Noname’s Journey From Rapper To Political Influence

During a conversation about Black capitalism, Twitter “canceled” rapper Noname after she expressed support for the concept. 

Activists on Twitter broke down for her why “Black capitalism” just wouldn’t lead to liberation – and how she responded changed the entire trajectory of her career.

Unlike most celebrities who get “called out,” Noname logged off, took a step back, and reflected. She opened herself to new concepts, read new books, and listened to new voices. 

And by the end of it, her perspective had transformed – and so had her mission.

The theories around communism and capitalism she was reading weren’t enough – especially with the power she had as a celebrity. The American educational system that had miseducated her was doing the same to the rest of her community!

She had to combat this. How?

She started a book club! Soon there were chapters nationwide and even in prisons – thousands of people reading and discussing authors of color.

She found her own way of giving back to the community, by filling in gaps in our education, and helping us better understand the world around them.

The educational system in America will never give us the tools to dismantle anti-Blackness. Noname realized that we have to control our education system for ourselves – and found that her role as educator could be more powerful than her role as rapper ever was.