Grits and Eggs Podcast - Episode 60: "Protest or Parade"

Release Date: April 8, 2025
Host: Deante’ Kyle
Co-Host: Big Cat

I. Episode Overview

In Episode 60 of the Grits and Eggs Podcast, hosts Deante’ Kyle and Big Cat delve into pressing social issues, focusing primarily on racial injustices, media biases, and community empowerment. The episode intertwines discussions on a high-profile legal case involving racial undertones with broader themes of white supremacy, educational challenges, and personal growth within the Black community. Additionally, the hosts engage with listeners through heartfelt call-ins, offering advice and solidarity.

II. Main Discussion: Protest or Parade

a. Case of Carmelo Anthony

The episode centers around a tragic incident in Frisco, Texas, where 17-year-old Carmelo Anthony was charged with the murder of fellow student Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet.

• Details of the Case:
  • Incident: On April 2, 2025, Austin Metcalf, an 11th grader, was fatally stabbed by Carmelo Anthony during an altercation.
  • Charges: Carmelo was charged with murder and is currently held at the city jail, awaiting transfer to Collin County Jail. Bond has not been set.
  • Defense: Carmelo claims he acted in self-defense amidst bullying and provocation. Efforts to contact family members were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

b. Media Portrayal and Racial Bias

Deante’ Kyle and Big Cat critique the media's handling of the case, highlighting inherent racial biases that paint Black individuals as violent predators.

• Key Points:

  • Narrative Control: The media is accused of projecting longstanding stereotypes onto Black individuals, ignoring systemic issues that contribute to such incidents.
  • Smear Campaigns: The hosts argue that the media's portrayal serves to maintain white supremacy by demonizing Black victims and their actions.

• Notable Quote:

  • Big Cat (12:07): "Black people are naturally outraged in a situation like this. White people are outraged at this and actually using this as a way to paint black people as violent and savages."

c. Community Support and Funding

Emphasizing the importance of community solidarity, the hosts discuss the establishment of a legal defense fund for Carmelo Anthony, which has successfully raised over $85,000.

• Strategies for Support:

  • Financial Backing: Donations are crucial for securing top-tier legal representation, countering biased media narratives.
  • Collective Action: Encouraging listeners to contribute financially rather than engaging in unproductive online arguments.

• Notable Quote:

  • Big Cat (16:25): "How do black people respond? We don't. Not a whole bunch of think pieces. Not a whole bunch of... Now that's how you respond."

III. Broader Themes

a. White Supremacy and Black Empowerment

The hosts delve into the pervasive influence of white supremacy in shaping societal structures and perceptions, advocating for Black empowerment and self-sufficiency.

• Key Points:

  • Systemic Oppression: White supremacy is portrayed as a tool for maintaining control over Black communities through various societal institutions.
  • Self-Defense and Solidarity: Emphasizing the necessity for Black individuals to defend themselves and support one another against systemic injustices.

• Notable Quote:

  • Big Cat (20:58): "This is what they want to say. No matter what. He shouldn't have got stabbed. Nobody should have been harmed. Oh, but it's okay to bully us."

b. Project 2025

A critical examination of political initiatives like Project 2025, which the hosts argue are designed to undermine Black progress and maintain racial hierarchies.

• Key Points:

  • Educational Rollbacks: Efforts to dismantle DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and reduce funding for education disproportionately affect Black communities.
  • Economic Suppression: Policies aimed at reducing social programs and education funding are seen as mechanisms to keep Black individuals economically stagnant.

• Notable Quote:

  • Big Cat (21:46): "This is what they want to say. No matter what. He shouldn't have got stabbed. Nobody should have been harmed. Oh, but it's okay to bully us."

c. Education and Economics

Discussion on the challenges within the education system and economic structures that impede Black advancement, coupled with calls for building and supporting Black-owned businesses.

• Key Points:

  • Education Barriers: The dismantling of supportive educational programs limits opportunities for Black youth.
  • Economic Independence: Advocating for investment in Black-owned businesses such as beauty supply stores and nail salons to foster economic growth within the community.

• Notable Quote:

  • Big Cat (30:41): "They don’t want us to listen to these people you used to do is going to do later now it's showing the same for Hollywood and these people that are using the same playbook might have a little bit of hate for us and we gotta stay steady as in we."

IV. Listener Interactions

a. Rashawn’s Story – HVAC and Career Transition

Listener Rashawn shares his struggle with transitioning into an HVAC career, dealing with job stability, and balancing family responsibilities.

• Key Points:

  • Transition Challenges: Balancing education with job commitments and overcoming past mistakes to establish a stable career.
  • Advice Given:
    • Big Cat (64:54): Encourages Rashawn to fully commit to his new path, seek support from family and friends, and adopt a positive mindset.
    • Deante’ Kyle (69:23): Emphasizes the importance of planning and perseverance, assuring Rashawn of his potential to succeed.

• Notable Advice:

  • Big Cat (64:54): "You're going through a transitional phase and you want what you, you trying to be in two places at once... Make a plan and see it through."

b. Other Callers' Stories – Fatherhood and Self-Love

Additional listeners share personal struggles, including coping with racism in professional settings and battling self-esteem issues.

• Key Points:

  • Navigating Racism: One caller discusses experiencing racism in a predominantly white educational institution and its impact on personal well-being.
  • Self-Love and Expression: Another caller seeks advice on overcoming self-hatred and expressing his true personality despite societal pressures.

• Notable Advice:

  • Big Cat (82:38): Advises fostering community connections and embracing one’s uniqueness to build self-confidence.
  • Deante’ Kyle (84:08): Encourages engaging in hobbies, seeking support from loved ones, and practicing self-expression as pathways to self-love.

V. Insights and Conclusions

The episode underscores the significance of community support, financial empowerment, and self-defense against systemic racism. Deante’ Kyle and Big Cat advocate for a unified Black community that invests in its own businesses, supports each other through legal and personal challenges, and resists media-driven stereotypes. The hosts emphasize the importance of planning, perseverance, and self-love as critical tools for overcoming societal obstacles.

VI. Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution

• Big Cat (12:07): "Black people are naturally outraged in a situation like this. White people are outraged at this and actually using this as a way to paint black people as violent and savages."

• Big Cat (16:25): "How do black people respond? We don't. Not a whole bunch of think pieces. Not a whole bunch of..."

• Deante’ Kyle (69:23): "If you live in Louisiana and you know of any more affluent schools for black and brown kids or just great public school systems that are in need of teachers and educators, please reach out and let us know."

• Big Cat (64:54): "Make a plan and see it through. There's no get rich quick. There is no overnight success."

• Deante’ Kyle (84:08): "You have a loving family and you do have... you have a hobby. You need to stick to your hobby. Talk to your girl about this, talk to your people about this."

Disclaimer: The podcast contains explicit language and strong opinions that reflect the hosts' perspectives on sensitive social issues. Listener discretion is advised.