Ep 3. Wokeness

The New Negroes is a comedy and live music series from Comedy Central that premiered in 2019. The show aims to explore and celebrate Black culture and experience through music, stand-up comedy, and sketches. The show is hosted by comedian Baron Vaughn and rapper Open Mike Eagle.

The third episode of the first season is called Wokeness. In this episode, Vaughn and Eagle explore the idea of "wokeness," a term that has recently gained popularity in discussions of social justice and activism. The hosts invite a variety of guests to explore the concept from different angles, including comedians, activists, and musicians.

The episode begins with a hilarious sketch in which Vaughn and Eagle play two Black friends discussing their differing levels of "wokeness." They poke fun at some of the extreme and absurd versions of wokeness that can be seen online and in real life. This sketch sets the tone for the rest of the episode, which aims to have a nuanced and thought-provoking discussion of the topic.

One of the guests on the episode is comedian W. Kamau Bell, who has made a name for himself as a thoughtful and insightful commentator on issues of race and social justice. The hosts and Bell discuss how the concept of "wokeness" has evolved over the years and how it has become both a tool for social change and a way to signal one's own virtue. They also discuss how the term can be used to dismiss people who are genuinely concerned about issues of equality and justice.

Another guest on the episode is singer-songwriter Jamila Woods. Woods is known for her politically conscious music, and she discusses how her art is an expression of her own "wokeness." She also performs a song from her most recent album, which explores themes of Black womanhood and self-love.

The hosts also invite a group of activists from the Black Lives Matter movement to discuss their perspectives on wokeness. They talk about how the term can be used to shame people who are not aware of certain issues and how it can sometimes be a way for people to avoid taking concrete actions towards change. They also discuss the importance of self-education and taking action in one's own life and community.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and guests offer different opinions and perspectives on the concept of "wokeness," highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. The episode is both funny and thought-provoking, and it provides a meaningful exploration of a term that has become increasingly important in discussions of social justice and activism.

Overall, Wokeness is a great episode of The New Negroes that exemplifies the show's mission to celebrate and explore Black culture. The hosts and guests offer valuable insights and commentary on an important topic, while also entertaining viewers with hilarious sketches and musical performances.