The Rich Roll Podcast Selema Masekela Is The Action Sports Evangelist
Apr 12, 2021
Selema Masekela, an action sports commentator and activist, shares his multifaceted journey as a Black surfer and powerful storyteller. He discusses the challenges of navigating race in action sports and the importance of fostering inclusivity. The conversation delves into his experiences with identity, self-discovery, and the role of sports in breaking outdated paradigms. Selema's passion for music, art, and activism highlights the transformative power of storytelling in addressing systemic injustices and uplifting underrepresented voices.
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Early Racism
- Selema Masekela recounts facing racism in the surfing community, including being fired from a surf shop for not fitting the image.
- This experience, along with other racist encounters, fueled his desire to challenge the status quo.
Seeking Acceptance
- Selema discusses his initial approach to navigating predominantly white spaces in action sports, prioritizing acceptance and fitting in.
- He later realized that this approach required sacrificing parts of his identity and enduring microaggressions.
Subtle Racism
- Selema recalls instances of casual racism in the surfing community, like being told to "smile so we can see you" while paddling back to a boat at sunset.
- He highlights these experiences to emphasize the need for increased awareness and understanding.