The Takeout Season 4 Episode 9 Activist Hawk Newsome on "The Takeout"

Hawk Newsome is an American civil rights activist who has been making waves in recent years for his outspoken and controversial views on race relations in the US. On this episode of The Takeout, Newsome sits down with host Major Garrett to discuss his journey to activism, the Black Lives Matter movement, and his thoughts on the current state of race relations in America.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Newsome developed an interest in activism at a young age. He cites his upbringing in a diverse and often tumultuous community as a major influence on his worldview. Newsome went on to earn a degree in finance from Howard University and worked in the financial sector for several years before deciding to pursue activism full-time.

Newsome is perhaps best known as the co-founder of Black Lives Matter Greater New York, an organization dedicated to fighting police brutality and advocating for the rights of black Americans. He gained national attention in 2017 when he appeared on Fox News' The Ingraham Angle and declared, "If this country doesn't give us what we want, then we will burn down this system and replace it." The comment sparked controversy and debate, with some praising Newsome's passion and others condemning his rhetoric.

In this episode of The Takeout, Newsome discusses his views on protest and activism, addressing the criticism he has faced for his more confrontational tactics. He argues that peaceful protests alone have not been enough to effect real change in the US and that direct action is necessary to push for systemic reform.

Newsome also speaks candidly about the challenges facing the Black Lives Matter movement, including opposition from both the political right and some members of the black community. He addresses accusations that the movement promotes violence and divisiveness and argues that its goals are ultimately about creating a more just and equitable society for all Americans.

Throughout the interview, Newsome is thoughtful and articulate, offering insights into his personal experiences and the larger issues he is working to address. He draws connections between the struggles of black Americans and other marginalized groups, including working-class white Americans, and emphasizes the need for solidarity and coalition-building across diverse communities.

Whether you agree with Hawk Newsome's views or not, his perspective on race relations in the US is undeniably important and thought-provoking. This episode of The Takeout offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the most prominent and controversial figures in the racial justice movement.