinky hair, I have to stop myself from thinking, “why didn’t this childs parents think about that before they had her?”. It’s a sad statement, but I know that alot of times I am treated better than some counterparts because of my skin color. Men are more likley to open doors for me, I have a better chance of getting the job over a more traditional looking African-American female. I am scared for nieces, who have dark skin, that they will not get the same treatment in life as my son. When I walk into a “black” establishment, people atomatically say how cute he is, how sweet.. ( My son cute), without even getting a good look. I know it’s because of his light skin and silky hair. I know it’s wrong, but sometimes I thank God that my son is lightskinned with “good” hair

Great article, Don! I watch you every day on the CNN Newsroom, and I like your delivery style. I’m also a fan of T.J. Holmes, as well as Tony Harris; as a black man, I’m encouraged by CNN’s commitment to diversity. I thoroughly enjoyed Soledad O’Brien’s 2-part documentary, “Black in America.” In fact, I’ll probably watch it again this weekend.

I can also relate to your personal story. I lost my mother when I was 6 and my father when I was 11. I had two aunts who could pass for white women, one of whom raised me and enrolled me in Catholic elementary school. As a light-skinned black person (I have “good” hair too), I experienced some of the same resentment from darker-skinned blacks. I also experienced ridicule from black friends for the way that I spoke; because I was taught to speak using proper English and was articulate, I was accused of sounding “white.” Now I’m glad I learned to speak well because it has served me well in my life and my professional career. The ability to speak well and articulate one’s thoughts, in my opinion, may be the single most important skill a person can have.

Thanks for sharing your story!

This was a very eloquent account of what growing up Black in the south is like. I too am a Black southerner and lamented on many occasions that I didn’t have “good hair”. My part Black, part Cherokee grandmother who had light skin and straight hair was insistent about running a straightening comb through my hair on a daily basis to keep the curls (or the naps as she called them) from coming back. I realize now that she grew up in a different era where Black beauty was not celebrated and the more white you looked, the prettier you were thought to be . Thus, she didn’t know any better.

Years later though, it still pains me that distinctions are made between light skinned and dark skinned Blacks in our community. While we as a race have made many advances, we still seem stuck on skin color and hair.

I cannot count the number of Black friends and acquaintances who discouraged me for allowing my hair to go natural; thereby ending about 20 yrs of using chemical straightners. Many of my light skinned friends and family members are often questioned by other Blacks as to whether they are mixed or Hispanic or White. Black comes in a lot of different hues of brown and to parapharase India.Arie, we are not our hair.

The focus should be on our common experiences; our successes and struggles in this country, not on the vestiges of slavery that were mean’t to divide us.

It is remarkable to hear about discrimination within a race, but it is not really unprecedented. Even among whites, there is internal discrimination, mostly between “northern” europeans and “southern” europeans, with the southern europeans being “darker”. In Boston, these camps were predominantly Irish origin and Italian origin, and there has been acrimony between the ethnic groups as vitriolic as that between black and white.

I have also learned that in Italy, northern italians look down on their darker southern citizens, and mainland italians have utter contempt for the much darker sicilians.

I understand that the distinction (and discrimination) between lighter and darker skinned blacks also exists in Europe. So it isn’t a black american problem.

It would be nice to see this race problem end by the time I am gone from this earth but the way things are going, I dont see it happening. A major part of this “racial discrimination” problem comes from upbringing. If a parent enstills in their children’s mind from early on these racial problems then they will never go away. If parents now would raise their children with open minds and to accept everyone, no matter their color, religion etc, we could get past these problems. But as long as their are problem stirring people out there (Al Sharpton) (David Duke) things will never get better. Those men dont want equality, they want to create more problems. No matter what it is, someone will find a way to turn anything into a racial issue. I am so over this slave issue too. I am not a slave owner, the current black community were not slaves, get over what happened so long ago. We cannot change what our ancestors did and who they did it to, all we can do is go forward with open minds and stop dwelling on the past. As long as you live in the past you will never see your future. I do have faith that one day things will get better, it might take a catastropic event that would force us all to lean on each other and draw strength from one another. I hate that you cannot turn on the t.v. without hearing this kind of trash. Like this “Black in America” documentary, all that was aimed to do was start more trouble. Lay off of things like that. Do documentaries on everyone working together to build a homeless family a home or raise money for children that are dying because they cant afford the medicine to keep them alive. If people keep shoving racism down peoples throats it will never go away because all it does it get everyone envolved more angry at the other side. All I’m saying is get over it everyone, black, white, purple, green, gold, brown, yellow, whoever. Martin Luther King is probably turning over in his grave at the way things are handled now, he didnt go about things like they are done today. He didnt show up everywhere someone said something racial and try to draw everyone in the country into it and make it more than what it was. With that I leave everyone with this piece of advice,
“Open Minds, Open Hearts or Closed Doors to the Future”. It’s our choice, let’s make a responsible one.

I’m Mexican, medium brown in color. I live in Northwest Ohio. I’ve meet people from Mexico who came here to work, they call me “white girl”.That doesn’t bother me I hardly speak any Spanish, most people just assume I do. All people of color are looked at differently, within and outside there race. It’s how you deal with it that matters.

This article is much better than the last few. He did hit the nail on the head: Its not white people that cause all the problems, its black parents.

Whites dont think that all black people are bad fathers, thieves or violent thugs. We do have a problem when we see otherwise good african americans standing by and defending these dead beat dads, criminals and gang bangers and throwing the race card out for people like tookie williams. Sometimes I think blacks are more worried about being black than doing the right thing.

It is wonderful that CNN is doing the series Black in America. As a women of color I experienced up and downs in my life. One of the things I learned when I was introduced to Buddhism was that you have to take personal responsiblity for your life. When you begin working on yourself that can have a positive efffect on the environment. I
Sometimes as Black Americans we focus too much on the subject of race. At times that can hold us back. Instead we should be focusing on improving ourselves orour inner growth. I saw a phrase in a office that said “Attitude is Everything”.
Dealing with situations and people can be a challenge at times. But this is what life is about. It is important to learn how to keep going on.

It is tiring to continually hear the victim card played, especially from a privileged media elite like Don Lemon. As a thrirty somewthing white male living in the year 2008 I would like to know when there is going to be a moratorium put in place on this victimization racket.

Don, thank you for being candid. This is not “dirty laundry”. It was and still sometimes is reality. I believe Daniel is not being honest with himself. Especially if he went to Morehouse. They do practive the paper bag test even if it is unspoken. Their is also a lot of classism. I don’t see this as distracting from the Obama campaign. We have to be honest about this problem and confront it. I’m happy Obama is the one black person to have gotten the close to the presidency because he doesn’t have the same mentality of some blacks that were raised in the U.S. and have not traveled internationally. He is not a victim and neither is Michelle.

That’s why interracial relationships are always a bad idea. It’s the kids that have to suffer.

Thanks for sharing your story, Don. I enjoy watching you on Newsroom!

I think it’s very easy for people that are white (as I am) to sit back and say that racism isn’t that bad or that maybe blacks just see what they want to see. But until you’ve dealt with it I’m not so sure it’s easy for us to judge.

Depending on where you live in the country you may have a different experience. When I lived in Mass. there wasn’t as much of problem in the area I lived in. But now, living in the south I do know it’s a bigger issue. I’ve been with black friends and seen some of these things that Don has described happen. It’s not a figment of their imagination. The point is, some white people are bad, some black people are bad as well as every other race. Why do we have to think that all people of the same race are the same?

Until you walk a mile in someone else’s shoes how can we judge?

“Black in America” is one of the most powerful TV shows I have ever watched. Simplified, we very serious internal crisis to address. Although I am well informed there is a problem, but never thought it is as deep and as complex as this. The crisis is multi-faceted and hence needs multifaceted solutions. Many are to blame for the crisis: the black community, the government, racial discrimination (racism)… Yet, we run around the world and spend billions a week to solve world problems and to “democratize” the world whereas our own house is so dirty and cracked and needs urgent cleaning and repair. Now I clearly understand why some do not listen to us, pointing fingers at our own internal crisis we prefer to ignore.

Thanks for sharing your perspective. As a white woman in the south, I am incredibly curious about the black experience, but unsure whether it’s okay to ask about it directly. I’ve enjoyed Soledad’s series and the accompanying articles here on the site.

White on white prejudice is as common as black on black. Prejudice is everywhere and we ‘re kidding ourselves if we believe it’s going away soon. The older I get, the harder I try to get along with everyone. However, nothing will make me more angry than someone of a different color, approaching me as if I’m the enemy.

I am touched beyond words by your story. I have long respected your abilities as I watch CNN every day. And as a white American, I am appalled that bigotry still exists to this degree. I hope that we will soon evolve into a truly civilized country and these prejudices will be put aside. While raised in a predominantly white community to parents who were biased, my experiences and education have shaped me differently. But one thing that I noticed during my college days was that black students frequently refused friendly overtures from white students and it certainly was an education into what prejudice felt like. My work for the Obama campaign has been fabulous…we have all seen how great things can be when we all work together. Best wishes for a continued bright future.

Great commentary!

Thanks for sharing your story, Don. In more ways than one, I can relate to this article. I attend Howard University and aspire to become a journalist, too. And yes, it is sad that many of these things, including the “brown paper bag” test, still exists in 2008! I believe this story will open the eyes of those who have become naiive of the world around them. Racism is still alive, but regardless, as an African American young woman, this story gives me the inspiration to continue to keep moving forward. And keep up the good work, Brandon!

Congratulations CNN and Soledad O’Brien. The Series was excellent I am sure it will win many awards. I was pleased to see that you pulled no punches and showed the whole picture of the black experience in America. Including both the horrors and legacy of slavery, second class citizenship and racism, as well as the self inflicted injuries including absent fathers and poor choices made by single mothers, criminals etc. I would suggest that CNN undertake a project called White in America in which you can parallel a lot of the stories about the impact of poverty, drugs, Columbine style disaffection, crime and some heart rendering stories about overcoming obstacles, personal achievement and the role of institutions like the church. You might also want to tough upon reverse discrimination.

I just wanted to add that besides enjoying your article I found it refreshing to hear you story. I myself find until we start to realize there is but one race the human race we will never get past the race issue as a society. I’m a self proclaimed mut and am not sure what all of my ancestors are (as most are not even if they think otherwise) but have found people will always descriminate for one reason or another and even though a person of darker skin may be treated differently they do not ever have to let the ignorance of others dictate there own actions or future. You seem to be a stronger better person for your past as am I and hope you inspire more to do the same.
Thank you

People like Robert, Casey amazes me. (shaking my head)
Dont try to use this guy situation to all black people are not trying because it doesnt always turn out this way. by the grace of guy it worked out for him. the outcome is always the same for others and stop trying to use this story to justify the problem the GOB (Good Ole Boys) is still causing for people of color.

There are white people who do not discriminate. I feel that I am one of them. I also don’t deny that there are many who are racist.

I have been ignored, pulled over many times, and declined jobs in the past. I am not sure why, that’s just how life is sometimes, for all of us. I think some of the examples being used over the course of the past 2-3 days are truly race-based, and others are not.

I commend you for your story and wish you and the students all the best.

I’ve totally been there! Here I would be having a conversation with a darker skinned black person and a white person together and be perceived by both of them as two different colors at the same time! I’ve been an enigma to both sides because of what we do as people–we have to categorize each other. There are many different facets of ourselves and to put everybody into one group limits us all.

I hear lots of talk from white people going on about the crime of black people. Well if you sat daily and watched CNN you would see it is not so. Sometimes I watch my local news and a crime is commited and the race is not said. That’s when I know it was a white person. If it is a juvenile being killed and they can’t release the name the media will somehow show a feet going in the ambulance to let you know they were black. If I thought like white people I would be afraid to go to college because I would lump them all in the category of school shooters but I don’t. I could also think they were serial killers, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Danner, the man who put his daughter in the basement for 18 years and commited incest, the list goes on. And I’m not saying blacks are not killing each other, but they are not the only ones commiting crimes.

The more you bring up a sense of inferiority, the more those who fit into the physical mold of the perceived superiority will assume they are entitled to that state of being… and vice versa. The whole “being black in America” is doing and will do more harm than good. What the article is doing is segregating the population even more into two separate groups. Black and Non-black. Now all we need is Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton (the kings of the American Black Race) to voice their opinion (which we’ve been hearing for decades and has only escalated a sense of segregation).

If you really think about it, don’t you think this is a back-handed way to keep black people thinking they are inferior, rather than empowering? This segment does NOTHING… it just points out the obvious… no one is more informed because of these articles and segments. I watched the program on CNN a couple nights ago and all i heard was “we need to………” about 1,000 times.

Do it or don’t do it. STOP TALKING ABOUT IT! ACT!

