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A resurfaced clip of Raven-Symoné discussing her iconic Disney Channel character, Raven Baxter, has sparked debate among fans and widespread criticism online.
During an April “Tea Time w/ Raven and Miranda” podcast episode featuring actor and comedian Kalen Allen, the pair discussed the different ways Black identity can be expressed. Allen then brought up That’s So Raven and the cultural significance the show had for Black viewers.
Allen described Raven Baxter as “so f***ing Black,” prompting Symoné to ask, “Was she Black? Why did she feel Black to you?”
Symoné continued questioning whether viewers were placing too much importance on the character’s race.
“So you saw color. Take away the color. Make them green, and hear the words. What color are they?” she said.
The comments drew immediate and strong reactions from fans who grew up watching the 2003 Disney Channel series.
Comedian and content creator Jamila wrote via X, “Actually That’s So Raven was OVERLY black lmfaooo! They got racially profiled & Eddy was trynna join a frat. like PLEASE.”
@chantewhite on TikTok posted a montage of That’s So Raven episode clips in Black and white, with the caption “Take away color. Is Raven still Black?”
X user, @itsLaDarrion posted a video of the show’s character Eddie, played by Orlando Brown, performing an original rap song, along with the caption, “That’s So Raven wasn’t a Black show? Okay… explain this.”
@VintageSitcoms on X questioned Symone’s comments with a video of Raven Baxter yelling “That’s my jam” before proceeding to twerk to the character’s favorite song.
Content creator Raymonte shared his thoughts on Symoné’s comments and why he believes she has distanced Raven Baxter from her Black identity.
“I think Raven-Symoné’s real issue is that the exact demographic of Black people she tries so hard to distance herself from are the same people who saw themselves the most in Raven Baxter,” he wrote.
“And THAT is the part she can’t stand. Which makes it even more confusing because those same Black people are a huge part of why Raven became as famous and culturally relevant as she is.”
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