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12 African-Americans Who Adopted the ‘New Black’ Mentality

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams: Singer, Rapper & Record Prodcuer
In a 2014 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Neptunes producer defined the phrase “new Black,” which he coined himself. “The ‘new black’ doesn’t blame other races for our issues,” he explained. “The ‘new black’ dreams and realizes that it’s not a pigmentation; it’s a mentality. And it’s either going to work for you, or it’s going to work against you. And you’ve got to pick the side you’re gonna be on.”

 

Raven (1)

Raven-Symoné: Child Star and Co-Host of “The View”
The former “Cosby Show” actress appeared on Oprah’s “Where Are They Now” and explained how she totally rejects labels. “I’m tired of being labeled,” she told Oprah. “I’m an American, I’m not an African-American.” Symoné went on to state, “I don’t know how far back they [my roots] go … I don’t know what country in Africa I’m from, but I do know that my roots are in Louisiana. I’m an American. And that’s a colorless person.”

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