“Oh, poor me, I can’t get a taxi to stop for me, people at resturants ignore me.” Stop whining and DO SOMETHING! no one gives you a free ride anymore.

What segment is going to air next year? “Still Black in America”?

This is a joke.

I attended an HBCU that was probably the inspiration for Spike Lee’s “School Daze”. We had our first dark skinned school Queen in 1970 when James Brown challenged us to “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!” I have met light skinned women who sought the darkest mates that they could find to ensure that their children would not be subjected to the treatment that they encountered. For some of the whites who commented on this article, I appreciate your attention to the subject but I challenge you to look deeper to try to understand what is being said and what actually happens. Black males do get pulled over by the cops and asked questions like, “Is this your car?” and “Where are you going?”, while receiving no citation (DWB). We do occassionally speed. But when we do, the situation could vey rapidly go from simply being issued a ticket to a life-threatening event. Why?

Thank you, the world already knows the struggle…… That is the next step. Stop whinning that the good had no time on the air. Everyone wanting the spot light. Your help to the community should speak volumes if you are truly for helping. Those of you who are mentor,teacher, and leaders, good job. CNN did the right thing to show the problems we face. Now, what are we going to do about it? Bill Cosby was correct in what he has said to us. And crime runs wild where there is no teaching present of GOD. Let’s get to work.

I met Don when he was in Philly and he did a story on my daughter who was very ill at the time, he was very professional and caring, he left a good impression on me which says a lot, because Philly is very hard on news people in general, and I am glad he made the jump to national news and I wish him the best.

I’m glad to see CNN is finally running a story that doesn’t just target white people as being racist.

To the flight instructor: You have a great message, but it could be expanded to include just about anyone (Irish, Jews, Muslims, poor people) who has ever succeeded despite terrible circumstances. To use myself as an example, I’m the product of a mid 1970s teen pregnancy. To make matters worse this happened in a small town in back woods, Bible belt Arkansas. Where did my teenaged dad go? Who knows, somewhere in Iowa last I heard. Some of my first memories are of my mom holding my hand in her coat pocket as we walked, before daylight, to the Head Start across town on her way to work. Fast forward a couple of decades; I’ve worked my way through college and grad school, and now in my early 30s I’m in senior management for a large defense company. Considering my start in life, I’m pretty successful. I work around a lot of what I like to call “blue bloods” y’know the Harvard graduates, the “I studied in France for a semester” types. They don’t always treat me like an equal; it rubs me the wrong way, but who cares! We all put our pants on one leg at a time.

Don’t get me wrong, the circumstances of your upbringing were probably terrible, but it looks like you’ve broken through the cycle of poverty and crime and bad decisions. That’s the beauty of America! For the most part, what you become is completely up to you. It’s the decisions YOU make with the circumstances under which you were born that determine whether you’ll end up living in a nice suburb or in a penitentiary. So, I encourage anyone with a less than perfect start…black skin, dark skin, light skin, Irish, Jew, hillbilly…whatever! Get the chip off your shoulder and make something out of what God has given you.

All I can say is I thank God for this younger generation of black and white kids who are catching on fire for Jesus. They are the ones who will tear down the wall of racism on both sides. All they want to see is other young people saved and enjoying life. They don’t care the color of the skin or how much money the other one has in his or her pocket.
I for one am so tired of all the fighting and bickering between the races and within our own race.
People lets get it together before we all tear this planet apart with hate and violence and no one will be able to claim the victory.

This series is eye-opening for all of us Americans. I disagree with fellow Whites who argue that we are feeling sorry for Blacks in America. Thats not the point of the series. For all Idiots who have never taken American History listen up! Turns out Whites & Blacks Have had very bad relations in this country forever. Guess What? Maybe if we attempted to understand blacks we could relate more and finally put this race issue behind us like the rest of the world has done. Get it?

This is a subject that I have studies closely over the years. However, I must point out, that a lot of those things that minorities point out as racism (i.e. being followed in stores etc.) might not be as racially related as you think. I have noticed that this same pattern happens to poor people in general these days. 15-30 years ago might be different though. I am as white as white gets. I am of scottish descent, so I get that glow in the dark white going. However, I was raised by bikers (true bikers, not the weekend bikers) and therefore quite poor. I found that I was followed in most stores throughout the 80’s, as were my friends. Even today, when I have been working outside and have to run to the store, I get followed if I am a little dirty and in old clothes. I have been pulled over by the police for the same thing. At one point, I moved out of Georgia due to the constant harrasment (almost daily) by the police. I noticed that this very much depended on whether I was in an old beater or in a nicer car. So my question is… has anyone entertained the idea that some of this is geared toward poor? not race? Not that I am saying that minorities dont have it rough, but I am also aware that many minorities think that being white, is the same as being born with a silver spoon in your mouth. I am a designer these days and worked my way out of place I was at.. even now I notice an odd trend. When designing print material for clients, there is only one ethnic group that is consistantly allowed to be removed from a document due to their color… and that is a white person. We are openly allowed to take white people out of a photo, but we have to make certain that all other races are represented properly at some point. I have found that odd. I believe that everyone is so concerned about race that they end up becoming racists themselves. I personally try to not think of race at all. How could I. I come from trash. It’s hard to point fingers when your own parents are worse than most ethnic stereotypes.

Great article.. it still appears that some persons (of all races) do not really understand the longlasting and deep scarring effects of Americas racial history.. I am willing to bet that any African American if given a TRUE chance to succeed would willingly take it and if it unobstructed would commit to living a righteous life. However as James Johnson points out, he believes that we are all the same when frankly we are not..

First of all, I am still digesting the series “Black in America” to make heads or tails of it. Not sure what the point was or if it hit it’s mark. Secondly CNN please give Tara Wall her walking papers. She is my homegirl, but she is horrible(not an original thought in her head and her arguments are whack and weak)
Oh yeah, please stop putting on jerks like Joseph Phillips to push their poorly written books and poorly crafted points. His presence was a very low point in the program. A discruntled black man.

Like the series, I feel you have put more attention on the things that are more difficult to change and may always exist. Prejudice. Within and outside of the Black community. If we were able to focus on the things that could change it would weaken this prejudice. Change these laws that are designed to put more black men in prison. Make education a priority. If higher education were acessible, more children would finish high school. Kids know at a very early age a high school degree has very little worth in this nation. Don, where your from, children know college exists, but it doesn’t for them. I can bet you went to college because you knew it existed and it was going to be your reality.
When I was growing up, people who went to prison, wnet to get rehabilitated. Rehab is only for the rich and priviledged today. Make one mistake your life is all but over today. That has to change.
We will not change the attitudes we have toward one another, until the things that are designed to keep us apart are changed.

E B Smith

Good column on life perspectives, racial issues, and the forever changing life living environment! Great read and congradualations on a great article!

Don,
Always enjoy your reporting at the anchor. I by no means consider you a sellout. That is the same ignorance that has so many young people at risk today in the black community. I am a minister who deals with at risk youth who for some odd reason that they should portray a lack of intelligence, good diction, and respect for our elders who laid the ground work for us. I truly know from my experience as the only black baseball player at my university, to being a young black officer in the Air Force, you set the standard for your people as well as becoming a stereo type buster. Kudos to you my brother for being real in all you do!

I grew up in a military town in Texas. People from all over the world came to my small town due to the military. So, my environment has always been diverse and I did not realize how much people segregate themselves until I moved away for college. I am thankful for my upbringing because it prevented me from attaining the mentality of “sticking with your own kind.” I am two ethnicities (not races because there is only ONE human race) and was taught to be a part of both instead of picking one over the other in order to belong/fit in. I believe the main reason why people stick to their own and encourage/force others to do the same is because of adherence to negative stereotypes. One day I hope Americans will stop putting forth the effort to stick to their own, because you do it on purpose. And the reason behind the effort is probably rooted in fear, ignorance, and adherence to negative stereotypes. So, if I were to create a banner expressing my solution to the prejudice people practice in their lives and infect into the social/economic systems of our nation it would be: “STOP TRYING TO STICK WITH YOUR OWN!” You try too hard.

Thank-you Don Lemon for sharing your story. We have quite a few things in common, even though I am African-Canadian. Certainly, I have not had to endure the obvious injustices of the American south, but Canada has it’s own problems of race relations, albeit to a lesser degree. I truly admire your tenacity. You are a wonderful journalist, one that deserves more exposure. I do hope CNN will give you your ‘just dues’. Did I mention you’re pretty easy on the eyes as well? Good luck in your endeavours, Don!
Cheryl

I enjoyed reading about the challenges Brandon faced and how very positive he is trying to be. I can only hope that those of us who are white will start to overcome our bad behavior towards the black community. I have been taught by a good mother to treat all people with proper respect that I would like to be treated with “the golden rule”. But unfortunately to many white people don’t want to change for whatever reason and I try as I might to tear down those walls with hopefully a positive behavior model for them.

I am a white male from a northern state and I have to say that this article totally opened my eyes, I never knew that there was discrimination between Light and Dark Skinned black folks, its bad enough that they have to deal with it at all but amongst their same race ??? Also I agree with J S Bazile, the media does go off on the deep end and show the Black male in that light, its kind of how you treat other people or even a child, you cant just show them all of the BAD they are doing, you also have to uplift and show the GOOD as well. Young Black men do not have enough good role models for inspiration and part of that is the media’s fault. If you wake up every day and all you see and hear is this is the way black men are I think at some point you will start to believe it. Its like anything, if you hear it enough it becomes truth. By the way if the bartender in Male, I get ignored by him too….. There is discrimination everywhere and there shouldnt be, without knowing each other, we all owe each other as human beings a certain amount of respect (most people dont give each other this), that respect should be there until the other person gives you a reason to take it away. Never NEVER go into any situation with a pre-determined idea on how another person is for any reason. Let them show you what they are and then except them for who they are.

I have read this article as well as some others about the Black issues. I just always don’t understand why its always questioned why blacks are arrested and pulled over. Why does it happen? I think all you need to do is look at the statistics of crime. There is approx 18,000 murders a year in the US. Of these about 70% are done by mainly Black males. This is not a 1 year stat or 5 years or 10. This goes on and on and yet they wonder why they are arrested and why cops pull them over. This never seems to change either. If you want to be respected and you want people to trust you then start by making these statics cleared. Stop murdering each other, get to school, and start thinking that life is valued by all.

I really enjoyed this article from the beginning to the end. I wished that our race of people would stop saying that they cant make it in life because the white man is holding them down. Anyone can make it in life if they put GOD first. Yes, black people have had it hard in life and is still having it hard today. If our ancestors/slaves had given up back in the day where would we be. We have struggles in life but its only to make us stronger and to let us know who is really in charge. We will never be able to go forward if we dont stop living in the past. I see and hear things that go on in life today that concerns blacks but I cant stop living and start pointing fingers. I dont understand how we as blacks can walk around and call each other the *N* word and whats up my dog and have no problem with it, why get upset when another race use the same words. You have to respect yourself before you expect others to respect you. Its not right to be called the *N* word by anyone whether black and sure not someone thats a different race. We all can make a change or at least try to. GOD BLESS !

I have watched CNN Black in America each night along with all of the comentary. I came up in an all white neighborhood during the 50’s and 60’s and have since lived in an intergrated neighborhood, and have many black well educated femail friends. My insit to this I was aware of but not to the extent that the program offered. I truely enjoyed this article and truly it is harder for all people of different skin colors along with women of all color including white. CNN keep up all the great programing!

Some of these responses I’m reading show me that America is still in denial of its race issue. When Lemon said he got pulled over for having a nice car many of you responded that it wasn’t the reason at all and he shouldn’t make himself a “victim”. I guess you dont realize how many towns (mostly small towns) still operate in a racial manner in America. As a white female I know this still happens, my friends tell me stories of situations where they were treated poorly based only on the color of their skin and I have also seen it occur. IT’S NOT MADE UP, THIS CRAP STILL HAPPENS. I just wish people would stop acting like minority groups live in a perfect world and just take it for granted and focus on their past. White America will never understand their struggle, the least the rest of you could do is maybe be ENRICHED by another culture for a change. Stop being too prideful to realize where these people are coming from with these feelings, you would feel the same way if it happened to you.

Good perspective of life.
Icaution people to who get caught up in the “pro” backwoods country view of african american society, where simple comforts are the norm and recognize that just as every american in this country our experiences develop our personalities. Just because one black person “sounds white” and beleive me I’ve beentold that I’m the whitest black guy a white person has ever seen. lol, even though I grew up in the middle of watts, Los angeles california. My mother stayed on us about diction, saying noone wants to deal with someone that can’t speak well or speaks sterotypical, it’s the creme that rises to the top that people want around them. It’s the content of character that people look for. Being dark skinned was a curse when I grew up, the 6 darker skinned kids from Elementary – High school “i included” where constantly made aware of the “inferiority” of darker skin by our peers, and the journey of reconciliation was not short and was not happy. I hated darker skinned people for a long time, even though I was one. That shame is nulled now, I have my children now and it is my duty to instruct them in the ways of morality, patience, truth and pride. These are qualities I cannot shirk or they “will” end up in jail like the rest.
With this said, thanks for sharing, stories are like genetalia, everyone has them, but it’s how you use them that leaves a legacy of positive growth or severe drought or morals upon the planet.

