My step-father was under him and did time with him in Pontiac....I'm 53 and I can sit and listen to an older gentleman like this all day....this new generation will never understand the struggles of the 60's and 70's...this is the Knowledge they speak of

When my nephew was being born back in the early 2000s I was in a waiting area at a Kansas City hospital and struck up a conversation with an elderly Black Man who was probably 90. He was telling me about when he was young man and the city was run by a politician named Pendergast. He talked about all the corruption and growing up back in the 30s and 40s. It was just fascinating and it really saddened me how much we lose when people like him pass away without documenting their lives.

My father went to school with this gentleman in Chicago I know him personally and he is down to earth and he is easy to talk to. He’s the main reason I’ve been in the GD’s since I was 12 and I’m 53 now and will always represent Growth&Development

Brought tears to my eyes.. Thank You for staying strong brother. And Thank You for giving him an opportunity to be heard.

Man, atleast old school gangsters actually stood for something and moved with a purpose.

I don't think people understand how important this interview is. So much wisdom and history in this!!!

This interview is priceless! Walking talking living historical truths based on experience, beautiful

I've seen a lot of interviews. And this is definitely in my Top Ten. It really gets to the root of it and doesn't attempt to glorify the gang situation here in Chicago...but just really expose the layers you never really see or hear about it. Dope ass interview

Straight up one of the realest interviews right here! Ike spoke a truth without preaching, selling anything or putting himself on a soapbox. More young people need to heed this brothers word. Respect to a true O.G.

I'm from Chicago. This interview is amazing and this Man speaks not one lie. GOD blessings to you Mr.Taylor.

man this needs to be all over the internet, on tv, on the radio; this is wisdom and enlightenment from real experience that happened not that long ago. so much has been lost in translation since then and it deserves to be brought back to light.

This man has saved my life, and added to my way to look at life where Unity and Love is a way of life, has been a positive role model before and after my father's passing. He Is Family, and it's real!

This needs a part 2 because there's alot of history that hes talking about that people might not know.

I am 72 and a black woman. I understand everything he said. That’s nice you invited him, and you should be saluted cause the things he said you would have to be black to understand. But, his generation definitely would identify with what he said. But, what he said about Obama many blacks in his generation understand where he is coming from. A very important interview. Thank. you.

This man has been a legend to me my entire life.

this is one of my best interviews seen by you this far he is so open and candid and real and transparent. He does not hold his tongue. It’s so raw it’s so unedited again, thank you for not editing anything I love to be able to hear someone from the past and it’s still relevant, looking at this shows us how far we have came and also how much further we have to go . I am so excited to have known information about him. I only heard about Larry, but never him so that makes me so more grateful to hear his story. Thank you for this .

This interview is an important piece of American history and I hope many many more people will see this.

0:24: 📺 The speaker reflects on the biggest changes he has witnessed in his lifetime, including the assassination and imprisonment of his mentors and heroes during the Civil Rights movement. 6:23: 🎥 The speaker reflects on the influence of hustlers and gangsters in the neighborhood and how it has affected the younger generation. 12:23: 🏢 The speaker discusses how property owners were cheated and displaced in Chicago, including the case of the United Center. 18:43: 📺 The speaker discusses their experience with renouncing their American citizenship, receiving government assistance, and serving time in prison. 25:00: 🔍 The speaker discusses racial issues and conflicts in the United States. 31:15: 🔒 The speaker shares their experience visiting a penitentiary and the changes they made to reduce violence. 37:08: 🔑 The speaker discusses the emotional and physical hardships faced by enslaved individuals and the impact it had on their families. 43:13: 🔥 The speaker talks about a community organization in Chicago and the conspiracy charges against its leaders after Martin Luther King Jr's assassination. 49:14: 🗣 The speaker discusses how wealthy individuals marry and have children to ensure that their accumulated wealth does not return to the community when they leave or die. 55:04: 🏀 The speaker discusses the importance of being better than the competition in order to succeed in basketball. 1:01:00: 🌈 The speaker emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity, including the LGBTQ+ community, in the Pontiac Brothers support Coalition defense fund. 1:07:09: 🤔 The speaker discusses the point system he uses when meeting new people and the potential for conflict. 1:12:49: 😡 The speaker expresses frustration over how a black organization used and then disregarded gang members once they achieved a certain level of success. Recap by Tammy AI

One of the best interviews on the channel! Dropped jewels. Thank you Taylor. And thx for having him Mark

It's hard to believe how much evil is in this world. This man has a beautiful soul and words of wisdom. This is an important history lesson being recorded.

One of the many reasons I enjoy this channel. These people are allowed to fully tell their story without being judged or steered in a direction they don't want to go. Mark just listens and contributes just to keep it all going when needed. I wish the lamestream media would catch on to this concept. Great stories, educational and a fascinating person he is. Thank you Ike!

