Rachel Dolezal Breaks Her Silence: 'I Identify As Black' | TODAY
Short Summary:
This TODAY show interview features Rachel Dolezal, who resigned from her position at the NAACP after it was revealed she is white but identifies as Black. The interview centers on her self-identification as Black, starting from a young age, and the ensuing controversy. Key points include her explanation of her self-identification as a complex process rooted in personal experience and not simply a matter of deception. She defends her actions, stating they were driven by a desire to survive and connect with the Black community. The interview explores the implications of racial identity, self-determination, and the complexities of navigating racial categories. No specific technologies are mentioned.
Detailed Summary:
The interview is structured around Dolezal's explanation of her racial identity and the fallout from its public revelation.
Section 1: Initial Questions and Early Self-Identification: The interview begins with the host acknowledging the controversy surrounding Dolezal's resignation and public revelation of her racial identity. Dolezal states the timing was unexpected but that she anticipated eventually needing to address the complexity of her identity. She confirms she identifies as Black, despite being visibly white in childhood photos. She claims to have begun identifying as Black around age five, drawing self-portraits with brown skin and curly hair.
Section 2: Accusations of Deception and Justification: The host presses Dolezal on accusations of deception, questioning when she began presenting herself as Black. Dolezal objects to the term "deceiving," arguing the situation is more complex than a simple "true or false" answer. She explains that she was initially identified as transracial and later as biracial in news articles related to her human rights work, and she didn't correct these mischaracterizations. She argues that her actions were not solely for personal gain but were a response to how others perceived her.
Section 3: Appearance and Allegations of Blackface: The interview addresses changes in Dolezal's appearance, specifically her darker complexion. Dolezal denies using blackface, attributing the change to sun exposure and hair styling choices. She strongly rejects the comparison to blackface, emphasizing the depth of her connection to the Black experience. She cites gaining full custody of her son, Isaiah, as a pivotal moment in solidifying her identification. A quote highlighting this is: "this is not some free Birth of a Nation mockery blackface performance...this is on a very real connected level how I've I've actually had to go there with the experience."
Section 4: Other Controversial Claims: The interview tackles other controversial claims, including Dolezal's assertion that Albert Wilkinson, an African-American man, was her father (which is untrue) and her 2002 lawsuit against Howard University, where she claimed discrimination as a pregnant white woman. Dolezal explains the father claim as a complex family connection and the lawsuit as a response to perceived injustice regarding her scholarship and teaching position.
Section 5: Reflection and Future Goals: The interview concludes with Dolezal reflecting on her choices. She states she would make the same choices again, though she acknowledges she might handle certain situations differently with hindsight. She emphasizes that her life has been one of survival. She expresses hope that the controversy will spark a broader discussion about race, ethnicity, self-determination, and empowerment. Finally, she shares her sons' perspective on her racial identity, stating one son described her as "racially you're human and culturally you're black."