Admittedly, the proclaimed racists haven’t helped anything in America, but a much bigger problem the last 40 or 50 years have been the liberal do-gooders and poverty pimps. Being white and having married a black woman in 1969 Texas and moving to Oklahoma gives me some authority to speak, I think. For the most part, there has never been a problem. We experienced very little racism and were accepted by our friends and co-workers with no problems. Generally there was never any mention of our different races except by the liberals who were constantly trying to convince us that we were being treated differently and we should be pissed about it. Just like this series, that is what is dividing America. If the liberals would quit trying to make a living out of racism and get the votes of minorities, it would have improved a lot by now, but they are constantly trying to stir the pot.

Wow, J Johnson your statement just proves how closed your eyes are. We are all different and that’s okay. Everyone doesn’t have it easy in life like you may have. No one is the same again that ’s okay but its not okay when blacks are still being disciminated against in this day and age. Did you not watch the segement at all? I feel sorry for you if you didn’t.

I applaud you Don Lemon. I really enjoy your anchoring
and reporting on CNN. I happen to think you are a stellar
interviewer who really tries to get at the heart of the matter.
One way for parents to confront these images is for them
to direct their kids to people like Brandon. When I have kids.
I would much rather they watch CNN for a couple of hours
than the music video channels. Which leads me to an
important question, will there be a day when CNN would
have a news program for kids, teens and young adults
ages 18-34.

I am sorry, but I had a hard time following your article. You address these issues on a superficial basis without going into more detail. I honestly have to say since coming over here to the United States, I have never experienced so much self-hatred and concerns about skin color. This issue is being handed down from birth on. I know other countries specificially South America and Asia have similar issues where whole governments are built upon the lighter the skin the higher you rank. I personally see this issue of division not getting any better as there is a huge influx of the latin population now moving into the United States. I myself feel looked at at times when I pass people of latin descent with my very fair-skinned husband, which they all think is latin. No, I always feel like saying, he is black just like me, except that I am darker. But, in the end change starts with us. We need to teach our children no matter what color you are, you are beautiful.

This is such a touching and true story. Everything that you said I can remember it all as if it were yesterday about our small town. It is good to tell the true because we never know who’s reading it. Don, I attend the church where your grandmother was a member, and your aunt still is. I remember what a sweet person your grandmother was. She loved her church and we loved her. I know all about the main highway that runs through this small town and the railroad track that divided the races. We are so proud of our hometown son. This shows that if you are totally commited you can be anything you desire to be .

Faye Rose,

It’s ignorant comments like yours that bother me. How would you suggest he present himself? I think he presents himself well keep going Don.

James Johnson,

You and people who think like you are the reason we need to continue to educate people. So called freed people die at the hands of their so called fellow citizens just a few decades ago for wanting the same thing they had. If the roles were reversed the title of the show would be White in America. Most immigrants are treated better than most blacks, who just happen to be lagging behind the majority already. “Free you mind and the rest will follow”. Never mind that might be to hard for you!

I am a 62 yr old WF. As such I was raised in a black/white society. Most white children didn’t know anything about why we weren’t supposed to associate with blacks. We just did what we were told. Schools were intergrated when my oldest son started 1st grade. I never had a problem with his black teachers or classmates-my problem was when he would be the only white in the room. Today, most people really don’t pay attention to the color of a person’s skin. What they do pay attention to is when people of color can obtain expensive houses with 3% loans & no matter how many times they have their homes repossed-they are into another one within the year. They have most of the state/federal jobs in the south-even when they are not the most qualified. There is racism on both sides, but not withstanding the KKK & such hate groups, blacks are much more racist against whites than the other way around. I am proud of any person who can better theirselves but I believe you should earn it just like I have. I applaud you Don on your success & wish anyone whos works the same success.

How about being black, African and a college student at a HBCU in the mid 70’s in Alabama.

You had no friends, no family and did not understand what in the world was going on around you.

You fall back solely on the discipline and lessons imparted by your parents. Life is not about what is giving to you. It is mostly about where you desire to go.

When I read this piece, and when I see others similar to it, I realize that those of us who are white ought to realize the losses that discrimination has visited upon us. By historically closing ourselves to the talents and skills and genuine brotherhood of all men, we perhaps have squandered the opportunity to know more Brandons, more Barack Obamas, and, yes, even more Don Lemons. We would have been enriched by their potential contributions to our society over the years, and we would be better for having known them. But I see a changing world, too, and this will be a change for the better. The walls of separation are falling. There is hope for us yet.

I have read some of the posts here and I really like the discussion. To those with the “I get stopped too!!” statements, have you been stopped for speeding and not given a ticket, but asked to get out of your car and your car tore apart looking for drugs??? This has happened to me twice while in was in high school. I had a nice car my mother had brought for me and twice in the same day I was pulled over and my car searched and the passengers with me questioned. The second time I refused and I had to wait until they bought a drug dog to sniff around my car. And I still wasn’t given a speeding ticket, for which I was supposed to be stopped for. I know that somtimes when I get stopped I deserve it, and when I get a ticket I know I earned it. I just want it to be that way, you stop me, give me a ticket or whatever is appropriate, but don’t pull me out of the car, tear up my trunk and glove compartment, and have me sitting on the side of the road for all to see like some criminal.

It doesn’t help that a large majority of Black professional athletes and entertainers prefer to date and marry women other than Beautiful, Chocolate Brown Skinned women. Even though, in most cases, these men have mothers, grandmothers, aunts and sisters that were hard working, loving and dedicated to them and also Beautiful Chocolate Brown Skinned women.

Good read. Jeff of Peoria said it right. American society is made up of bigots. First post from Faye Rose gives credence to the saying “Crabs in The Pot”. Anyone in this country can reach their goal and excel if they have education, drive and focus. Faye Rose, stop being a crab in the pot. Keep up the Great work Don,

To: Kat

What you went through in majority non-white schools was as bad, and worse, than what blacks in majority white schools ever experienced. Beaten up, groped, sexually threatened … and then told that complaining was “racist.” Not to mention that a quality education is impossible to get in such an environment.

Why didn’t your family move? Was it because they couldn’t afford to?

Do you still consider yourself “privileged” for being white?

You wrote:

“I think twice before I go into any store or neighborhood that is mostly black.”

It’s called learning from experience. I wish you the best.

Don, what a touching article! I have always admired the openness and compassion that you bring to CNN with your interview style and sincere points-of-view, but this article explains a lot about your values and maturity. You are amazing. Thank you so much!

This has always been a crazy thing to many of us. What the heck the color of a persons skin. Just so stupid. And of course lets stop going back 400 years and rerunning all the slavery stuff. Whites had slaves and black had slaves. Stop it all and lets move on to the humanbeing factor. Its so old now and been driven into the ground so often we are numb to it. Bringing it all up just makes it worse. The majority of the people want peace, to prosper, to marry and raise a family and to help each other. Utopia for sure but stop all this nastyness.

Dang it all Don…you made me cry.

I feel you my brother. I was born and raised in New England. I really felt the effects of racism when I got to high school. The white calculus teacher would steer the black students into trade school careers when we seemed have trouble navigating advanced placement calculus. She would tell us we were incapable of analytical thought (I became a software engineer), but would not say that to the white students that were flunking. I have experienced the inferior treatment in retail stores, even to this day. I know all too well about that whole dark skin/light skin issue we have; it is a shame we cannot unite as a people.

To James Johnson – no article/documentary is needed for White in America. It is culture that is “legitimate” in mainstream eyes. No one needs to see this documentary because it is glaringly obvious what it means to be White in America: it means that you are part of a cultural default that never has to explain itself. It means that most likely when you go to buy a car, or a house, or apply for a loan, or get a job…you will be greeted with a face that looks like yours, and a mind that is shaped by experiences that are similar to yours from a racial perspective. It means you are not an IMMEDIATE suspect. Why no documentary for all that? Because it is the way it SHOULD be for ALL Americans, and it is not. Minorities of all races (and women) have a different reality to tell you about. And you are not listening objectively. This is the source of the Black community’s assertion that the White mainstream is naive. Black America is NOT the same as White, Yellow, or Brown. White, Yellow, and Brown people are the descendants of (mostly self-selected) immigrants. It’s much easier to succeed when the system has always made legal allowances to facilitate your assimilation. If you want to compare Blacks to another cultural group, try Native American.

I have enjoyed the series greatly. That doesn’t mean that I have agreed with everything that has been stated.
I attended an inner city high high school and have taught in one for the past 15 years. I have seen and known many students with problems in education and with social skills both black and white.
I have seen the struggle that African American children have in both reading and math skills. There are many reasons for it, to many to be mentioned here.
I have come to see African American children as polite and charming. Often times more so then their white counter parts.
The difference between them many time is how African American students handle themselves when things are not going their way. African American students have more of a tendancy to act out and express the anger the only way they know how, which is often fill with violance and vulgar language. i know that this is purly cultural but I still believe that parents should do a better job of socially preparing childern for the social world.

I know Jesus mourns over the pain that His children regularly inflict on each other. Like the Rev. King dreamed so do I dream – one day we will all (black, white, brown, tan, beige, etc, etc) we judge each other by our character, not our skin color.

I hate to admit that buried deep within me is the sin of prejudice, but I take it to the cross daily and crucify that sin.

Christian brothers and sisters, let us continue to pray that God’s children of every color one day treat each other with true Christ-like love.

I can truthfully say I was raised with no prejudice, was taught in twelve years of catholic education that prejudice is sinful, and raised four children that are adamantly against prejudice. They knew it was totally unacceptable.
When I was in my 50’s and shopping in a medium priced department store in a retail mall, I asked someone at the cosmetics counter for help. She said she was not able to help me, but the cosmetic rep for that product would be right back. I thanked her and told her I would come back later, which I did.

When I returned she still had not gotten back, so I asked someone else the same question. She asked me if the person I originally spoke with was black or white. I thought for a moment and told her “I don’t know”, and I honestly did not see what color she was. I saw her as a person selling cosmetics of whom I asked a question and she answered.

Until we can ALL interact with everyone regardless of color, or any other difference that could potentially separate us, we will not have overcome prejudice. We are all related and all live on this one small planet. Please, as Rodney King said so many years ago, “Can’t we all just get along?”

James Johnson you really need to take time out and speak with a black person and listen. See these little tidbits of being black in america is great but it gives people like you a chance to say that “it is all in our mind” until you walk in the shoes of a black man/woman you can not make such a blatant statement. The immigrants that come over here from china, mexico what ever comes with a perconceive ideal that they are better than or more intelligent then blacks …. we built this country “free labor” and made so many contributions that none blacks will try to down play. Yes being black in America is trying but God gives us no burderns we can not bear…. reality bites they say …. and keeping it prejudice is all around blacks as we have been socilized from coming from Africa to America that we are less then…. and the sad thing is the world has been socialized the same way…. not crying or complaining it is what it is … but one thing it is not is “all in our heads” and NEVER do we want anyone to feel sorry for us…. jails, aids etc…. will not keep this race down.

Thank you.

Lets get this out of the way righ now. I am 37 and white. Do I dicriminate? Nope. But I do feel discriminated against when I turn the t.v. on and listen to white jokes told on BET by black comedians.

I do however know that all this America hates the black man crap has got to stop. Its dumb and ridiculous. Blacks have more of an edge then they want you to think. We all have the same oppurtunities here in America. Some take advantage of them and some stand around and keep dredging up the old slavery and racisit(sp) jabber.

Racisim will never go away until we shut up about slavery. Yes it happened but it didnt happen to you so be quiet! You cant blame me for slavery any more than I can be blamed for my German heritage for killing millions of Jews. To blame todays white man for slavery is the same as me blaming everyone in Japan for Pearl Harbor. That would get laughed at eh?

So if the black race keeps bringing up real or imagened discrimination and they keep telling their kids that white people dont like them (and some blacks according to the article.) then we will be talking about this stuff for decades. Hey there are plenty of diverse races here in America that deserve attention also. But for CNN to print an article like this just helps distance the races yet again.

Here is an idea. Lets retrace every black persons line until we get a home country. We can send them on an two year stay at taxpayers expense and when they get back we will hear about just how bad they really have it here.

