I got nothing but respect for someone who has been brainwashed as a child but can find his way out. That takes a level of strength that few possess.

This is proof that children aren't born hating others, but are taught to hate by adults.

They probably lost family and friends due to their new beliefs and turning away from the hatred that they were thought...kudos to you guys.

Politics aside for a nanosecond, it always comes down to one thing: empathy. If you're willing to appreciate the struggle of the person next to you, walls won't get very far.

The gentleman hit the nail on the head. Assumptions can lead to misunderstanding and that can breed hate. Happy to see some people are willing to challenge their beliefs to see the world a little different.

I’ve never heard someone step off the cliff and survive with a sound mind and a beating heart. Love and light to these guys, they survived.

“It ran in my family until it ran into Me” read that. Again

It's irony of being named "Black" and growing up hating that entire community.

I commend these guys on making a change in their lives to go against what they were raised on.

One of the many things I appreciate about Trevor Noah as an interviewer, he genuinely facilitates conversation.. He let's his guests talk and responds to them!

This guy is lucky he was smart enough to figure his way out of that mindset and strong enough deal with battling his own identity. So many people don’t have that capacity.

Thank you for not being racist

These guys didn’t just change their views, they changed their lives, families and friends. It’s very impressive.

Holy shit. These guys aren't cowardly. They're actually speaking unfiltered truth. That's so rare.

This guy is sharp. I'm glad he realized his thinking was toxic.

"It's harder to be anti-racist than a white nationalist because..." That quote.

"Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." - Elie Wiesel

It is so refreshing to hear a white American male plainly admit that “America was founded as a white supremacist country” and “being a white nationalist is saying that things are fine as they are and you’re good and don’t give ‘em an inch if they call you a racist”. How the majority of white America is ok with this status quo is beyond me. More honest conversations like this are very necessary.

When my daughter was in school, I told her "Do not align yourself with one particular group of people. Be friendly towards everyone, especially those smart in Math because child, I can't help you there." The result of that is a young adult who can navigate her way through any group of people regardless to their race/ethnicity and social status. People always ask me how did I raise such a likeable socially intelligent child when I myself can be quite the introvert. My response is always..."That's how I chose to raise her." People have a choice in how to raise their kids and sometimes it does mean moving out of one's comfort zones. Hating someone just because they are different from you is definitely not an option in my household. An asshole is an asshole regardless to race and/or ethnicity.

Sounds like intelligence beat white supremacy

This is why the “old heads” don’t want younger members in congress and the senate: change is inevitable.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

I teach at a state university in Indiana and I'm definitely going to show this in my communication class.

"Silence is a choice." Deep thought. True concept.

"If I'm driven by what DOESN'T hurt people, what makes life better FOR people..." that statement in itself encompasses EVERYTHING we should strive for. Why would you prefer to see your fellow brothers and sisters in pain and suffering? It is as simple as that. If that doesn't compel you to do good by everyone, then you're on the side of all that is wrong with the world.

A few years ago I told a racist joke, and a friend said very bluntly to me, “That was racist,” and held eye contact. That was when I finally got it. I’m 19 btw and grew up in a 1/2 progressive, 1/2 conservative family... That moment taught me that if I had to make fun of others in any sense, to make sure others didn’t see me as a ‘special snowflake’... THAT was being a snowflake. You know what’s the opposite of being a snowflake? Standing up for others without expecting recognition for it Always call people out on that a shit, I’m grateful someone did to me

Imagine what the world could truly be if racism never existed.

"Speak up. Being silent is a choice."

I commend them on realizing that what they were raised on was immoral and wrong. Good on them for having the courage to leave and talk about their experiences. Not many people do that that come from where they were raised. They dont wanna own up to it. Glad these guys do.

"Being silent is a choice". Another words more of us need to have a backbone and stand up for others.

Its the difference between being a human being and being humane.

