The Breakfast Club When Sorry Isn’t Simple ( Is The NAACP Accepting of Kanye Apology)
Jan 28, 2026
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, a longtime civil rights leader, discusses accountability, platform and where apologies land. He talks about mental health versus system access. He explains what meaningful repair looks like and outlines the NAACP’s current actions on ICE and public safety in Minneapolis.
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Apology Framed Around Mental Health
- Derrick Johnson says Kanye's Wall Street Journal apology prioritized mental health framing over directly addressing harmed communities.
- He urges using celebrity platform to advocate for broader mental health access rather than only personal explanation.
Where You Apologize Matters
- Johnson criticizes the Wall Street Journal placement because it doesn't directly speak to Black or Jewish communities harmed.
- He says sincere apologies must target the specific communities using the media channels those communities trust.
Talk Directly To The Harmed Community
- Do speak directly to the specific community you harmed and use the channels where you built influence.
- Johnson advises Kanye to visit outlets and places where he promoted his music to acknowledge and repair harm.