Black men are facing a crisis — and we need to stop pretending that we don’t know it.
Black boys are struggling academically. Black men experience troubling levels of unemployment and incarceration, have relatively low rates of homeownership, and are underrepresented in higher education and many skilled professions.
But whenever these problems are discussed, the conversation frequently turns immediately to slavery, Jim Crow and systemic racism.
Those things are part of America’s history. But are they really the primary explanation for the condition of Black men in 2026?
On this episode of The David Seaton Show, we examine the conversation surrounding Dr. Wes Bellamy and Joy Reid and challenge the idea that Black men are primarily victims of historical forces.
We examine the role of culture, family structure, education, personal responsibility, work ethic and role models.
We also look at an uncomfortable contradiction: America desperately needs skilled tradesmen, while Black boys and young Black men are often encouraged to pursue fame rather than the careers that can provide economic independence.
Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison — a Black man — is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in skilled-trades training. Black entrepreneurs and executives such as David Steward, Robert F. Smith and Alexander Karp have built extraordinary businesses and fortunes.
Yet ask many young Black men about the most famous Black people in America, and you’re far more likely to hear the names of athletes and entertainers than the names of CEOs, investors and entrepreneurs.
That’s not a problem of intelligence. It’s a problem of culture and exposure.
The question isn’t whether racism exists.
The question is whether blaming racism for every disparity is preventing us from confronting the problems we actually have the power to change.
If we want different results for Black boys, perhaps we need different expectations, different role models and a different definition of what it means to be a successful Black man.
Are we willing to have that conversation?
#BlackMen #BlackBoys #BlackCulture #BlackAmerica #JoyReid #WesBellamy #MarvinEllison #BlackSuccess #DavidSeatonShow #PersonalResponsibility
You may contribute to this channel on using either of the following:
Venmo: @daseaton
Cash App: $thedavidseatonshow