Also, to tag on from my previous comment. I do not consider your skin color to be that of a light-skinned person. I know this article is written from your own perspective and experience, but it should have come from someone like who resembles Soledad O’Brian. Then it would have been more authentic. According to my husband’s experience who truly should have experienced what you wrote, it was a moot issue. You only let certain things get to your head, and the issue of being light-skinned was not one of them.

This piece brought back so many memories. I did not grow up in the south but I did experience that split world. I remember the term “high yella” being thrown at me by some of our people. I did’nt understand it then & only partially now. I glad ths was expressed & I am passing it on to my daughters & grandsons. We, as a people have got to open up the closet & throw out the trash. It means we have to be able to take an honest look at the baggage we have been caring that we picked up in our dispair & pain. Until we free ourselves from it WE WILL NEVER BE TRULY FREE! We have to talk to each other and then act responsibly & with love!

I appreciate Don Lennon for expressing his frustration of being a light skinned African American. Yes, the African American community does discriminate against lighter skinned Blacks. However, this is a result of the environment that has surrounded them for years. I am from Louisiana and only in Louisiana am I viewed a brown skinn with yellow undertones. Whatever! I am a proud African American that does not care what shade she is. Although, I have seen discrimination towards darker skinned African Americans. I felt the same discrimination while I was in grade school (5th grade). My best friend bi-racial because her paternal grand mother was White. She was accepted among teachers of both races, Black and White. The black teachers would compare us and tell her that I was jealous of her. I tried to seperate myself from her to prove to her that I am not jealous of her. She was hurt that I did that. We graduated form the same high school and today exchange family photos. The lessons I have learned you have to rely on Jesus as the authoritative figure in life and let him make the decisions for you. Brandon, Don and others hold your heads up high. Be proud of the skin you are in and push forward. We as African Americans have to stick together. Obama 2008!

This story was well written and non-offensive. Reading Mr. Lemon’s story reminded me of an incident in Jacksonville Florida in 1981. I was a truck driver delivering to a Winn Dixie warehouse for the first time and asked the dock worker if I could use the restroom and where it was located. I located the restrooms in the warehouse and noted two (2) male facilities located side by side. Being 23 years of age and not exposed to bias (I’m white) , I commented upon my return to the dock worker someone had changed one of the restroom labels (male and female). The dock worker laughed and informed me the warehouse was very old…

When you ask someone how they view the world that is a window to their soul. If you see racism then you are racist. If you see the world as one race against others then you are part of the problem. It is nothing but perception. There are bad people in all races and walks of life but you can’t let them jade your view of how life should be. You will get back what you give in life. Maybe not from the same person that you gave it to but it will come back to you. On that thought, if you are a positive thinker you will live a positive life. If you are a pessimistic thinker you will always live a negative life. Change your view and you will change your world.

Racism is ongoing in America and all over the world that’s why black people cannot “put the past aside”. Everyone knows that whenever there is a report on someone getting shot by the police or beaten we don’t even need to hear the race. We know. Do you think this is only coincidence? Be in denial and pretend if you want to but please don’t insult our intelligence by saying it does not exist anymore and to move on and stop talking about it.

Black on black discrimination is not uncommon. Even in Jamaica where I am from the same problem exists. What bridges the gap is to know who you are and how to get what you want. This country has many opportunities that other countries do not. We are blessed to be able to live here so we just need to try and live together. Sure some light skinned people might have it a little easier but all of us need to be confident that if we educate ourselves and project a positive attitude we will prove the masses wrong.

Kat; I too grew up in a city, went to a black school and had been rolled or mugged 6 times; some violently. All the perpertrators were black males!

For all the advantages that black folks have in this country, they by and large, squander it!

However, if you look at the African continent, I cannot think of a stable country on it. Kenya use to be considered a model for democracy, but in recent years it has had it’s problems.

I bring this up because so many black folks are infatuated with their African roots. There is an insistance on being refered to as “African Americans.”

Oh what a diferrent perception we’d have if everyone departed with their hyphenated status and just considered themselves “Americans”

Well i hear everything everybody was saying however, things were systematically designed for Blacks in america to fail. Sure blacks were free of Jim Crow, segregration and etc, but it was still made tough to function. Thats like the story the other day about Spike Lee saying it was hard for him to make a story portraying Black men in a good depiction because thats NOT what corporate american(white) wanted to be seen. He went on to state , that as long as he was portraying black folks in the negative manner as usual, he had access to millions of dollars. As far as the light skinned , dark skinned things…..Tell me how light skinned blacks suffered so much vs their darker skinned counterparts??…………..It was the darker skinned blacks who actually had to do the protesting and marching because it was them who had discrimination coming from all directionss. Light skinned blacks just rode the curtails when it was convienient.

Sad but true!

I am also a light-skinned African-American. I live in the Northwest and up here it seems to be more of a closet prejudice place. people don’t the average stereotype interfere but you can tell that most whites are still uncomfortable with blacks in their presence. I come from a hard side of life in Seattle but I have never been caught up in any racial wars between blacks and whites unless it was blacks degrading whites for not being cool enough. Seems like the blacks here have it a little better then blacks in the South. I have tons of white friends and they are very cautious and aware of how to speak to and with their black friends. I can admit that i make more then most of my white friends and that attributes to their respect for me and how I conduct myself. I will say that more black people are at a disadvantage when it comes to career opportunities, but I also have to say that you can’t let anyone or anything detour you from your passion of becoming successful.

Thanks from Seattle, the true Emerald City:)!!!!!

Thank you for sharing this story. Sometimes I believe that the younger generation somehow forgets what our parents and grandparents went through to get to the point where we, as African Americans, are today. Anger lies so deep within many of Americas youth and blinds them to the point of being misguided. So, its encouraging to see that a young man that lives in a racially challenging area can overlook all of that and see his potential.

I appreciate the fact that you mentioned the involvement of your grandmother in your upbringing.

Why do we have this article about Black In America this is racism. I have never seen article white in America, Immigrants they all have dreams and goals in there live. People please stop feeling sorry for Black in America they are same as white, yellow,

I agree with you on that issue however remember, many of those white immigrants were purpously brought over to replace and basically overrun the black community. The same thing that happen in Latin America.So what is one to think when somebody is given a free ticket here with rights most blacks didnt have as natural born citizens.??

Don, I enjoyed reading your story here. I see you on CNN, and you have a lot of personality, this just added to it. I am a Grandma of a 16 year old boy, who would rather be at my house. We have to limit him to once a week, or he’d pack a bag and move in. LOL.

I am, after studying my genealogy several years ago, what used to be called an Octoroon. I have always lived in the white world, and found out that I have an ancestor that was married to an AA woman, having five children. So I really live in one world, and look at another. It certainly changed my thought patterns a bit.

what we all need to realize is that color is carried on one simple gene. Blue eyes/brown eyes are a huge amount of genetics, so really our eye color is what makes us so much different. (Really!). Thank you for your story, and thank you for what you do as a reporter on CNN.

Wow, another Black success. Imagine that. AC, now Brandon…. Congrats to him, but come on. It doesn’t matter what color you are any more. You are what you make of yourself. Forget perceptions. Now its a problem of black parents telling their children they will face a problem instead of letting them spread their wings and fly on their own. Parents are setting their children up for failure. Yes I am white. I am a hiring manager and I’ve never really apprecited the antics of some of the black people I’ve met in my life, but I would never not hire a black person if they were qualified for a position.

How long is the violin supposed to play?

Thanks for this article. You know as a black man I almost forgot to hate all white people for a second. I’m about as black as you can get and I grew up in the south, there’s just one big difference between you and me. I don’t blame my misdoings on white people I blame them on myself. Take personnel accountability for your actions you weak little man! I know not all black people feel this way because I sure don’t, so stop the racist slander and making us sound like we need everything handed to us on a silver platter. You make me sick!

As an Indian, I just want to say I know what you mean. Even in our community, there are subtle and sometimes not so-subtle biases towards lighter and “fairer” skinned Indians. Even in India you can still see TV ads for cosmetic products guaranteeing “whiter skin in just 15 minutes”.

I wonder if it is because people the world over have a semi-unconscious urge to be more like the dominant, more developed nations who are pretty much all white. I wonder what things would be like if the roles were reversed; if africans or asians founded America and became the dominant race. Would whites want to be darker skinned? I wager yes, and for different reasons than just to look tanned.

To all of those who think Blacks are getting too much attention: Every group as far as I know except for two, have had anceators or relatives who could make the choice to come to this country. Native Americans were already here, but Blacks never really had that chance and this has been evident all along.

To the blogger who says we have to shake off our past. Our past still haunts us. We as americans all have to come to together and find a healing process for the black communities. We can’t act like racism never existed and still don’t exist. Just like it takes hundreds of years to get us into a mess it takes hundreds years to get us out. And one example is going being George Bush and cleaning up his mess.

Whites and Blacks do not start on a even plain so you can’t say just let forget the past and work on the future. We have to heal from our past in order to work on our future. You have to get ot the root of a problem and stop putting a baidage over a open wound. When you are in counseling they don’t say you have to forget about your past and focus on getting better. You have to discuss your past and get the hurt all out before you can move forward!! Institutionalize racism is what is really hurting our community along with racial disparities.

I know the black communities have issues that we as community have to deal with but when you add racism and racial disparities to the equation it only hinders the progress!! Put yourself in our shoes for a moment sometimes!!

GREAT story… Positive and uplifting!

When will Black America realize that America is a capitalist country and not a racist country? America is not like some unindustrialized country where they employ this race-based cast system; that’s just completely stupid and fitting to lesser educated demographics. Why do Black Americans actually believe that various shades of skin color have any bearing, whatsoever, on your social class? I honestly believe this is the root of the so-called “Black in America” problem.

As a hispanic person, I too have had the same thing happen to me as I am a mix as well. I have often told people that the people who treated me the worst were the other hispanic people. I because of it all don’t culturally play on any racial field anymore. I just be myself and not worry about what I should be doing. It’s so ridiculous that all of us are truly the same and yet the color of your skin gets all the fuss. I mean who likes the same color of anything?

This is a response to the guy who said he grew up in Venezuela and there was no racism there.

First, let me state that I grew up in New Orleans of italian, spanish, and french, descent. A very diverse enviroment, and a very african american one too.

My dad is from Colombia, and I got to live there as an adult, and travel to Venezuela and Panama due to my job.

First there is racism in latin america. And it relates to how light or how dark you are, what side of town you come from, do you have any indian blood in you, etc.

As a white person who’s father worked for an oil company, I am sure you got to see the priveleged side of things and at a younger age were not aware of the inherent racism most south american countries have.

Go back to Venezuela, and took a look at the skin tones of the maids there, and then think back on your no racism comment.

Don, I hear a couple of things here. The obvious historical absurdity of blacks discriminating against blacks because of color and the fact that some people, including yourself, describe themselves in terms of the tone of their skin. I had to go to Google Images to see more photos of you since you consider yourself “light-skinned”. Maybe the photos do not depict you well, but I don’t see you that way. You and I are about the same complexion, but I never saw myself as light-skinned and my sons, who have lighter complexions than I, were not raised to think of themselves in terms of their complexion. My point is there is not only a problem with how people treat each other, but also how we perceive ourselves. The healthier perspective would be to not focus on skin tone at all.

In response to Fay Rose, Fay please tell me and the rest of the world how Don reports like he is a white man. The ignorance of that statement is astounding. Is he supposed to shuck and jive or have an “ethnic” sound like James Brown to be viewed as reporting like a black man? He is a black man, therefore he is reporting like a black man. If you believe we are all supposed to look, sound and act only in accordance with your stereotypical perspective of black people, the only one thing I have to say to you is you need to get out more often. You obviously have limited exposure to your own race, otherwise you would know how incredibly ignorant your comments are. Don is not a sell-out, you, on the other hand, need to open your mind and grow. With the perspective you have you, yourself, are no more representative of the black community than you claim Don misrepresents it.

Racism in this country is still very large in existence. I used to go in the ghetto and taught children about Jesus, but also that discrimination is wrong and not to commit crimes. The children were all black and I was white, that certainly brought the attention of the KKK to me. I found a lot of hateful racist remarks in the last few weeks made to me in Naples Florida by Hillary supporters, I found that quiet disturbing. I just found a noose made out of rope on my patio table, it was not there before since I cleaned it and the person who could have put it there, said they played with rope all the time, but they supposedly no longer had access to this property.

It seems that some people just don’t get it & will never. James states that he has nver seen an article that says white in America. James, just what world are you living in? This is a white world..you see these articles every darn day. Also, black people aren’t immigrants they are American. This is the kind of ignorance that we have in America.

