Larry Wilmore Just Changed Everything

Image: thelarrywilmore.com

“Yo, Barry. You did it, my n*gga”

It was those seven words uttered by Larry Wilmore — who hosted President Obama’s final White House Correspondents’ Dinner — that just might have changed everything. Sure, he roasted Obama, the press and every one in between, with jokes that were either hot or cold, but it was his final statement that was not only jaw-dropping, but also probably made every white person in the room extremely uncomfortable.

And it was so relatable, to me.

I won’t sit here and pretend that I don’t casually use the N-word when interacting with my friends and family. I do. Often. But I have always maintained a certain consciousness, when around white people, and while it may slip out here and there, I try not to say it. It just feels weird. Plus, you know there’s always those white people who see you saying it to your friends and feel they should get a pass too. On some, “Well, if you can say it, why can’t I?” We’ve all seen that happen before, and while I’m not one who cares enough to try and regulate who can and can’t say it, I would suggest you didn’t, white folks; for your own safety.

What Larry Wilmore did last night was of course, controversial, but also a very loud and brave statement. Obama being the first black president is historic on its own, but what Wilmore said will live forever too. When is the last time a black man stood in a room full of white people and called the President of the United States, “My n*gga”? Exactly. In so many words, Larry Wilmore said, “Look, white people. We say the word n*gga. It’s a term of endearment amongst our own, and the days of us refraining from saying it, because it makes you uncomfortable, are over. You still can’t say it though.”

Maybe I’ll let a few N-bombs fly at the office, tomorrow. For the culture.