Nia Long is condemning her son’s school for playing an uncensored song during the students’ dance recital. Long expressed her outrage on social media, saying she heard the N-word in the song when she went to her son’s performance at the private middle school he attends. “I attended my son’s school for a dance recital, and a song was played featuring the N-word,” Long tweeted. “Somebody has some explaining to do. I will not sit in silence. I will not tolerate perpetual gaslighting.”
What is this world coming to? I attended my sons school for a dance recital and a song was played featuring the n-word. Somebody has some explaining to do. I will not sit in silence. I will not tolerate perpetual gaslighting.
— Nia Long (@NiaLong) June 10, 2023
It’s not clear if Long has taken any action against the school, but people across social media have been encouraging her to hold the administrators accountable.
Horrible! The Principal has a lot to explain on Monday!! Sounds like an in-person meeting next week!
— brian broughton (@bkbroughton) June 10, 2023
Although Long is clearly vocal on social media, it looks like people want her to address the board or step into the principal’s office and ruffle some feathers.
Well? Did you actually say something to the school board or just complain about it on Twitter?
— Jamir M Valentine (@jamirmvalentine) June 11, 2023
While it’s not clear who was responsible for the recital, many people are calling for the leaders at the school to be held responsible.
The directors or teachers should be held accountable for that. Who would pick a song like that for a dance recital. Instrumentals maybe 🤷🏿♂️🤷🏿♂️
— Darryl Cheatham (@MOOGOOGAIPAN313) June 10, 2023
Others are replying to Long to simply show their support.
I’m sorry this happened. I’d be frustrated by this as well. Being Black in this country is such an exhausting chore.
— Chakra Khan (@chakra_khan_x) June 10, 2023
Long is getting praise from some people for speaking up on the issue.
I would SPEAK out as well🙏🏽 Let’s put a stand to that!
— Mrs.Christine A Prince-Jackson (@christinangelj) June 11, 2023
Some of Long’s supporters are emphasizing with her situation and letting her know that they too would be outraged.
I’d be pissed too
— YallSomeTricks777 (@YallSomeTricks7) June 10, 2023
People are also blaming society for normalizing the N-word. “So maybe if we stop rapping it, using it in our movies, our comedic sets & general talk, we could make a stronger case for being outraged,” one person said.
So maybe if we stop rapping it, using it in our movies, our comedic sets & general talk, we could make a stronger case for being outraged
— the Notable Exception (@rlpage_insp) June 10, 2023
Despite whoever may be held accountable at the school, some people are more focused on resolving the root of the problem.
“Until we stop using the word ourselves, it will be in the music and in the air all over the world…,” one person on Twitter said.
Until we stop using the word ourselves, it will be in the music and in the air all over the world… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
— CosbysAreTrash (@rel_he) June 10, 2023
Long shares her 11-year-old son with NBA coach Ime Udoka, Revolt reported. The couple split in 2022 after Udoka was outed publicly for having an affair with his colleague while he was head coach of the Boston Celtics. Long also has a 22-year-old son, whom she shares with actor Massai Z. Dorsey.
Long’s frustration with her son’s school has sparked the latest conversation in the ongoing debate surrounding the N-word. While some people aim to bury the word and the deep trauma associated it, others continue to normalize the term as an everyday part of society. Where do you stand on the issue?