I am really appalled that most white people think that racism is absent in America and black people should get over the fact they get discriminated against in daily life. I am an East Indian, which by the way is frustrating to admit instead of saying that I am Indian. It’s surprising that we people from India were Indians long before Columbus came to the Americas and thought that the Native Americans were Indians. Anyway I am dark skinned than an average black person here. I initially thought like most white folks here that black people make a big deal about racism. Once I moved to Atlanta and started working, my whole perception changed. I got pulled over for no reason. And I got followed in the malls. Of course sometimes the cops or the security people in the mall apologized once they could look at me clearly and recognize that I am East Indian. I agree that most white people are not racist. There are racist people regardless of race. Racism is all about power and most of the times cops abuse their power just because they can. I think white people in this forum should realize that racism is not a thing of the past. My experiences are a clear example of this fact. And I have no bias against people of any race. Some black folks deal with it positively and not let it bother them but some people might not deal with it effectively.

Don, why don’t you address the reality there at CNN? You, along with T.J. Holmes and Tony Harris are all light-skinned black men. Fredricka is a light-skinned black woman.

Do you think you’d have a shot at being on CNN if your skin color were 3 or 4 shades darker? Before you answer “yes,” look around your newsroom.

Getting followed around by security guards, getting pulled over for having a nice car, getting ignored by restaurant and bar staff huh? Sounds like me as a teenager ten years ago, or as an adult now. It also sounds like what every other teenager has gone through, as well as middle to lower class people in this country.

Oh, and by the way, I am white and in the military.

A few people will get upset with what I’m about to say. History does prove me right. I want you to really think about what I am about to say. There is no such thing as racial discrimination. If there is any racial discrimination, it is against the human race. I consider myself human. This racial discrimination you are talking about is not skin color, but where you come from. It is the culture that is being discriminated against. Here are some of my reasons: 1) Different cultures scare many people, they are uncomfortable with the unknown. 2) Even among their own culture, they discriminate against each other. 3)Respect of others no mater what the culture is not being taught with words and actions. 4) Even in the history of the US there is proof of culture discrimination. Irish, German, American Indian, Polish, Italian, African American, Japanese, Chinese, Homong to name a few. All have discriminated and been discriminated against by each other and their own group as well. 5) Self-esteem. Good self-esteem doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t make others feel less human. It does help them become more understanding of others. Their culture, their abilities and faults, and the person’s own culture, alibility, and faults.

I try and at times fail to respect the other person and to understand the culture where they come from. But I keep trying. The mass media doesn’t help when they promote discrimination on their TV shows, in print, on radio, movies and other forms of “enterainment” What needs to be done is to take each individual, show them the respect they deserve. People learn more by seeing the actions, then hearing or reading the words.

We are more alike in many things and areas of life then we are different. It is these small differences that scare and cause the discrimination. Realizing this can this discrimination be stop. Think about it.

BTW – define what is “acting white” ?

Don Lemon ,Soledad O’brian… GEE where are the dark skinned Cnn Reporters? I mean so yeah Don your light Skin does give you advantages in White America.. They feel more comfortable with you so they hire you FIRST!!!..read the Willie Lynch papers…and yes light skinned people do have an air about them. alot have bought into there being this pecking order and their light skin moves them up. I remember going to meet my fathers wife for the first time in Baton Rouge, LA and the first thing out her mouth was “Why is he so Daaaaaark”! My dad is all mixed up too. So let us break these “divide and conquer” chains of slavery.

I grew up in a southern town, Richmond, Virginia and I must confess I never saw or experienced the light-skinned/dark-skinned thing in my neighborhood. My friends were all different shades of the sun as African-Americans are. We accepted one another. Being smart was a good thing. No one thought you were being “white” for speaking correct english or thought you were a “sell-out” for achieving. Our community was not affluent, but we did have friends who were middle-middle class to upper-middle class and we, for the most part, got along. I’ve heard stories of “lighter” people of African descent being “bullied” by those of darker hues more now than any other time in my life and I am no spring chicken. I know it to be true, but I honestly didn’t know the problem was so wide spread. I appreciate the information, and feel hurt by the fact we cannot come together as a people. This is our biggest issue. Has anyone ever heard of “Willie Lynch” (point out the differences and make them important enough to separate the slaves-in order to keep control of the slave)? To my dissappointment, it seems to be working as efficiently as ever. Splitting us over issues that really don’t matter. Does it really matter if you have straight hair and I have kinky (especially when I can buy straight hair)? We need to place aside these petty issues and come together – TODAY.

One more comment from me- Dr. Dyson is brilliant!!!!! I was so happy to see Spike Lee in the series too. He has been instrumental in bringing positive black images to film. Being in my late 30s, I remember how his movies made a difference in my life. I was in college at the time and his movie School Daze was the first time I saw a love scene with a black couple (who were in love) on the big screen- it had a tremendous impact- people who actually looked like me. That opened the door for what now is a variety of choices of black movies (dramas). I can be a little more sure today that my children will have people to view that look, talk, and act like them. I don’t let my children watch Disney or Nick because their programming reflects a white cultural stereotype that I don’t want my children immulated or admiring because it does not reflect their culture and values. Imagine turning on your TV and the only supposed smart, articulate, beautiful people are people who are not from your culture or background. As an adult I can often sift through this. But young people cannot often separate fact from fiction. We still have a long way to go, but slowly making progress.

Jealousy comes in all forms. There’s no such thing as racism in-between blacks over the shade of their skin. There is, however, jealousy within all races over a myriad of issues,…skin pigment being one amongst some blacks. I hate to see everything being lumped under the category of racism when the root cause might not be as dramatic as you think. “Jealousy”,…..no more,..no less.

Faye Rose, before you try to “dis” this brother who has made a major accomplishment in his career by anchoring on CNN, I’ve watched him since he was on NBC in Chicago, the word is “sell out”! And he is NOT ONE! We are such haters of one another….so sad!

With all the piercing things that are going on with blacks in america, I really feel that black women are forsaken by the black men when all they want is to date out of their race, like white woman and they know we are hurting. And to add to it black men contiune to have multiple relationships ( they just can’t be faithful).

I can’t wait until we are all mixed. Oh, wait, mixing DNA doesn’t guarantee the extinction of ignorance.
Let me correct myself;
I can’t wait until our DNA is all mixed and we are all educated. Our civilization will be a bunch of Jango Fett clones (Star Wars reference).

The problem with society is that it tends to lump all people of one particular race, culture or heritage together when it makes a decision about their interactions. Rather than dislike the race of the person that did your wrong, it should be the person you dislike or distrust. Not everyone is the same, nor do they all harbor the same feelings about others. My best friends growing up were white and philipino. I still considered them my best friends, even though I have been treated with contempt and scorn by whites because of my race. My motto is your my friend until you prove me wrong. I don’t dislike the white race, I dislike the white person who engages in racism.

Enjoyed the piece, but here is my question. I understand some things still exist that can be considered to be racist. What I don’t understand is why some keep repeating the same things over and over. I am a 33 year old African American women, and although my father was exposed to some racist things. I refuse to allow it to paralize me. If you are unhappy with the way you feel you are being looked at, then speak up about it, educate yourself and stop self hatred against your own kind. Support your seed, stop commiting crimes and better yourself. Yes, whites have a 400 year start, but women are ahead, because we have changed our ideology and adapted to the ways of becoming successful. We only wish we had more men as equals to help us further our goals of having successful Black families. Yes there are some, but they are few and far.

I’m white, and I used to be a magnet for getting pulled over in my hometown. It turns out that my car matched the description of what drug dealers were driving at the time.

So how much of “racial profiling” is really “auto profiling”?

I am an outsider looking in. I am of African descent, very light skin complexion, light brown eyes and living in America. Yes, I came to America as an Immigrant. Do I feel the racism in America? No. I feel that racism is the excuse used and given by most those who have failed in their endeavors. Instead of getting up and trying again, they convince themselves that they failed because they are black. Well, I am sorry, but to some extent, I don’t believe it. I am black, an Immigrant (unfamiliar with the American culture when I first came to America) and I made it. Yes. I even earned a Master of Laws degree for the University of Georgia, a reputable university. With that, I have managed to get jobs that continue to get better and better as the years go by. Now I have both the education and experience to keep forging forward in America. To me, racism will only exist if you want it to. It will continue to haunt you if you choose not to forget it ever existed. Forget the past and look to the future! Continue to do the right thing for you, your families, children and society. Do unto others (black, light skin, white, green, etc) what you want others to do unto you.

Don, I have admired you on CNN for quite a while and enjoyed this article. It struck me about how artificial we are…..that a person’s skin color and hair type are so important! I know that was and is the reality but it’s so sad to me. It’s what’s inside that counts.

I don’t care what color your skin is, what your hair looks like or where you came from or went to college. I just know you as a warm, wonderful journalist and I will keep enjoying you for a long time, I hope.

In my opinion – black people are not asking for pity here but are trying to give some background to help people understand better how they feel. My white friends often say I’m not black because I seem to “act white” by my dress, use of language, music choices, etc. Likewise many of my black friends/family don’t understand my preferences and more than once I’ve heard “So you think you’re white now”. Likewise its not uncommon to hear whites with very black preferences referred to as “wiggers”. Asians might be harassed, but not by their own people simply because they don’t fit a stereotype or expectation. Prejudice is something that may blacks face from both blacks and whites leaving them with no clear cut identity. It is an unusual position because many lighter blacks are obviously both African and European but can trace their ancestry to neither. That is something truly unique and unfortunate about being black in America. That is the point that so many either don’t or cannot ever understand.

I think we suffer in this world from the, you-cannot-have-it-all syndrome and as a friend puts it, ” nobody likes you when you are too proud, too free.”
It is sad but when anyone has high marks in all of the catagories deemed important in our American culture, you will get some backlash. Excellence must be coupled with a negative in order to fit in. People are happy to realize you have a bit of misery going on in your life and they are happy to provide it–if you allow it.
That is what I think the Black caste system is based on–misery. Many of those light skinned babies were born of violence, not love lust or passion. But what fault is it of anyone what color their skin is?
Or the texture of their hair?
Don, I’m glad you chose to become an anchor/reporter and I enjoy your news reports. You add just enough personality to your delivery to make me pay attention.
By-the-way: does it bother you that you missed out on good hair? I don’t have good hair either–and I’m dark so I catch it most times!
Really, really good story, Don.

nice article
It brings a tear to my eye. I am a white women, but I don’t understand why we all cant just get along and not care so much about race. I hate the fact that some whites hate blacks, some blacks hate white, and now some blacks hate different levels of black:( There are whites hating white as well (but usually on income level, ie “white trash”). It seems like we place so much emphasis on race. Even Obama talks just about being black all the time, but he is white too. He should be proud of both sides and not feel the need to chose. Maybe I am too idealistic, but I have a few mixed friends tell me “black +white=black”….I tell them , I am white and I never even thought that before. Wwhen someone is both black and white, I think of them as both black and white.

I think we suffer in this world from the, you-cannot-have-it-all syndrome and as a friend puts it, ” nobody likes you when you are too proud, too free.”
It is sad but when anyone has high marks in all of the categories deemed important in our American culture, you will get some backlash. Excellence must be coupled with a negative in order to fit in. People are happy to realize you have a bit of misery going on in your life and they are happy to provide it–if you allow it.
That is what I think the Black caste system is based on–misery. Many of those light skinned babies were born of violence, not love lust or passion. But what fault is it of anyone what color their skin is?
Or the texture of their hair?
Don, I’m glad you chose to become an anchor/reporter and I enjoy your news reports. You add just enough personality to your delivery to make me pay attention.
By-the-way: does it bother you that you missed out on good hair? I don’t have good hair either–and I’m dark so I catch it most times!
Really, really good story, Don.

As an African American male, I am offended by the constant articles on CNN about how blacks have a harder time in life.

I am a successful black businessman and I have worked very hard to get where I am at. I had the same opportunities everyone else had, no one made it more difficult for me, no one discriminated against me, etc.

I either brought value to my employer and clients or I didn’t.

I worked very hard to speak English well, to have no criminal background and to live a life that would make my family proud.

My success is based upon my merits and I don’t think the black community should continue to make excuses about their lack of success.

Black in America documentary sort of hit the spot, but i believe we should also visually expose the African Americans who are making a difference and who are improving their lives and are hard working more in the documentary. The Black America i know is one where I only come to the realization that i am black when a caucasion man or woman experience my intelligence and are intimidaded or they see how nice i am and are suprised, or when they want to make a racial comment and then they look at me as if to say “can i say this”?, yet non of these factors or any racial bigotry can make lose track of my ambitions and goals. You just have to try to not let it affect your own personal success. Thats what i believe alot of African Americans have come to.

