Summary

In “How to Speak for All Black People” Thurston explains how many black people are placed in the position of being black spokesperson for their race rather than being asked for a personal opinion about a subject. Thurston gives a list for those who wish to be successful at becoming a black spokesperson including being male, having a slogan, creating the black resume that involves the leading of protests, being versed in all people, places and issues of blackness, and building a media presence by any means, even, satirically, blaming the black psyche for all challenges within the black community.

When Thurston asks the panel members, “Have You Ever Wanted to Not Be Black?” many admitted to wanting to distance themselves at times, especially in their youth, such as W. Kamau Bell who felt it was difficult to fit in to a particular...