Ep 3. Wokeness

In this episode of The New Negroes with Baron Vaughn & Open Mike Eagle, entitled "Wokeness," the hosts explore the concept of being "woke" in modern society, particularly within the black community. They are joined by a variety of guests, including comedian Dulcé Sloan, musician David Banner, writer/comedian Rae Sanni, and spoken word artist Javon Johnson.

The episode begins with Vaughn and Eagle discussing the definition of "woke" and how it has become a popular term among young people. They point out that being "woke" is not just about being aware of social issues, but also about actively doing something to address them. Throughout the episode, they discuss the ways in which black people have been historically marginalized and oppressed, and how being "woke" can help overcome that.

Dulcé Sloan appears next, and she talks about how being "woke" can also be a burden, as it forces people to be constantly aware of what's going on in the world and how they can help. She discusses the difficulty of navigating the intersection of race and gender, and how that affects her both personally and professionally. She also talks about the importance of mental health for black people, especially given the trauma of systemic racism.

The hosts then welcome David Banner, who talks about his journey to becoming "woke." He discusses how he used to be a rapper focused on material possessions, but eventually realized the importance of using his platform to promote positivity and social justice. Banner discusses his activism work, particularly his efforts to increase awareness about police brutality and racial profiling. He also talks about the importance of education for black youth, and how lack of access to quality education is a form of systemic racism.

Next up is Rae Sanni, who talks about how being "woke" has changed over time. She discusses how the current generation of young black people are more active and engaged than ever before, and how social media has helped them to organize and mobilize. She also talks about the importance of acknowledging privilege within the black community, and how that can sometimes lead to division and infighting.

Finally, Javon Johnson performs a powerful spoken word piece about the experience of being black in America. He talks about the daily struggles of racism, both overt and subtle, and how it affects everything from career opportunities to personal relationships. He also talks about the importance of self-care and maintaining mental health in the face of such oppression.

Throughout the episode, Vaughn and Eagle offer their own insights and perspectives, and encourage viewers to think critically about the issues discussed. They highlight the importance of being "woke," not just as a trendy buzzword, but as a necessary step towards combating systemic racism and achieving true equality.

Overall, "Wokeness" is a thought-provoking and insightful episode of The New Negroes with Baron Vaughn & Open Mike Eagle. The guests provide a range of perspectives on what it means to be "woke," and how we can all work towards a more equitable society. The episode is sure to inspire viewers to take action and make a difference in their own communities.