Can We Heal Our Divisions? Pan-Africanism in the 21st Century- Herman Smalls

Send us Fan Mail

Fitness legend and Pan-Africanist Herman Smalls takes us on a powerful journey from his days inspiring a generation through public access television to his current mission building bridges across the Black diaspora. As the conversation unfolds, Smalls shares how watching his father's Pan-African activism and studying figures like Marcus Garvey and Carlos A. Cooks shaped his understanding of Black global solidarity.

"I got bridges I'm ready to build," Smalls declares, rejecting the divisive framing that often pits Pan-Africanism against newer identity movements like ADOS (American Descendants of Slaves) and FBA (Foundational Black Americans). Instead, he advocates for a Pan-Africanism that welcomes all expressions of Black identity while maintaining focus on collective power and shared destiny.

The discussion delves into the thorny challenges of cultural differences within the diaspora—from communication styles to social etiquette—that can spark conflicts between African Americans and immigrants from Caribbean or African nations. Smalls acknowledges these real barriers while emphasizing how external forces historically cultivated these divisions. He points to J. Edgar Hoover's documented efforts to prevent "a Black, nationalist-minded individual with the ability to organize and bring together many groups under a nationalist banner" as evidence of deliberate attempts to keep Black communities fragmented.

Trust emerges as both the greatest challenge and the essential solution. "The greatest and most courageous thing is often reaching out, extending a hand," Smalls reflects, highlighting how building solidarity requires vulnerability and willingness to move beyond stereotypes. T

Support the show

NYPTALKSHOW EP.1 HOSTED BY RON BROWNLMT & MIKEY FEVER  

#consciousness #spirituality #meditation #love #awakening #spiritualawakening #spiritual #mindfulness #healing #energy #selflove #yoga #enlightenment #wisdom #peace #lawofattraction #inspiration #life #awareness #soul #motivation #universe #lightworker #nature #quotes #happiness #believe #higherconsciousness #art #gratitude #hiphop #rap #music #rapper #trap #beats #hiphopmusic #newmusic #producer #artist #love #dance #rapmusic #rnb #dj #art #hiphopculture #explorepage #soundcloud #spotify #rappers #freestyle #musicproducer #youtube #bhfyp #beatmaker #instagood #s #musician #follow 
#newyork #nyc #newyorkcity #usa #losangeles #miami #love #brooklyn #california #manhattan #ny #fashion #london #music #atlanta #photography #hiphop #art #newjersey #florida #instagram #instagood #chicago #canada #texas #paris #travel #longisland #rap #explorepage
#healthy #fitness #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #health #food #fit #motivation #workout #lifestyle #gym #love #vegan #weightloss #foodie #fitnessmotivation #instagood #nutrition #training #foodporn #instafood #fitfam #diet #bodybuilding #yummy #healthyliving #exercise #healthyeating #wellness #delicious
#currentevents #currentaffairs #news #gk #politics #upsc #ssc #knowledge #podcast #gujarati #ias #discussion #gpsc #debate #generalknowledge #instagram #currentaffairsquiz #politicalscience #youth #gujarat #voting #ips #current #politicalcompass #mun #go...