As an older Black American in my fifties, I will say that racism does exsist in America. Everything in this country is based on black and white and has since the beginning of slavery.Hatred of races on both sides has been passed down from generation to generation; however with the beginning of intergration, younger whites and blacks have realized that all the things that mom, dad, grandma and grandpa said behind closed doors really wasn’t true, and as a results many blacks and whites have truly come to understand each other and appreciate their differences.The only way for black people to stop the destruction among ourselves is for our young mothers and fathers to teach their children from birth the importance of an education. It will take a lot of sacrifices but I promise you that it will pay off. When I grew up my parents were not rich but they constantly instilled in my head about getting an education; no one can take that away from you.I did the same with my daughters and I am proud of my girls today. We don’t have all of the opportunities that we should have in this country but the ones that we do have we should use them to our advantage.Our people perish for the lack of knowledge!

Don,

Great to hear about the trials and tribulations you went through as a youth in the purgatory of racial existence, as I went through the same issues myself, and continue to do so- being light skinned, and well spoken. What many do not realize is the difficulty of maintaining ones sense of self whilst migrating between the different social circles you spoke of. Some may see this as selling out, or not being true to yourself or beliefs, but in reality it come down to the ‘ol “when in Rome” cliche. And quite frankly, for those who haven’t been cast that lot in life, and lack perspective, it may simply be a difficult concept to understand.

Keep on keepin on, you’re doin a great job.

One thing that gets lost in the call for RESPONSIBLE BLACK FATHERHOOD is the fact that MOST Black men love thier children as much as anyone else. However, there is a social disease that esits in our community called “BABY MAMA DRAMA” whereby a scorned mother will do everything within her power to disenfranchise the father from a meaningful role in the parental process and ultimately prevent the father who is initially willing form having a stake in the life of the child. My personal story chonicles a an 11 year journey of countless court appearances to enforce my parental rights. Today after a long fight and considerable expense and an exhausted 401K account, I now have full custody of my daughter. Had I not had the resolve and resources to wage this battle against “my baby mama”, My child may have grown up without a father. Most Black men however, DO NOT have the financial resources to enforce their rights and their child’s rights, so at a certain point they just give up. My own father went through this with my sister’s mother. As such I did not meet my own sister until she was 26. This is the “B” side of the record that people like Barrack Obama miss when they make their grandiose speeches. In order to have BLACK RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD, you must have BLACK RESPONSIBLE MOTHERHOOD!

James Johnson, allow me to share with you that NO OTHER group of Americans have endured the murderous holocaust of Slavery, and cultural persecution as those forced upon these shores by the millions as HUMAN SLAVES.

That is what makes their history unique in America. America succeeded on the centuries of sweat, tears, and labor of Black Americans creating the crop (cotton) that propelled America into prominence.

No other group of people endured the forced rape, murder, illiteracy that was abundant against Blacks for centuries here.

In spite of that…American Blacks survived. It is now, as always the responsibility of the Family to ensure education is the sought after gold medallion. My Father used to say “son, they can take away your money, they can insult you, but they can NEVER take away your education. It just keeps growing with life”. This applies to ALL Americans of every color.

The actions of early America’s White power elite and later of the general pop. in this country, is one of the most despicable in the history of the planet. Never before had a people been stigmatized because of the color of their skin. Yet it was the nation that was founded upon “Freedom” where human subjection took on a hellish new meaning for humanity. This nation was built upon human bondage from the beginning. So yes, Black America’s experience is unique in it’s level of drive, strength, and sheer determination to survive against all odds.

No one feels sorry for Black America, what America feels is deep seated earned shame that it does not know how to recognize and deal with.

In response to James, maybe someday white, black, brown, whatever will be the same, but blacks were enslaved by whites in this country. This makes our experiences fundamentally different from a group of people who were never bought and sold as property. Whites have never been denied their human rights to the point of not having control over your own body, your family, and your future. You cannot ignore history because it has a profound impact on our present and our future.
I’m not saying that we should use that as an excuse for poor decisions being made today, but it isn’t something that can be ignored.

As a black woman, it does pain and embarass me to see the racism that exists within the black community. I also think much (not ALL, by any means) of the mayhem in our communities is brought on by our own black brothers and sisters. There needs to be a little more responsibility taken for our own actions (especially, where parenting is concerned).

However, all of the silly comments about “White In America” and why aren’t there special programs for whites are just that–SILLY. And, I don’t see a need to waste any time explaining why those remarks are foolish.

There is so much talk right now about overcoming the “racial” divide…

From my vantage point its not a racial dividebut an economic divide. Poor white people have many of the same problems to overcome. navigating and avoiding drugs, underage child birth, and education to name a few. Growing up as poor white it did appear that in my world the people with power/money were rich white people. These rich white people did very little to help people outside their social economic group regardless of race from my vantage point. I was often pulled over by the cops because as a poor person in a crappy car it was assumed I was either drunk or on drugs (STOP PROFILING). security in malls would idenitfy me and other white friends as possible shoplifters because we looked poor.

If everybody who is on the outskirts of the social economic fence looking in banded together instead of making it a race oriented divide and put the focus on the social economic divide the size and power of the group would be an unstoppable force for change. My great white hope is that Obama can bring an end to the race debate because theres a lot of white, asian, black, and tan that are all discriminated against.

The Jews had a very ruough time too! Many familes were completely broken. When they arrived to the US, people gave them a really really hard time. But look at where they are now. They are the richest “group” in the country ! The point is Blacks really need to forget the past and stop using it as an exuse for their recent failures. Slavery was a very sad part of American history but it was more than 100 years ago. Three generations have gone by. And yes then their were the inequalities until the mid 60’s. But it’s not an excuse to have children you can’t afford with many different partners out of marriage. It’s not an excuse for the drugs and gang violence in black neigborhoods! I live in Newark and I experience “black issues” first hand. But I think Black leaders along with fighting for social justice – they need need to adress the Black Community what they are doing wrong. It would really serve a much bigger purpose!

Discrimination in the Black community is no different than discrimination in the Jewish, Arab, Asian, European community. They have all been brainwashed to view the mythical image of Blond hair, fair skin. (hence America is the capital of the planet for hair dye, and plastic surgery.) It is just that…a brainwashed myth.

And do not forget, the concept of RACE was non existent prior to 500 years ago. The Romans would have laughed in your face over the idea that a human of a certain color is any less than another. Theirs was based on cultural and intellectual accomplishment and the power of brute force.

All I can say is racism is here and blacks are experiencing it everyday. Being black, but sometimes I like to say brown because that is my true skin color, I would just urge blacks to get the education Let me fill you in a little. I have an MBA and my undergrad is in information systems. It is kind of funny especially when I speak with whites and we talk about anything. Eventually I will expound on my education and almost in every instance they seemed shocked. Yes I’m a black man or in my book brown man and I have a masters. If you are black and you want to blow away these screwed up, jacked up stereo types get you education straight and you have just leveled the playing field. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it that is a lie. I was told my senior year to not even bother with college because I was more focused on sports than school. However, after living outside the US I came to understand how bad the racism is. It is ingrained and it even ingrains in blacks which is hard to understand. I guess if you get treated badly all the time you come to expect it. Well people there are places where people will not treat you bad I got that experience and it changed my life. As the article says change your world everyone reading this has the power.

Mark, I will concede your excellent–it’s mere jealousy within the black community, not racism. I stand corrected.

Many may say we need to “get over” slavery, but that aspect of jealousy (light vs. dark skin pigments) stemmed from there and have been passed down from generation to generation (the blacks with lighter skin received better or preferential treatment than blacks with darker skin, hence, blacks with darker skin became jealous of those with lighter skin). Unfortunately, this exists in the hispanic and middle-eastern communities as well.

I’m a white wife of a black man and mother to our two daughters, aged 5 and 2. Faye you are ignorant for calling Don a sell out. Don, you are a great anchor, I enjoyed reading a bit about your background. I always enjoy watching you report the news. I watch lots of black anchors report the news and am not really sure what a sell out is??? How are they SUPPOSED to report the news?? Whatever. Anyway, I am happy that CNN chose to present “Black in America.” I’ve read a lot of comments that people said they thought it was pointless, but I disagree – we all need to be paying attention, and maybe changing the way we think. My daughters are still too young and innocent to understand the ugliness of racism, but I know they will face it eventually. More than anything I want them to be happy in their own skin and not worry or care that they’re “too light” for some, and “too dark” for others. My husband and I are raising them to know both sides of their heritage, and to be proud and confident. GO NAVY!!!!!!!!

Don I see you on CNN every chance I get , I remember you I think when you were in phila for a short time, well anyway I am so proud of you and I am glad you told your story, and most of all glad your sharing your story with a up and coming younge man and keeping it real. Just stay encouraged and keep being who you are, regardless of what folks think about us, its more about our attitude which will determine our altitude in life. Because whats for you is for you. Stay encouraged.

Booo! Hooo! Another typical liberal CNN story. If blacks or for that fact any ethnic group in this country is unhappy because they perceive discrimination. Leave! Go back to your mother land if this country is so tainted with descrimination. However, you’ll never see that happening. Wonder why?

Toneism is very real in Black America. I’m actually glad to see this story on CNN. Many individuals don’t understand the “brown paper bag” test and when I told my roomate about it (who is white) she thought I was joking. “Black in America” openned eyes to issues of discrimination that still exist today. I attend a predominantly white college and even though I feel that blacks have come a long way, there is so much more we have to accomplish. I mean, 20 years ago having someone black graduate from my institution was absurd.
I talked with my friend the other day (who is white) about some of the discrimination faced. She made a good point about it being about poverty; money does make the world go around. But I still feel that it’s racial. I hate that some individuals feel that everything is “equal”…even though that’s idealistic, we will never be “equal”. No one in America will ever be equal. Honestly, Mexicans are the quote on quote ” new negroes” of America. I feel that America is like any other country who oppresses certain races or nationalities (religions included) because of skin color or beliefs. This world is always going to have a race at the top and a race at the bottom; one race considered superior, one inferior. We must ALL come together and abolish these thoughts of discrimination. An eye for an eye leads the world blind; and this thinking will definitely lead to our downfall.

Thank you for this provocative and insightful piece. I am a light complexioned woman from Tennessee. My hue has been both a blessing and a liability. In our society, some treat you better for it, others treat you worse. My friends are of every hue, from white to beautiful black. To this day, and to my surprise, comments still arise about my being “light”. I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal. We’re all just people; that’s how I like to see it.

Sherry I totally disagree with your statement. There are plenty of black men who are faithful I am one. Or I actually like to say I’m brown becasue that is my skin color. And It would not matter what color my wife is. No where in the world but this country does people care about the color of a persons skin. Who cares ,your black ,brown, white or any hue in between it doesn’t matter. What does matter though is when people discriminate based on color which is just wrong. You limit yourself from meeting anyone for a relationship if u only decide to date someone so called black. Oh how dark does the person have to be dark dark black or light brown there are so many various shades this kind of racism is a joke.

Thank you CNN for “black in America.”

This is an interesting conversation which comes at the same time that my sorority, AKA received some backlash for having a light-skinned Barbie as a celebration of our 100 year anniversary. Ideal, I would want to believe that skin tone is not longer a issues, but these conversations make it clear that the wounds are still alive.
I have brown skin, (darker than the brown paper bag) but have three bi-racial daughters who are very fair. If I am honest with myself I would agree that they have received preferential treatment by both whites and blacks. If becomes my responsibility to make sure that they know that they are no better or less because of their skin tone.
Classism has and continues to be a struggle for our family. We come from an educated family and while we want to make sure we expose our children to different socio-economic class, I also don’t feel that the only way I have to do this is by living in the ghetto. Yes, I do want my daughters to attend schools in which the primary focus is to attend college. I think many middle class blacks struggle with wanting a middle class lifestyle without feeling that they have “sold out”.

I have some observations about the “reverse racesm that I know is alive and well in America. To start, as a tirage nurse at a busy local emergency room, I peronally had the experience of having a black man come into our waiting room wich was quite full ay the time, and seeing that he would have a wait to be seen shouted out ” can’t a black man get any servicew here”. I stopped what I was doing and apprached him saying in a loud enough voice that I saw him just comming into the room, and if her wanted help he would have to wait in line just like everone else. (Of course, if he was displaying an acute problem like a heart attack, he would have been screened and brought to the treatment area immediately, as he would have been questioned for the nature of his visit as he signed in, which was an immediate process.) Further, I told him if he thought he would get faster service at the busy emergency just down the street he should go there, as we don’t discriminate based on race or color, and his bigotry won’t change the way we screen or treat out patience! I was gald to see him turn around and leave. This was in Colorado.
I grew up in northern Wisconsin, the only black person I ever saw was the conductor on the train that stopped at our town. My parents raised all of thier children not to be bigotted, and ever confronted bigots when they moved to Florida in later years. I’ve experienced many similar cases asa the bove mentioned story since living here in Colorado. My neighbor lady who works as a waitress complains of rude an bigoted behavores by the blacks she waits on, and like me and my black friends, deplores the bigotry on the part of both blacks and whites.
Clearly, America will never become a truly unified nation so long as both black and white bigots continue to hold any power in the national dialog and way of life.

