Kamau, this piece hit like a sermon disguised as stand-up. You’re right—saving Kimmel is symbolic, but saving the rest of us is survival. The scary part isn’t that Trump tried to kneecap a comedian. It’s that he did it with the same mob-handshake swagger he’ll use on anyone who doesn’t clap hard enough.
And your Denny’s story? That’s the parable. You didn’t just stand up to some crank at the door—you showed your kids that dignity beats venom every time. The man drove away. The kids laughed again. The kingdom of heaven looks more like that booth at Denny’s than it does any Senate chamber.
Blessed are the ones who say “be careful” and still keep showing up. Who refuse to disappear. Who raise kids who know their worth even when strangers try to subtract it.
“Blessed are the ones who say “be careful” and still keep showing up. Who refuse to disappear. Who raise kids who know their worth even when strangers try to subtract it.”
I have to admit I was holding my breath during your last clip with the jerk. I mean yelling at your kids and especially using racist crap. You are such a good dad❤️
Because of you, I am now volunteering at cultivate inclusion farm which donates food to food banks and helps kids with special needs. Thank you for the kick in the butt i needed to get out in the world and do some good.
I also almost ended up at Denny’s after your show at Sunset Center since all of Carmel closes up shop at 6pm. But good god damn grief! I’m so sorry you had to interact with the ugliest that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. While I hate that that whole interaction even happened, thank you for documenting and sharing it here. It’s one thing to hear stories of racists being racist, but it hits a whole lot differently to witness it. Horrid. Kuddos to you for being a phenomenal girl dad. And, thank you so much again for gifting me with the FUCK page of your notebook! It’s really pulling up the daily morale from its prominent place on my desk. Keep on staying safe out there 🤍
The best. Stay strong. We have each other's backs. A long, ugly path, but we will keep our families and communities safe. Your voice is essential- keep speaking out. We love you.
Dang you handled that interaction with Geezer Ken well. I’m in awe, but so angry and sad your family had to deal with this crabby jerk. But your message hits home - there are so many more like him out there that care must be taken and attention must be paid!!
I had no idea what I was going to say. I just needed him to get in his car and leave. Once it was clear he was doing that I was done talking… after I got in the “no God” line.🤣
I don't know what to say. I'm a 62 year old white Belgian who has spent time in South Africa when I was a little kid, the time of apartheid. Because of what I saw there, the "whites only" stuff and a lot more, a lot worse.... I hate racists and racism.
Reading your post today made me realize that even as I hate racism I have no idea what it feels like being the 'subject' of racism.
I'm not going to apologize for the jerk you and your kids met, that old white guy is lost for humanity.
"Third world people" said the white neanderthal jerk (and now I'm not being nice to real Neanderthals!).
Those words all of a sudden made me realize I have no clue how it feels to be on the receiving end of this racist BS.
Kamau-- regrettably, most of the folks today who think differently than the man in the WH need to be careful. I am sorry that your children had that incident with that man who like the man in the WH seem to lack kindness.
Thank you so much for this post! I think it'll light a fire under all of to do more than we did last week. I love the quote from the Alberta Jones playground dedication video, something like "the power of the people is greater than the people in power". We have to keep making that true-- for Alberta Jones, for your kids, for everyone who is speaking out or wishing they could. p.s. I just got an email request from a colleague to co-host a book club at my university where the next book is Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. We're doing it. Every little bit...
Oh, Kamau. You are one precious, talented, kind, strong man. Your family is precious, as is every family. They are blessed to have you as a husband and father, and I love that your mother is living with you. That is a gift you are giving to her and your children. The examples you are setting for your daughters is a priceless gift. That man was so angry, deep in his soul. He must adore Dump and all his BS. And hate. And anger. The “third world” comment made me want to jump out of my white, female, great-grandmotherly skin. Thank you for sharing the interaction and for your strength and commitment to everything good and right in this bad and wrong world. Thank you, too, for being so patient while I rambled on after your Portland, OR show. I’m sure you were tired and just wanted to leave, but you’re a good man. And you also give the best hugs on the planet. 😘
I hope it is ok that this post brought me to tears with you being a comedian and all. I have so much admiration and respect for you I really can’t put it into words. You continually teach me how to be a better friend, activist, and human being. Thank you. I am indeed with you.
I appreciate “Stay safe.” because it inherently understands that I’m doing the work no matter what.
Kamau, this piece hit like a sermon disguised as stand-up. You’re right—saving Kimmel is symbolic, but saving the rest of us is survival. The scary part isn’t that Trump tried to kneecap a comedian. It’s that he did it with the same mob-handshake swagger he’ll use on anyone who doesn’t clap hard enough.
And your Denny’s story? That’s the parable. You didn’t just stand up to some crank at the door—you showed your kids that dignity beats venom every time. The man drove away. The kids laughed again. The kingdom of heaven looks more like that booth at Denny’s than it does any Senate chamber.
