Social media influencer Xaviaer DuRousseau, known for his journey from a Black Lives Matter activist to a conservative commentator, has launched a new show titled "Respectfully, Xaviaer" in partnership with PragerU. This program aims to explore pop culture and political issues through the unique perspective of someone who has experienced both sides of the political spectrum.
DuRousseau, who grew up in South Side Chicago and later moved to a predominantly white rural community, reflects on his upbringing as a significant influence on his views about race and culture. He describes the challenges he faced growing up in a town that was 95 percent white while spending summers in a much more dangerous neighborhood in Chicago. This duality, he explains, shaped his understanding of race relations and led him to initially adopt liberal beliefs as a means of advocating for the Black community.
In a recent interview, DuRousseau shared insights about his childhood, including the pressure he felt from family members regarding race. He recounted how relatives instilled in him a distrust of white people, which contributed to his early alignment with liberal ideologies. Despite being well-liked in his community—serving as valedictorian and homecoming king—he faced racial hostility, which reinforced his belief in systemic racism.
His activism began in high school, where he pushed for greater recognition of Black history, and continued into college, where he advocated for mandatory ethnic studies classes. He became a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, especially following the death of George Floyd in 2020, believing it was crucial to address racial issues in America.
However, DuRousseau’s perspective began to shift as he matured. He started to distinguish between individual acts of racism and broader systemic issues, concluding that the majority of Americans oppose racism and that the narrative of systemic racism is overstated. This realization has led him to embrace conservative values, which he now shares through his new show.
"Respectfully, Xaviaer" airs twice a week on YouTube and PragerU’s platforms, where DuRousseau uses humor and wit to engage with current events and cultural discussions. His journey from a liberal activist to a conservative commentator reflects a personal evolution that he hopes will resonate with viewers looking for diverse viewpoints in today’s polarized political landscape.