Smokey Robinson Resents Being Called An African American: I Consider Myself To Be A Black American

Smokey Robinson Resents Being Called An African American: I Consider Myself To Be A Black American

Legendary singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson has the internet buzzing over a somewhat controversial topic. During a recent interview on The View, the 82-year-old “Motown” legend was discussing his poem, “Black American” which was recently turned into an animation by a teacher named Joe Young. While speaking on the poem, Smokey Robinson revealed that he does not like to be called an African American.

Smokey Robinson Resents Being Called An African American pic.twitter.com/W5poZ1UEqL

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He explained,

“I resent being called African American… I think that when you do that, you’re disclaiming all the things, all the contributions that Black people have made to America. I consider myself to be  a Black American and I enjoy being called Black.”

He continued,

“Black has been so negativized as a color down throughout history, by those who wanted to negativize it. And so, it spilled over into the Black community and to the Black people. And even Black people back in the day calling each other Black was a sign for a fight.  So, I resent being called African American because black people have contributed so much to the development of the United States of America.”

Smokey Robinson’s  comments garnered mixed reviews on social media. Some agreeing with the “Crusin” singer while others disagreed and felt he was not acknowledging his ancestral roots. See reactions below:

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