Mrs. Charles Arvada Colorado wrote:

“My friends are of every hue, from white to beautiful black.”

I would say “beautiful white to black.”

But that’s just my personal taste.

My son’s father asked him, an eight year old, if he wore sunscreen while he was at the beach. He didn’t want him to get darker. I need to have him read this, and maybe a few more things about the “dark skin, light skin” issue. Oh..and he did wear the sunscreen, as the sun is dangerous, and he did indeed get darker, but he is and always will be as beautiful as the day he was born..regardless of his skin tone!

Don, I enjoyed very much reading this article and am reminded that the best way to begin changing the world is to start by changing ourselves and hopefully help others do the same along the way.

Wow, reading some of these comments from today and from T.J.’s posts yesturday just prove racism is alive and well in America. It’s really sad that people can be open-minded enough to see someone’s side of things.

Wow…as a completely pasty white female I totally know what you mean! At least you could try to look white. Me looking black?! I’m almost pink! lol Forget about blending in in Philly….

I think everyone just needs to take a pill and get over it. Whoever said it’s an economic divide hit it on the nail. All people face problems of acceptance and blending no matter who they are. Focusing on personal responsibility for behavior in all communities would probably be more productive than victimizing and guilting people.

Don, thank you for sharing your experiences. I’m the son of a white man and a black woman. Much of what you wrote mirrors many of my experiences growing up. The realization of being accepted and rejected by both whites and blacks came early. I too have had the unfortunate experience of being called the “N word” by whites. At other times I have been accused of wanting to be white by blacks. For some reason the latter experience cuts deeper. I, like everyone reading this, had no control of who my parents are or what color my skin is. Despite this I would not trade who or what I am for anything. I realize that my complexion may serve as an advantage and allow faster acceptance by some. But it may also be a disadvantage and foster rejection by others. Despite any advantage it is the merit of my character that determines who or what I will become.

Don, I really enjoyed reading this article. You are one of my favorite anchors so thank you for sharing your story. It is encouraging and I appreciate your honesty about ‘real’ situations that exist in our community regardless of how other’s feel or perceive it. After reading many of the comments here, I don’t feel like you are asking anyone to feel sorry for Blacks. You are simply expressing your reality and the reality of so many others. I’m proud of young men like Brandon and love to read the POSITIVE things they are doing in lieu of so much negative. Again, thank you and keep up the good work.

Once again, the blogs are getting so angry. I guess it is better to vent in a blog than to kick the dog or something.

I am a 67 yr. old white grandmother. I grew up in a small town in the Midwest where there wasn’t any one of ‘color’. For some reason I have never felt anything but good about all people. I now live in the SW and have many friends and very few are Anglo. My best friend is Black and grew up in the South and spent most of her life in a Midwest city. When Don Lemon first came on CNN I felt that he was someone that deserved to be noticed. He is smart, kind and very good looking! I really enjoyed reading about his youth and how he rose above what was going on in his life. My grandparents had a big part in my growing up and I know how that affects our lives. Keep up the great work!

Although I watched this series with great anticipation I have to say that I’m so tired of simply talking or hearing engaged conversation where black and white are concerned. I’m 52 years old, raised by parents who were the product of Jim Crow South Carolina and yet they taught my siblings and I to be color blind. To their credit I did, even after we moved to Southern Florida for a year in the 60’s where as teenagers we faced racism head-on. I did everything that I could to remain that way, even teaching my children to do likewise. However; in the past 10 years I’ve witnessed treatment toward African Americans that have caused me lately to develop a very different reaction to this whole color blind state of mind. I can no longer bear the injustices that I witness against Black America in my current position as a legislater. From where I now sit, I have a birds-eye view of the vile and vicious plan that was put in motion against my people and no one but us REALLY wants to do something to change the way America operates when it comes to fair-play on behalf of Blacks in America. We’ve wtached these same injustices and reactions on television my entire life, these same issues have been discussed over, and over….. with no joint plan in place to bring about change simply because the dominant culture wants the status quo. When we try to help ourselves, when we try to do all that is right in accordance with the law and in the eyes of God we’re still wrong. Please… no more talking; let’s do something.

I am not an American. I do however live in this country and have for the past seven years. I can not understand how white people (and I am white) can not see how terrible people of minorities are treated here in your country. It is so very obvious and blantant is it appalling. This whole country needs cultural diversity training. So do your human resources departments. You are suppose to treat all people equally here but you don’t. You need to be ashamed of yourselves.

To David Fitzmorris: people such as yourself is the true problem with this country. I can love my country and not be happy with its ills. I can love my country enough to be the voice of dissent. Racism in this country is alive and well. Not talking about it is not going to make it go away. Be a part of the solution.

Amen! Thank you for writing this. I have light brown skin and 2 multi-racial daughters and every day I thank the Lord that they will grown up in a more understanding better world than I did.

Don:
I liked you from day 1! You come across very sincere … careing I can tell that they (CNN management team) keep trying to change you … to have you come across more agressively on camera (I’m on the other side of the table that’s how I can tell, the ad agency side). I detect subtle changes day to day … your delivery mostly … your moves etc. Don’t get frustrated … be you …fresh and always sincere. That’s the real you … not the way “they” want you to be.

Your article only reinforced my thoughts about you. “What a neat guy!”

Damielle,…thanks for reconsidering your position. If you listen to all these other comments you’ll find that most miss the mark. Racism,…both within the black communtiy, and outside of it,…always goes back to “JEALOUSY”. These people will talk about this subject for a thousand years, when we can end it all right now. Racist people are jealous people,…..with a little fear mixed-in for good measure.

One thing that gets lost in the call for RESPONSIBLE BLACK FATHERHOOD is the fact that MOST Black men love their children as much as anyone else. To suggest that this is an epidemic specifically confined to the Black community would suggest that there is something inherent in the Black Man’s DNA that would cause him to proliferate and then go AWOL. However, there is a social disease that exits in our community that we Blacks have coined: “BABY MAMA DRAMA,” whereby a scorned mother will do everything within her power to disenfranchise the father from a meaningful role in the parental process and ultimately prevent the father who is initially willing, from having a stake in the life of the child. (The funny part is that these are the same sisters who meet their girlfriends in coffee shops and bistros to talk about that idea that there are no good Black men out there). Every unmarried brother I know with a child has gone through this. Why is there never a light shone upon this aspect of our “issue?” Why doesn’t Oprah ever feature a show on this?

My personal story chronicles an 11 year (since the very birth of my child) journey of countless court appearances to enforce my parental rights. Today after a long fight and considerable expense and an exhausted 401K account, I now have full custody of my daughter. Had I not had the resolve and resources to wage this battle against “my baby mama”, my child may have grown up without a father. Most Black men however, DO NOT have the financial resources to enforce their rights and their child’s rights, so at a certain point they just give up. My own father went through this with my sister’s mother. As such I did not meet my own sister until she was 26. Her scorn and bitterness had far more collateral damage than her intended target. This is the “B” side of the record that people like Barrack Obama miss when they make their grandiose speeches. In order to have BLACK RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD, you must have BLACK RESPONSIBLE MOTHERHOOD! In our society, the presumption of the court is that the child fares best when the mother has primary custody. That is B.S. Our plight as a people would be CUT IN HALF if the laws were changed to provide JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY to both parents once paternity is established. Especially if it is sought (as in my case) by the father. But that will never happen because family law and family court is BIG, BIG business in this country, and we’d be asking lawyers (the congress) to take money out of the pockets of their brethren. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

This is in response to Robert, who posted “Question: When a black person is pulled over by the police, is it always racially motivated?”….There are times where racism blatantly plays a part, for instance: I purchased a new car for my birthday with no bells and whistles, just a basic full size sedan. While driving (in traffic) up a four lane street, I was pulled over because “the temporary registration in the window has to have the name of the seller facing outward” – according to the officer…..Now, if a policeman sitting 3 lanes over on a private street can see a temporary registration in the lower right portion of the windshield of a car going 25 mph, then his talents are being wasted on the LAPD. Needless to say, I did file a complaint (having friends on the force made that part easier) and am waiting for the response…..Point is, some cops are just racist….Not saying everyone is but unfortunately, they won’t admit to it because “they know a few blacks on the force”….

When will we and/or the media show the other side of black America? Namely, the middle class. Almost everything in the Black In America program emphases our struggles and/or internal problems. What about the millions of us who deal with problems in a productive manner and achieve middle class heaven?

Our kids relate to what they see on TV and the movies. What will they think after watching this program? I know many have already indicated that there seems to be no change in America and as a result maybe there is no real purpose in trying to do better. Is that what we want from a news program? Hip Hop music sells the thug live. News only shows black men going to jail. Now a news information program makes it seems as if everything we thought we had accomplished was an illusion.

Show the other side of this wonderful culture. What about the thousand of black men and women running Fortune 1000 companies? What about the black scientist paving the way new energy and medicine? What about the black working on new technology to keep our soldiers safe and more productive? What about the average black person that goes to work everyday, raise their kids, and mow their lawns?

Come on guys. Don’t try to destroy us will misplaced tough love.

Don, Enjoyed hearing about your life and how you have moved on but am very sorry for those of you who have to experience racism on a daily basis, regardless of their status. I watch you regularly on CNN and have always singled you out as such a good, credible reporter. Not all are! Not only that, but you are very easy on the eyes! I commend you for reaching out to your younger counterparts. I have a neice who is from a mixed union and have watched her suffer similar humiliations. We should all be continually praying and doing our part to try to make an impact on existing racism in today’s world.

It is truly sad in this country, that black people would exclude their own because of the shade of their skins. I could relate too many of the things said about light skinned people, being light skinned myself. On one side, being light skinned I was look at differently by the outside world and given chances a darker skin person might not had been. Still I would never be a member of the exclusive “white club” because at the end of the day I’m still a person of color, and I’m okay with that. Then on the other side, my own people reject me saying I’m not black enough, I’m trying to be white, I think I’m better then them because my lighter skin and hair. I don’t understand why would we are hurt each other, where there are so many other trying to hurt us already.

The article about the Wisconsin student being harassed for not joining a black sorority is interesting. My college roommate went to Wisconsin and rushed for the AKA sorority. She was not accepted most likely because she was a gorgeous biracial women. She took it hard. She grew up in small-town Wisconsin and wanted to establish some friendships with black women. The sorority sisters were mean and hateful towards a person who is beautiful inside and out. She ended up leaving the university partially because she was rejected. It really caused a lot of confusion for her when she was trying to figure out her identity at that time in her life. Today she seems to be at peace with who she is.

I’m from W.Va and your hx mirrors my own, except the light skin priveledge was not as prevalent as you stated. It is good that this information is known to other’s because what white America gave to it’s people is absent of the hardworking parents and grandparents who emphasized education as the only way to survive the struggle. History books, newspapers, and documentaries have sheilded by ommitance the true plight of the African American family from the end of slavery to today. All through government sponsored discrimination we educated ourselves and never lost sight of where we needed to go. However the struggle remains until we acheive access to every oppurtunity available to whites.Why, because the constitution was written for all Americans. I believe this concept has finally become a reality.

Question: When a black person is pulled over by the police, is it always racially motivated? I don’t think that anyone would say that every time a black person is pulled over by the police that it’s racially motivated, but when a police officer can not even justify his reason for pulling you over what else could it be. Last year, when my ex came in town to celebrate our sons’ birthday he told me that he hates to drive his car here in my town because he’s always pulled over by the police. Sure enough, we went to pick up the kids birthday cake and we were pulled over. The officer sent 20 minutes running his information looking for a good reason to tell us he pulled us over for. He came back only to ask him “When did he get his tag update?” He said that when he ran his tag (not sure why he ran it in the first place because it had the updated sticker and everything) it wasn’t pulling it up. I believe that the only reason we were pulled over was because he was a black man who had a brand new luxury car. He thought that either the car was stolen or he didn’t have any insurance, none of which was true. Why should we have to put up with this?

