In a move that has sent shockwaves through social media and sparked fierce debate across the nation, actor Malik Yoba, known for his roles in New York Undercover and Empire, declared he no longer identifies as a Black man—or even as a person of color. Instead, in a candid and unapologetic video that’s been making waves, the 57-year-old star proclaimed, “What I am is a non-white man. And I think we should all just start calling ourselves non-white.”

His words hung heavy in the air, challenging long-held labels and forcing everyone to rethink how race is perceived in America. “So, they’re gonna have to figure it out,” Yoba said, eyes steady and voice unwavering. “Let them rebuke that. Let them refute it. Let them come up with something that just says, ‘We like all non-whites.’ Excuse me. ‘We don’t like all non-whites.’” The statement was raw, direct, and impossible to ignore.

Yoba’s stance isn’t just a personal rebranding—it’s a call to dismantle the familiar categories like Black, BIPOC, or person of color. “America should recognize people as non-white,” he insisted. “It’s time to challenge the divisions we’ve been boxed into. We need to see this differently.” His message struck a nerve, stirring up conversations from quiet dinner tables to loud Twitter threads.

Houston rapper Willie D jumped into the fray, weighing in with his own perspective. “Malik’s saying what a lot of us are thinking,” he told a local radio host. “Donald Trump managed to unite white voters like never before, and minorities? We’re still stuck in our corners. Malik’s right—we gotta come together as non-white folks to protect what’s ours.” His words echoed the urgency many feel in today’s fractious political climate.

And speaking of Trump, Yoba’s announcement comes on the heels of yet another controversial move by the former president: an executive order aimed at scrapping diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal workplaces. Trump claimed this rollback would bring “fairness and accountability” back into hiring practices, but critics argue it’s a step backward, erasing progress made in recognizing systemic inequalities.

Social media exploded with reactions. One Twitter user wrote, “Malik Yoba just flipped the script on race. Love it or hate it, this is the conversation we need.” Another fired back, “Calling yourself ‘non-white’ doesn’t erase Black identity or history. This feels like erasure, not progress.” The debate spilled over into Instagram and Facebook, with hashtags like #NonWhiteRising and #IdentityCrisis trending for days.

Some fans expressed confusion, others admiration. “I respect Malik for owning his truth,” said one Instagram commenter. “It’s brave to reject labels that no longer fit.” Meanwhile, skeptics accused him of oversimplifying complex racial realities. “Race isn’t just a label you can change on a whim,” argued a Facebook user. “It’s lived experience, culture, history.”

Through it all, Malik Yoba stood firm, seemingly unbothered by the backlash or the applause. His message was clear: the time has come to rethink race, to break free from old boxes, and to unite under a new banner—non-white. Whether this sparks a lasting shift or fades as a momentary flashpoint remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Malik Yoba’s declaration has ignited a firestorm that America can’t ignore.