Smokey Robinson Prefers Being Called “Black” Over “African-American” [Video]

Smokey Robinson, known as Motown Records “Miracle Man,” is facing mixed reactions after saying that he resented being called “African-American.”

His views have sparked deep conversation after his poem, “A Black American,” resurfaced on social media. Robinson originally penned the piece for the “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry” season finale 18 years ago. For this years Black History Month, the poem gained renewed interest with a teacher who turned it into an animation. Last month, Robinson appeared on “The View” to discuss the poem’s impact, which was written to describe the Black experience.

The Miracles frontman told the hosts he didn’t like being called “African-American during the virtual interview.” Instead, being called “Black” was more suitable for him. He explained that due to the significant contributions Black people have made to the country, including fighting in wars, the term “African-American” was not appropriate because they were not fighting for African nations. Robinson also says he likes to be referred to as “Black” because it takes away the negative connotation associated with the color. 

“I consider myself to be a Black American, and I enjoy being called Black, and Black has been so negativized as a color down throughout history by those who wanted to negativize it. And so, it spilled over into the Black community and to the Black people. And even Black people back in the day calling each other Black was a sign for a fight,” he shared.

Naturally, people on social media had a lot to say about the music vet’s views. One Twitter user wrote, “There is nothing wrong with honoring those African ancestors by being called ‘African American.’ Smokey Robinson must hate that he has African blood.” Others praised Robinson and agreed with his logic.

https://twitter.com/SerdanaFoundale/status/1501637621054947331

I agree with Smokey Robinson. All of us-except native people-came to the US from other places of the world. But if you are black they call you AA. Now if you are white, do they call you Nordic American, or RussianAmerican? Not usually. You just say I’m white.

— RUBEN MARTINEZ (@Moldering22) March 9, 2022

Smokey Robinson… a man born in the 1940’s is on the internet tellin people to drop the African and just call him Black American. Cause he never been to Africa. What’s the stages of Dementia?

— Life Dutchee (@LifeDutchee) March 8, 2022

https://twitter.com/akata_man2/status/1501593062249836547

I knew Smokey Robinson was an idiot after he threw us under the bus for Jennifer Lopez but this latest stunt takes the cake.

As I said mere days ago, the facts that ‘Black is a race’ and ‘African American is an ethnicity’ really whoops y’all’s asses.

— Spencer of the Shihōin Clan (@_Elle_Spencer_) March 4, 2022

I with Smokey Robinson. I like being called Black too. I am proud to be Black. We are Black and proud. #BigFacts via @tariqnasheed pic.twitter.com/vf7SfMDxVU

— Digi (@JustMeDigi) March 7, 2022