Tag: Bakari Sellers

  • Tiffany Cross’s New Book: A Message for Black Women

    Have you ever felt like you’re pouring your heart and soul into everything – love, your career, even your country – only to feel that love draining away? Tiffany D. Cross, former host of MSNBC’s “The Cross Connection,” is sharing her journey through those tough times in her powerful new book, “Love, Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career, and Relationship.” It’s a message of healing and resilience for Black women everywhere.

    From Cable News Star to Personal Revelation

    The past decade has been a whirlwind for Tiffany D. Cross. She rose as a prominent voice in cable news, only to have a dream job taken away. Add to that the political landscape and a painful personal breakup, and you have a recipe for immense emotional strain. Cross felt that love was “emptying” from her and knew she had to find a way to refill her own cup.

    Her new book chronicles these highs and lows, offering a raw and honest look at her experiences. She shared in a recent chat with her former “Native Land” podcast colleagues – Angela Rye, Andrew Gillum, and Bakari Sellers – that her journey is about finding a way to “plug those holes and get that faucet turned back on for myself.”

    A Voice for the Voiceless

    Cross hopes “Love, Me” provides not only solace for Black women but also insight for Black men. She believes the book offers a unique perspective on the challenges Black women face today, from career underemployment to feeling targeted by political administrations. She’s not afraid to “say the quiet parts out loud,” sharing those dark thoughts that might otherwise remain unspoken.

    She emphasizes that Black women are often viewed as a political commodity, asked to “save America” without acknowledging their own humanity and emotional needs. “Before you ask me to go out here and save America, I need you to realize I’m a whole human being right here with a beating and broken heart,” Cross stated. Her message is clear: healing must come first.

    Healing Through Love and Loss

    The book delves into the pain of losing her show, the sting of lost love, and the feeling that Black women have collectively lost ground in the country. Cross makes her hurt public, acknowledging that she doesn’t have all the answers but remains hopeful for change. She’s asking for a moment of respite, a chance for Black women to breathe and regroup.

    This pause isn’t about inactivity; it’s about strategic healing and self-preservation. Cross wants to give herself and other Black women “something to believe in” during challenging times. It’s a powerful call for self-love and collective support in navigating a world that often feels overwhelming.

    Have you read Tiffany D. Cross’s new book, “Love, Me”? What are your thoughts on her message to Black women? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!

  • Angela Rye Apologizes to Joe Budden Over Podcast Title

    In the latest episode of the “Native Land Podcast,” Angela Rye addressed Joe Budden directly, offering an apology for the controversial title of a previous episode. The title, “Joe Budden and the Dumbing Down of America,” sparked a response from Budden himself, leading to a public back-and-forth between the podcasters.

    The Controversy Over the Title

    Rye, along with her co-hosts Tiffany Cross, Andrew Gillum, and Bakari Sellers, discussed anti-intellectualism among Black Americans. Their original episode title referencing Joe Budden led to his camp filing a copyright infringement claim, causing the video to be taken down. It was later reposted with a revised title: “Do We Need to Talk About Black Intellectualism?”

    Joe Budden, host of the “Joe Budden Podcast,” had publicly called out “NLP” for using his name as a focal point for their discussion. He felt it was unfair to use him as a reference point without directly engaging with his content or perspective.

    Intellectual Debates and ‘Peers’

    The “Native Land Podcast” hosts also commented on an argument between Joe Budden Podcast co-hosts Marc Lamont Hill and QueenzFlip. While Rye welcomed Marc Lamont Hill onto her show anytime, she expressed reservations about the other co-hosts, questioning the idea of limiting discussions to only those considered intellectual peers.

    Sellers and Cross further insinuated an intellectual disparity between Hill and Flip. Sellers noted that while he knows “10 Flips,” he knows “one Marc Lamont Hill” due to his level of intellect, suggesting a difference in intellectual caliber. Cross, however, maintained that her opinions on anti-intellectualism were not swayed by public opinion and that she stood by her commentary, even while acknowledging the existence of a “toxic landscape” fueled by “podcast bros.”

    Rye’s Direct Apology

    Following Budden’s response and the subsequent social media debate, Angela Rye issued a direct apology on the latest episode. “I think what we did was wrong and I do want to apologize to Joe Budden’s podcast, to their team, to their production company for that title,” she stated. “I’m an EP on this show, and so I own that wholeheartedly.”

    Cross clarified that her intention was not to label individuals as intellectual or not, but rather to discuss a broader “anti-intellectual movement ravaging the Black community.” She emphasized that discussions should not be limited and that reaching out to figures like Joe Budden and Flip would be part of that process.

    The situation highlights the complexities of public discourse, intellectual debates, and the use of names and likenesses in media. Rye’s apology signifies a step towards de-escalating the conflict and acknowledging the impact of their podcast’s framing.

    What are your thoughts on the “Native Land Podcast” controversy and Angela Rye’s apology? Let us know in the comments below!