Blessed are the ones who say “be careful” and still keep showing up. Who refuse to disappear. Who raise kids who know their worth even when strangers try to subtract it.
Thank YOU. This really touched my heart.❤️
“Blessed are the ones who say “be careful” and still keep showing up. Who refuse to disappear. Who raise kids who know their worth even when strangers try to subtract it.”
BLESSED IS THIS STATEMENT!!!
I have to admit I was holding my breath during your last clip with the jerk. I mean yelling at your kids and especially using racist crap. You are such a good dad❤️
Thank you! This means a lot.
You mean a lot to a huge number of us!
I’m with you. Always. If you don’t take care of your children, who will?
Because of you, I am now volunteering at cultivate inclusion farm which donates food to food banks and helps kids with special needs. Thank you for the kick in the butt i needed to get out in the world and do some good.
Oh my God! That is amazing! This make me so happy!!!
"You have no god." PERFECK!!
Another amazing Substack--you peg the Batman villain brigade, you get interviewed by the Atlantic, & you drive a Honda. Awesome!
PS. Sonny Corleone had more class than Carr. Or at least James Caan did him that way. ;)
My oldest laughed out loud at that when she watched the video. I was very proud.😁
I also almost ended up at Denny’s after your show at Sunset Center since all of Carmel closes up shop at 6pm. But good god damn grief! I’m so sorry you had to interact with the ugliest that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. While I hate that that whole interaction even happened, thank you for documenting and sharing it here. It’s one thing to hear stories of racists being racist, but it hits a whole lot differently to witness it. Horrid. Kuddos to you for being a phenomenal girl dad. And, thank you so much again for gifting me with the FUCK page of your notebook! It’s really pulling up the daily morale from its prominent place on my desk. Keep on staying safe out there 🤍
So happy you got the page!
Me too!! 😬
The best. Stay strong. We have each other's backs. A long, ugly path, but we will keep our families and communities safe. Your voice is essential- keep speaking out. We love you.
Dang you handled that interaction with Geezer Ken well. I’m in awe, but so angry and sad your family had to deal with this crabby jerk. But your message hits home - there are so many more like him out there that care must be taken and attention must be paid!!
I had no idea what I was going to say. I just needed him to get in his car and leave. Once it was clear he was doing that I was done talking… after I got in the “no God” line.🤣
Dear Kamau Bell, dear friend.
I don't know what to say. I'm a 62 year old white Belgian who has spent time in South Africa when I was a little kid, the time of apartheid. Because of what I saw there, the "whites only" stuff and a lot more, a lot worse.... I hate racists and racism.
Reading your post today made me realize that even as I hate racism I have no idea what it feels like being the 'subject' of racism.
I'm not going to apologize for the jerk you and your kids met, that old white guy is lost for humanity.
"Third world people" said the white neanderthal jerk (and now I'm not being nice to real Neanderthals!).
Those words all of a sudden made me realize I have no clue how it feels to be on the receiving end of this racist BS.
So friend..... stay safe!
Thank you for these words. I appreciate it.
I think people say “stay safe” because it’s easier than saying I am scared for your safety. I wonder which is more helpful to you
Kamau-- regrettably, most of the folks today who think differently than the man in the WH need to be careful. I am sorry that your children had that incident with that man who like the man in the WH seem to lack kindness.
I'm with you. Your work (the whole of it -- including being a parent) is important.
Thank you so much for this post! I think it'll light a fire under all of to do more than we did last week. I love the quote from the Alberta Jones playground dedication video, something like "the power of the people is greater than the people in power". We have to keep making that true-- for Alberta Jones, for your kids, for everyone who is speaking out or wishing they could. p.s. I just got an email request from a colleague to co-host a book club at my university where the next book is Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. We're doing it. Every little bit...
Oh, Kamau. You are one precious, talented, kind, strong man. Your family is precious, as is every family. They are blessed to have you as a husband and father, and I love that your mother is living with you. That is a gift you are giving to her and your children. The examples you are setting for your daughters is a priceless gift. That man was so angry, deep in his soul. He must adore Dump and all his BS. And hate. And anger. The “third world” comment made me want to jump out of my white, female, great-grandmotherly skin. Thank you for sharing the interaction and for your strength and commitment to everything good and right in this bad and wrong world. Thank you, too, for being so patient while I rambled on after your Portland, OR show. I’m sure you were tired and just wanted to leave, but you’re a good man. And you also give the best hugs on the planet. 😘
I hope it is ok that this post brought me to tears with you being a comedian and all. I have so much admiration and respect for you I really can’t put it into words. You continually teach me how to be a better friend, activist, and human being. Thank you. I am indeed with you.
It is TOTALLY fine. We cry around here.