It must be nice white people to tell another group how to fell and get over slavery. I guess I would say that too if my people hadn’t been forced to come to America and serve for 400 years, Jim Crow, segregation, Trail of Tears.Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, learning of slavery in elementary is shcoking you can’t believe another group was SO LAZY and EVIL and UNCARING. You comments show the same uncaring unempathetic soulless people. If a group of people keeps telling you how they are mistreated and you want to ignore it as made up it only shows your ignorance. I know the people stating get over it would not have fought for freedom or equality. In elementary school white parents, some holding babies would throw rocks at our buses this was 1974, how many of you grew up with your parents making racist remarks? HOW IGNORANT YOU ARE FOR TELLING SOMEONE ELSE HOW TO FEEL, HOW IGNORANT YOU ARE FOR CASTING 400 YEARS OF SLAVERY ASIDE, HOW IGNORANT YOU ARE FOR NOT FEELING THE PAIN OF LEGIONS OF OUR LEADERS BEING ASSASSINATED, HOW IGNORANT YOU ARE FOR NOT REMEMBERING WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING SINCE WE GOT HERE AND JUST INTEGRATED SCHOOLS IN THE 70′S. OH NOW FOR 30 YEARS WE ARE SUPPOSED TO FORGET SLAVERY. officer came from slave overseer learn some American history of others before you spew your ignorant comments

Don, your a good reporter but you turned me off when you told that guy who bailed out a enna 6 youth that he was doing it to get his 15 minutes of fame! I thought that was dumb and malicious of you and something that would come from someone light , damn near white. It was as if you were playing the role of a white man. if that had been a white man bailing a white kid out that comment woud not have come from as it appeared ‘eating crow mouth” Anywhay there is hope for you as a hold out hope for myself and this world.

In my opinion it becomes very tiresome and old having to constantly explain ourselves to non-African Americans. Let’s prove ourselves to ourselves and move forward with or without non-African Americans. We seem to feel that we have no stake in what GOD has blessed us ALL with – the gift of life is our all access pass – I don’t feel the need to seek anyones approval. Answer to God and be good stewards of all he has given us…the Earth and the fullness thereof. We are to take care of his Earth, plants, each other, and be mindful and kind to other species who inhabit the Earth, as well as, the universe. When we notice variation in other species we see beauty, “Oh what a beautiful plant or animal – it’s different!”, we say; yet we cannot see this in our own species??? I at times question the human intelligence and the mind’s incapacity to comprehend only what God intended to be perfect (variation) and somehow we have undermined his will into something bizarre.

I am a dark brown skinned woman with a very light skinned husband. It’s a shame to say this, but I live in LA, have two young adult sons – one is darker skinned and one is lighter skinned, and I have watched with sadness thru the years how my two sons are treated differently simply because of their skin tone – even to this day in 2008 when Barack Obama is running for President. They’re treated differently both within and outside our race. Not to mention the difference I see in the treatment between my husband and I – he is regarded highly simply because of his light skin, and I benefit a little more that a dark skinned man would because I’m female. But as bad as that is, it seems those who are MOST hateful towards me are the darker brown skinned females that I encounter while out shopping, etc. They are always trying to “put me in my place,” as if that “place” should be somewhere on the bottom of the class ladder. Talk about despising the mirror image!!!

I’m always glad to hear about the programs that are in place for the youngsters like Brandon because like the author, those programs weren’t available for me in the 70’s. It’s programs like these that will equalize the skin tone discrimination.

Everyone judges everyone, on their appearance. You take a loook at someone to distiguish their class. If you want to be taken seriously no matter what color you are, present yourself correctly. I am from Kansas, i know we don’t have the same problems as the coasts and the south do with race. Maybe because we are 90% white/native american. Maybe because we hand no hand in slavery. But I would see a black midwesterner (yes there were black settters in the midwest) with similiar values closer to myself than a white person from NYC, georgia, conn., california, ect. I think it is different cultures we are talking about not race that leads us to treat people differently.

Don: Thanks for your story.CNN has done a superb job with the series ” Black in America” I’ve watched it with interest and frequently strong compassion.
Several things have struck me. The long prison sentences for the non
violent drug cases, and the failure to bring a ‘ Manhattan Project” focus
on improving education in innner city schools are very shortsighted.
I think the country will improve with Barack Obama as president although we can’t put it all on his shoulders.

I just wanted to commend Soledad O’Brien and her entire crew for a tremendous job done in putting together this amazing piece of Black in America. As a mother of two young children I would love for them to see this when the become older. Where can you get a copy of the show?
Congratulations on showing a piece that does not put blame on one person or the other but lets everyone tell their story and help us all learn that it call comes down to the choices we make as individuals whether we are Black or White or Hispanic or any other race.

Hi Don! Thanks for sharing your story. I watch you every chance I get and I particularly enjoyed your coverage in India late last year.

I applaud your success, and I think that you definitely service as a role model for younger African-Americans who aspire to attain a career in journalism.

While I grew up in the opposite end of the country (the suburbs of Philly), I can relate to some of your experiences, particularly some of the negative experiences that you had with other Blacks. My grandparents, who raised me along with other elders in my community, stressed that I get an education and learn how to present myself exceptionally in society. I was “badgered” constantly to walk, speak, and dress “better” than my white counterparts……since I would need to achieve 2x as much in life in order to get the same amount of respect. In high school, I was ridiculed a lot by my black peers for “acting and talking white”. Although I hated it then, I am grateful now that my elders did prepare me well. I graduated from my very affluent high school, went on to Penn State, and later moved to South Florida and obtained my Masters from NSU. Now, I am a licensed psychotherapist running my own private practice. My Grandfather and those other elders would be overjoyed that I fulfilled their dreams.

What I haven’t seen covered in this series, yet, is the phenomena of how and why Blacks can be their own worst enemies. Why does it seem that some Blacks are so quick to attack other Blacks who have worked hard and attained any success. This is how I interpreted Faye Rose’s comments written above! Why would she criticize your excellent work, by implying that you are “always reporting like you are a white man”…..and that you should “be who you are”? It is negative messages like this that many young African-Americans receive….and thus don’t live up to their full potential. Faye Rose should explore her own issues in life…….then apologize to you!

It is impossible to deny that racism still exists in this country — people who say it does not just refuse to open their eyes to SOMEONE ELSE’S experience. However, discrimination among human beings will always exist. Even if we were all the exact same complexion, height, weight, etc as everyone else, people would still find something (anything!) to differentiate themselves on and display preferential treatment for — whether it be the length of your fingers or the shape of your chin. The bottom line is that bigotry begins at home. If we want the cycle to end, we must not impart this hate and prejuidice to upcoming generations. Parents, you have a responsibility to instill in your children love, respect and tolerance for ALL human beings, despite the inevitable differences that we have in culture, ethnicity, economy or anything else. I, for one, plan to teach my beautiful African-American sons that we as humans are all equal in the sight of God; and as long as they apply themselves and work hard that the sky is the limit for their dreams and they WILL achieve their goals; despite living in America or anywhere else!

“It’s due to the difference in the communities in which they reside.,” Joe

This guy is right on target. It’s difficult to emulate something you have never seen. It’s almost impossible to do it successfully a good majority of the time. When you don’t have good role models, sometimes you don’t even imagine what “could be.,” you just accept “what is.”

I’m white … but I’m going through the same thing as I struggle to be a good Father. I didn’t have a Dad in the home – was raised by my Mom, Aunts, Grandmas and such – all women. I have to figure out as I go along, “how would a Dad respond” to this situation? I don’t know. I’ve never seen it happen on a regular basis.

And so making decisions, doing things that white Americans think are obvious — well, maybe they’re not obvious. It’s the responsibility of all communities to ensure children are raised properly. If not, we all suffer.

Let’s give credit where credit is due.

I grew up the only son in an Arab family in the middle of a Jewish neighborhood in Michigan. My high school was highly integrated, so much so that in the 1980’s, I was president of the National Honor Society, on my senior class board, voted most popular and most likely to succeed – and all of this while I had a boyfriend. Being an Arab, being gay, being different were all part of the multi-cultural experience at a public school in suburban Detroit.

I actually met Don a few years ago in Louisiana; I was dating a co-worker of his in the industry. He’s a kind, smart, incredibly engaging, handsome man – a winning combination and an unstoppable force. While these assets may have helped Don become the successful, I’ve known many with equal attributes who are unable to rise above their situation. Don deserves our respect and admiration.

My friends and I have been having a discussion of what gets lost in a post-gay world; nowadays the younger generation is going to mixed bars and in many ways, I believe we’re being mainstreamed, and the danger in being mainstreamed is that you lose some truly critical and meaningful culture.

I actually believe we’re much closer to being post-black than post-anything else. Granted, it will take much longer for the South to catch up (and by south, I mean anything below Columbus, Ohio, where I’ve been living for the past few years). But remember all the clamor over black-white relationships? It’s a non-issue now, here and on the coasts.

What’s my point? The white males who have been writing in about their disadvantages need to accept that we live in a world of relative parity. You have to own your failures just like you have to own your successes; we all have disadvantages.

Those who choose to lean on their relative advantages, like Don, go far in this world.

Those who compare themselves to everyone else only add to the odds stacked against them.

Be your own advocate and (to quote Louis Pasteur) you’ll find that chance favors the prepared mind.

To Faye Rose: what does a “…white man…” report like?

Thanks for sharing your story…love the way you keep it real on the Newsroom.One thing for sure,this documentary has got us all talking again and let hope some positive comes out of it.
By the way did anyone else think that AC plugging his upcoming piece in the middle of it was a bit….cheesy?

I enjoyed your story, thanks for sharing it. I to, experienced the affects of being a certain shade within the black race. I do feel that the attention given to the race issues pertain to the universal attitudes outside of our race rather than the ones we experience within the race. Racism will exist until EVERYONE REALIZES no one is above another. We have two options when we relate to someone; accept them the way they are OR walk away and not befriend them and don’t let someone make their problem your problem. I look around and the remedy is simple – IF WE HUMANS WOULD FOLLOW IT – there is an ultimate plan already established – NO ONE IS BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE. Everyone of us is created in the image of God and God doesn’t make junk!!!! Ever noticed the animals?? They STILL FOLLOW THEIR PLAN and don’t have the chaious we intelligent humans have, diease, birth defects, crime, hate, pollution, stress, high blood pressure, etc. I have a question for us humans – looking at the outcome of our intelligence and comparing it to the other sectors of life – whoses really the dumby here??? Thanks for the opportuniy to express myself, Rayne

Back when Soledad O’Brien had not been demoted to investigative reporter and was still morning anchor she participated in a q and a session with Rep. Cynthia McKinney. Not only was O’Brien rude and disrespectful; she did a hatchet job againgst another black woman. O’Brien is self-identified as black, is she not?
It is not about which race has the head start for Africans are the oldest race on the planet and invented the footrace. No, rather this an issue that hinges on justice.
It is about what happens when fathers provide genetic material for offspring but deny them their names and seats at the famiky table.
The absentee fathers I refer to are black but white: all those nameless white men who raped black women during slavery, who fathered black children sold them into slavery, and never acknowledged paternity. These are the originators of the absentee criminal abusers who have sown the seeds of disharmony and dysfunctionality that plagues our society today,
Whenever children are denied by fathers you have hurt, hatred, and enmity.

By the way did anyone else think that AC plugging his upcoming piece in the middle of it was a bit….cheesy?

It’s not like he interrupted the program to tell everyone. LOL It was on commerical. I bet he had little choice in the matter anyway.

Please tell me it wasn’t the Democratic Party which initiated Jim Crow Laws in the southern states.

Brandon sounds like a wonderful young man and I’m glad he was given the opportunity to take part in learning to fly. In comparing what was available during high school for my siblings and myself and what is now available for my children, I think that all races have a host of opportunities we could not have dreamed of years ago. Our children are fortunate to have these opportunities and they are also fortunate to be part of hopefully the generation that will help get rid of the last vestiges of racism. In the 1960s and 1970s we thought we could but we didn’t – now a new generation can try and if they are mostly like the Brandon’s of this post I think there is a good chance they will succeed.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Issues like this should be addressed, I don’t see why white or any other races think that they are being left out and not focused on. I think it benefits the black community to see something like this. There are a lot of Jews that run this country, yes they fought for what they have. Orientals have come to this country and built their little communities all over. Black people have come a long way look at communities like Prince George’s county . There are plenty of black people making it. We want a lot more black people to be successful as well, the young ones in jail to know there are role models that are out there. Media always showing the bad not the good, is not benefiting black children. I make it a point to educate my children on the contribution that blacks of made to this countries past and present. and encourage other black moms to do the same.
If you are concerned about the amount of blacks working at Atlanta airport, you do know a lot of black people live in Atlanta don’t you? Are there a whole bunch of black people working at the airport in South Dakota?

I don’t think race is that big of a deal. Although I am technically biracial. My mother is 100% German she was born in Germany and my father’s mother was a black women and my father’s father was Native American and Scottish. I understand the whole biracial and proud complex. I think it is awesome. I however, although I guess technically I am only 1/4th African-American, I always have and will always identify as black. I am very light skinned, I have curly brownish blonde hair and green eyes. Me saying that I am black has nothing to do with me ignoring my white heritage, it is just how I identify myself comfortably, and with the knowledge that all African-Americans are essentially multiracial or biracial. Me saying I am black is still me saying I am white too, becasue all black people have at least a white grand parent or a white parent or great grandparent, as African-Americans we are a little bit of everything. I am black and proud.