"Its incredibly embedded into what America is" TRUTH

As a white kid, I would often get offended, when other white people would say racist things to, or in front of me, assuming that just because we shared the same skin color, that we also shared the same prejudices. Unless the person was really old, I never had a problem, making it clear that I didn't share their beliefs or rethoric. Most of the time they would immediately start backpedaling or claim they were joking, even when it was clear that they meant every word. I usually gave old people a pass, partially out of respect for my elders (thats how I was raised), but mostly because they weren't worth arguing with. In the elderly, those beliefs, are too ingrained, to be changed buy some young kid. Now though, I'm in my 40's and I enjoy making racists uncomfortable. When a guy looks around to make sure no one else will hear him, and then proceds to tell a racist joke, I like to respond, "I don't get it" then I make him explain how the joke is funny, then Loudly I say "oh ok I get it... you think it's funny because it's making fun of ___________ people." If possible I'll invite someone over of the insulted race, and ask them to repeat the joke. When they demure or refuse, I will remind them how funny the joke was, and act confused how they can forget a joke they just told. To me that is hilarious 🤣

"Being silent is a choice." True. It is also complicity.

Sounds like he found out “supremacy” are *not* the right way to think, better late then never, I’ve applaud him for finding his way 👍🏻 The World would be a much better place if there would be no hate, because of the color of someone’s skin, that would be a good place to start 😃

"No person is born hating another person because of their religion or race, people are taught to hate and if they are taught to hate they can be taught to Love, because Love comes more naturally to the human heart" -Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

More proof that Noah is more than just a comedian. Good interview.

“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” - Yoda

Years ago I saw the article Eli Saslow wrote about this and contacted him personally as the story was so beautifully written. A couple of years later I got an email from him saying that he had published a book of the story - partially because of direct feedback like that. Great to see an interview with Eli and Derek about this story!

“... speak up, because being silent is a choice” That was powerful

I don't mind them re-uploading these old clips. I wish they'd at least date them in the description. It's nice knowing when these things were said just to put it into perspective of what was going on at the time.

Imagine being born in a white nationnalist family and being named "black"

Surprised Trevor didn't make a joke about Derek's last name literally being "Black"

i was touched by derek black’s courage and conviction. he’s an inspiration!

“Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.” - Leonardo da Vinci Speak up and promote love, not hate.

"It's easier to tell someone they don't have to do anything."

"He who is present at a wrongdoing and does not lift a hand to prevent it, is as guilty as the wrongdoers." ~ Indian Proverb. A leopard doesn’t change its spots, it just changes the tree it pees on.

What all 3 of you men are doing here is so important. Thank you for making this world a better place.

This guy challenging his own beliefs and admitting it and actively changing....hats off to him it takes enormous courage and thoughtfulness.

These guys are intelligent - glad to see they have risen to an elevated consciousness.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

"If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it."--- Joseph Goebbels.

They have emerged from the dark side and into the light

“It’s easier to tell someone they don’t have to do anything” it’s sad how true that is.

"Being silent is a choice" - well said.

I grew up racist in a racist city (Boston). I was in college, 20 or so, when a switch got flipped and I realized the absurdity of racism. It was literally that quick. For me, I realized that my racism was not born of hatred, but rather ignorance. Racism is embedded in Boston; it’s an indelible part of life there. Once I was able to get out of that environment, I was able to get out of that mindset. I talk often of this because I believe people need to hear a first hand account of how racist is taught and can therefore be untaught.

“The cycle ends here. We must be better than this.”

“Being silent is a choice”. So true. Very powerful.

I read the book and I just have to say, Derek has a courage that a lot of us will never know. Thank you to Derek for having a mindset that can be changed and for sharing your path to change with us. If more people were willing to admit when they've been wrong the world would be a much better place.

God bless these men. Even I was once blinded by racial hate. I'm african american. But I realized being American is more than my color. Being American is about character, not race. Because ignorance comes in all colors.

Im clapping alone in my office at the moment for this interview. Just very interesting. Rising out of the hatred. Took some cajones for these two to do this so kudos to them. oxoxo

I would love to have a sit down, one on one with the ginger guy. His road to enlightenment is proof that my enlightenment not only exist but is on the right path. ✌

Being silent is just as bad as committing the crime.

