Victim to Victor: A Black Conservative's Journey Through Race and Politics

Zeek Arkham grew up in a rough neighborhood in Queens, NY with an absent father and abusive family members who played the victim. After college, he became an angry police officer still feeling entitled and like a victim. A mentor told him he had potential but had to stop holding himself back. Zeek shifted his mindset, stopped making excuses and worked hard to build a successful life and career in law enforcement. He now mentors black youth to take personal responsibility, ignore racism and keep working towards success. Kathy and Zeek examine problems with black victimhood culture and people who profit from it, including the "business of racism." They agree that hard work, tenacity and a "now what?" attitude help people overcome obstacles and racism in America.

[00:00] Introduction [00:05] Zeek's challenging upbringing [05:00] His journey to personal responsibility [17:00] Leaving victimhood behind [25:00] The "business of racism" [35:00] Immigrant success despite racism [45:00] Victimhood as an industry [55:00] Keep working despite setbacks

Zeek Arkham is a police officer and black conservative activist. He hosts a podcast called The Zeek Arkham Show and is active on social media commenting on politics and culture. Website | Twitter

BLM - Black Lives Matter NYPD - New York Police Department

"Always be the last person in the room to call something racist. Because the more you say it, the less power it has." - Zeek's great-grandfather [03:00]

"You have so much potential and you can do so much in your life and on this job. You just have to get out of your own way." - Police mentor to Zeek [17:30]

"Racism is a business. Guys like Al Sharpton and Ibram X Kendi - if racism disappeared tomorrow, they'd be stressed out because now they have nothing to make money off of." - Zeek [48:00]

"That's the real oppression - they've got to invent this white supremacy boogeyman to keep you angry, because once you're angry or fearful, you're easy to control." - Zeek [51:30]

"I don't believe in this fatalistic view. I believe there are opportunities. Even if the flicker of light is small, you look at it, warm yourself to it, and it grows." - Kathy [29:30]