Actor Malik Yoba Sparks Debate After Declaring He No Longer Identifies as a Black Man

By [mc]

Nationwide — Actor Malik Yoba has ignited widespread discussion following a recent statement in which he declared that he no longer identifies as a Black man or a person of color. Instead, the 57-year-old actor said he prefers the term “non-white,” suggesting that this label better reflects his perspective on race and identity in America.

In a video shared online, Yoba stated, “What I am is a non-white man. And I think we should all just start calling ourselves non-white.” He added, “So, they’re gonna have to figure it out. Let them rebuke that. Let them refute it. Let them come up with something that just says, ‘We like all non-whites.’ Excuse me. ‘We don’t like all non-whites.’” His remarks were first reported by Vibe.

Yoba’s comments have drawn mixed reactions across social media and within activist and academic circles. Some have praised the actor for challenging traditional racial labels and prompting a broader conversation about race, identity, and societal classification. Others have criticized the remarks as dismissive of the lived experiences of Black Americans and the significance of Black identity within the context of American history and civil rights.

The actor explained that his choice of terminology is intended to shift the framework of how racial divisions are addressed in the United States. By identifying as non-white, Yoba argued, individuals may be better positioned to confront systemic inequality collectively rather than through segmented racial identities such as Black, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), or people of color.

“The idea,” Yoba elaborated in the video, “is to create unity among marginalized communities by focusing on what unites us, not what separates us.”

Among those responding to Yoba’s message was Houston rapper and activist Willie D, who interpreted the actor’s comments as a call for solidarity among non-white communities. Willie D pointed to former President Donald Trump’s political influence, noting that Trump has effectively consolidated support among white voters. In contrast, he argued, minority communities remain politically fragmented.

Willie D suggested that adopting a more unified identity among non-white individuals could help amplify their political and social influence, especially in an era of increasing polarization. “We need to focus on shared goals and protecting our collective interests,” he said in response to Yoba’s comments.

Yoba’s statement also comes amid renewed national debates over race and equity, particularly following former President Trump’s executive order aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal agencies. The executive order, issued during Trump’s previous term, sought to curtail DEI training and related programs, which he described as divisive and un-American. Trump has recently reaffirmed his stance, suggesting that removing DEI initiatives is necessary to restore what he termed “fairness and accountability” in hiring practices.

Critics of the executive order argue that DEI initiatives are essential for fostering inclusive work environments and addressing long-standing disparities in employment, leadership, and representation. Supporters of DEI programming have emphasized that systemic inequities require intentional action and structural change to be effectively addressed.

Malik Yoba’s remarks appear to intersect with both sides of this broader national conversation. While challenging established racial categories, his statements also raise questions about how identity can—and should—be leveraged to drive social and political change.

Yoba is best known for his roles in television series such as New York Undercover and Empire, as well as films including Cool Runnings. In recent years, he has also taken on advocacy roles, including participating in conversations around race, gender, and inclusion.

The actor has not released any additional statements since the video circulated, nor has he responded to the ongoing debate online. As the conversation continues, some observers have noted that Yoba’s comments, while provocative, offer an opportunity to explore evolving understandings of race and collective identity in 21st-century America.

Whether his redefinition of racial identity gains traction or fades amid controversy remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Yoba has inserted himself into a pressing national dialogue at a moment when issues of race, equity, and representation are once again front and center.