Yaba Blay

Dr. Yaba Blay, an esteemed author and scholar focused on race, beauty, and identity, shares her transformative insights. She discusses how beauty standards can oppress, while true beauty embodies freedom. Dr. Blay challenges the notion of allyship, emphasizing the need for genuine accomplices in justice work. The conversation also touches on the historical roots of racism, the legacy of figures like Malcolm X, and the importance of rethinking narratives surrounding race and identity—especially for future generations.

Dr. Yaba Blay, a scholar-activist focused on Black women's experiences, discusses her impactful book, One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race. She delves into the complexities of identity and how colorism impacts self-perception. The conversation addresses the emotional toll of seeking validation, particularly in academia. Blay shares historical context around colorism and its social implications, urging deeper understanding and accountability. With humor, she emphasizes community support and the journey of navigating race in today's society.

Yaba Blay, a cultural critic and author from New Orleans with Ghanaian roots, challenges conventional notions of beauty, arguing that while beauty can be oppressive, its true essence offers freedom. She delves into what integrity in allyship truly means, emphasizing the need for accomplices rather than mere allies. Blay also traces the lineage of 'Karens' in history and shares her hopes for her granddaughters, igniting a conversation about self-worth, identity, and the complexities of belonging in a diasporic context.