This is the type of content we need right now

This is a great discussion. One that I would like to see others have with themself.

Everyone has innate prejudices, but the danger comes in refusing to challenge one's biases. Kudos and blessings to these guys, and so many others who have defected from racism.

I have talked about this so many times. I'm so proud of this man for behaving as any respectable human should. Keep up the fantastic work!

Crazy that people don’t believe that racism is deeply rooted in this country.

This young gentlemen embodies the importance of educating yourself, not just scholarly. Keeping on open mind, we are all in this together, regardless of ethnicity, religion and or sexual orientation.

Wow, that I felt what he spoke, and at the end saying “being silent is a choice.” 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

It's circumstances such as this, that helps restore my faith in humanity! So proud of these young! 💖

They weren't both white supremacists. Derek is the one who was raised with racist and xenophobic beliefs and became a vocal white supremacist. The other guy is a journalist who simply contacted him later in life to write his story so he was never a white supremacist. Just thought I'd clarify as I've read the book.

This was sooo powerful, coming straight from the horse's mouth, speaking out against racism is the best thing you can do.

Wow this is a courageous act fellas. Thank u for ur thoughtful ownership of the capacity to think and call out what you see and know. Excellent !!! Can’t thank u enough!

Totally couragous, thank you for turning back to the light and not just to go hide under a rock but to go teach. That is so positive, one of the better things I have witnessed. Thank you

These men are talking about EMPATHY. The guy on the right hit it hard twice: "If I'm driven by what DOESN'T hurt people, what makes life better FOR people..." and 'Silence is a choice.' Having empathy for all, even those we don't agree with, is the only way to progress. These gentlemen are a perfect example. They held extreme ideas and were raised in that environment, but they were still able to change their minds and be empathetic. This is something that we all must remember. If we want change, we must be empathetic toward those we disagree with. They will never see a different perspective if you only show them hate. Thank you, Trevor for having such relevant and important segments and interviews on your show.

These young men show that critical thinking is imperative. We’re all here now and we all can choose what our country will look like moving forward.

The amount of effort and courage Derek had to put into self reflection is mind boggling.

Very proud of you for tackling this issue. Thank you!!!

"Being silent is a choice." Nicely said.

These are the REAL boys to be proud of, not those other clowns

Rebirth. We are all souls before life and after death. God bless us all.

Wow those gentlemen brought tears to my eyes. Truly amazing.

This interview totally did not suck. Equal rights benefits everyone.

“The most important thing anyone can do is speak up cause being silent is a choice” Fuck yes

There is ALWAYS value in hearing from the other side. Glad they found their way outta the woods. Thanks for sharing this.

Wow. That was so powerful. I really admire their will. You can look in their eyes and see that they have done serious self-reflection, and genuinely want to make this country a better place.

“Speak up, cause being silent is a choice.” Yes. So good.

Making things better for everybody. Emphasis on everybody. What he's describing is "Humanism". 👍

What a phenomenal interview. Spot on for what our country must do!

Facts that need to be addressed.. Thank everyone for this much needed sit down..

I love how introspective he is. His work is super important. Thanks for having him on, Trevor!

"Never underestimate the power of Stupid people in large Groups!!" -George Carlin

Hats off to you Trevor for this 🎩 and hats off to the 2 gentlemen for being brave enough to go on public record with their story.."its individual raindrops of change that begin to fill the ocean of society's transformation"..

It takes a strong person to admit their wrongs. 👏

"Being silent is a choice" .... what a deeply profound statement.

This is what I usually tell white nationalists: “We are all the same race. It comes in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Get over it.” Then I run like hell. :D

THE "GOLDEN RULE" REMAINS THE STANDARD FOR HUMAN CONDUCT.🙏🏼🌍

The way he responded was amazing. Very eloquent!

My experience is that people like these guys become the hardest to fool. They're the ones who have learned the lesson that their instincts are not to be trusted completely, and how easy it is to be taken in by people who want to fool them and make them distrust any other information presented.