White Privilege: The Real American Scam: W. Kamau Bell and Cebo Campbell Discuss

In a sharp, witty, and unflinching conversation at Baldwin & Co. bookstore, W. Kamau Bell and Cebo Campbell dissected the deep roots and modern manifestations of privilege, power, and race in America. Drawing parallels between environmental mismanagement and cultural erasure, they lamented how indigenous wisdom and Black creativity are often ignored or co-opted, while white privilege continues to reward audacity and mediocrity—evident in everything from Silicon Valley scams to the myth-making of American media. Cebo reflected on the inspiration for his book, “Sky Full of Elephants,” revealing how the simple act of swapping a Black protagonist into a classic white-centered narrative exposes the double standards and biases embedded in American storytelling. Both men skewered the way white-collar criminals are lionized and how trust and opportunity are so often reserved for those who fit a narrow, privileged mold. Their exchange ultimately challenged the audience to question who gets to fail, who gets to dream, and why America still struggles to see beyond the surface.

W. Kamau Bell is an Emmy-winning comedian, director, author, and social commentator best known as the host of CNN’s United Shades of America. Combining humor with incisive cultural critique, Bell uses storytelling and satire to confront race, identity, and inequality in the United States. His work spans bestselling books, acclaimed documentaries, and stand-up stages across the country, making him one of today’s most essential and influential voices on race and social justice.

Cebo Campbell is an author, creative director, and storyteller whose work blends sharp cultural insight with imaginative, emotionally rich narratives. Known for his novel Sky Full of Elephants and his acclaimed audio fiction projects, Campbell’s writing explores identity, love, memory, and the surreal dimensions of everyday life. His voice is distinct, lyrical, and deeply human—marking him as one of the most inventive contemporary storytellers of his generation.

Order W. Kamau Bell Book Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9781101985885
Order Cebo Campbell Book Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9781668034927
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Learn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.org

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