00:00We've had some pivotal moments with race in America that warranted deeper discussion.
00:07From Sandra Bland to Freddie Gray and unfortunately more black lives have been in the crosshairs
00:12this year.
00:13So Essence Live teamed with Essence Debates to discuss the current climate and provide
00:17some solutions.
00:18Welcome to Essence Debates now.
00:20The Baltimore uprising shined light on an issue across America.
00:23What is the emotional state of our community set up and worn out?
00:27Well, where are their parents?
00:28Right, right.
00:29And I believe that's the wrong question.
00:31The real issue is the police.
00:32I hadn't even made it a block before I was arrested.
00:36It's not just about the individual now, it's about a community of people.
00:39But I think in large part most of law enforcement is doing the right thing.
00:42Why are these cops not brought to justice?
00:44People don't see value in black life.
00:46Join us as we continue the search for hope and peace.
00:51I like to say this and in any way does this reflect Essence.
00:55This only reflects David Banner.
00:56But white supremacy only respects two things.
01:00That's the loss of life and the loss of finances.
01:03I was about to say money, you said finance, yes.
01:06Until black people threaten one of those two things, they will forever continue to do what
01:11they do.
01:12So instead of blaming an external source, blame yourself.
01:17Because until we blame ourselves, we will never change anything.
01:21The things that are going on with our women, with our own lives, and with our communities.
01:26Mm-hmm.
01:27It's not a problem.
01:28Thoughts ladies?
01:29Those were some really good conversations.
01:32Yeah.
01:33And I'm happy that Essence joined in them.
01:34And they were difficult conversations.
01:35Very difficult.
01:36Difficult.
01:37But you know, each and every one, in all the conversations, the hard conversations we
01:41have to have, I almost admit that David Banner really impressed me.
01:44Yeah.
01:45I'll admit you kind of get a little bit of a, hip-hop stars get a little bit of a stigma
01:50because they don't seem to be that involved.
01:51But he just comes in and makes me remove all of my own stereotypes I have.
01:56And I feel like he's speaking as a black man in his troubles and it's very believable.
02:00And I'm thankful that he's speaking up.
02:02Authenticity.
02:03Authenticity.
02:04And he poses a lot of questions that make you think.
02:05Absolutely.
02:06He's like, you know what, I'm not necessarily going to point you in the right direction,
02:08so to speak, but I'm going to start to plant those seeds so you can try to get to
02:10the right destination, if that makes sense.
02:13No, totally.
02:14Very self-aware.
02:15He's willing to participate in the entire conversation.
02:17Yeah.
02:18Definitely.
02:19And I loved his apology to black women.
02:20Oh, it was awesome.
02:21I was like, dude, you got it.
02:22And of course we're going to continue to have these types of conversations on Essence.com,
02:26in the magazine each and every month, and of course right here on Essence Live.
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