When the ELDERS speak it’s in ALL our best interests to LISTEN 👂🏾💯

This was a dynamic interview. I like that alotta brothers from his time period are coming to the light telling their stories. These are the men who were took from our community that we needed.

If you really listen to this man, his knowledge, everything he has seen in his life, and everything in the world around him that he has seen, is worthy of a book and a movie!

What they did in Philly , to fred Hampton jr , his wife and baby...What God...Many people only see his legendary status but not the historical/current status of this country. I felt every "just leave us alone". This man dropped Nothing but gems. What about our youth.

Here is one of the strongest brother, straight up gave this real interview right from his heart that everyone from the youngest to the oldest need to see this interview. Ike I truly Love you

I wasn't gonna watch this, but damn, 2 minutes in and I was smiling. So poetic and driven with so much purpose, hope, and vision.

I’m only 10 mins in and my heart is broken.💔They vilified these men. As a child, I feared them because of how they were portrayed. His story explains all that we didn’t know. I wish our youth could hear his story. This is history. I was just 10 years behind him. This is what happened in my hometown, Chicago.😢

"Learn baby, learn." I love that quote. It is a real pleasure to meet you Mr. Taylor. If I ever you meet you in person, I would love to shake your hand and thank you for what you have done for the community. I can listen to you for days. Mark, these interviews are what we need to help our youths to be a better versions of themselves.

My dad was clean cut and educated with not even a traffic ticket, but he told me these same stories. And that was his slogan, “we can’t be good, we have to be better.” No lies detected

A housing worker had told me they tore down the buildings in Chicago promising to rebuild but didn’t leaving so many mothers and children homes less 😔💔

Only if we can get an interview from Larry Hoover. Ike spoke like a true OG. I learned a lot from guys like him growing up in Chicago.

✡️ PML from Gary Indiana to OG Ike! Due to Growth and Development I now work, have a house, and take care of my kids! I don't have a record at all due to following the 1-16! Love to all the BOS/SOS worldwide ✡️

I feel like he is what I’ve been missing my whole life. I grew up thinking I was GD when GD wasn’t cool. I’m 32 now and still feel connected but I know it’s because I lack discipline and mentorship. It’s the same reason I took interest in the NOI. Just wanting something bigger than me.

Just got done watching this interview, Ike has giving so much insight on history tht some of us was blind too. Thanks for this one Mark very very informative interview.

Wow! This was powerful ("Extremely powerful") - I learned more from this, than I did from a lot of my grade school courses. Thank you Mr. Ike Taylor for blessing us with your story, and sharing with us some very valuable history lessons. Respect! Salute!

I've been part of the Growth and Development Organization for 30+ years. I would not be the man, father or friend without the knowledge I gained from the literature as a child. I look forward to meeting the Honorable Co-Chairman someday. It would be a true blessing. Best interview yet for Soft White!! PML - 2-15-19

Please, please, please come back, Ike!! We need more of your oral history. Thank you, sir, for sharing what you did. We need more of your articulate, enthralling commentary. Thank you for the truth

Thank you for getting this interview Mark. He's an important figure in American history and unfortunately these men are here one day and gone the next, as they're getting older. This is an interview everyone can benefit from listening to.

I’m 36, been GD✡️ 20 years, this made me wanna cry 😢

Your best interview yet! He’s the real one and gave the information raw. Growing up in Chicago he told no lies.

He deserves a part 2 ❤❤❤

You keep talking my brother. Because there are people that will listen and pay attention. Thank you so much for this interview. I got a lot out of this, that I didn't even know. I've been enlightened by you on this day . God Bless you. Keep up the great work s.

This was a really eye-opening discussion for me. Thank you for coming on and sharing your story and wisdom

Great interview Mark and being from Chicago I can vouch for Ikes statements. The city was intentionally divided and from my elders I was taught boundaries of segregation that black people could not go past without the threat of violence. He also made a great point that most people who have not endured systematic racism will be able to relate to and its this "just leave us alone." If you don't like a people cool, but why can't you stop bothering them?

I could have listen to him for hours. Thank you, Ike.

One of The BEST Interviews from The SOFTBELLY interviews💯💥🙌🏻

Best interview I’ve seen from this channel

He needs a book. An Audio Book. It will spread like wildfire.

It's so awesome Mark's able to get some of the best interviews with such a variety of people. I've always been drawn to the darker corners of life out-of curiosity and excitement. I just love learning about everyone's lives that are so much different than mine.

This is one of the best interviews on this channel.

This is a powerful interview for you brothas and sistas to hear!!!

I have never enjoyed a interview so much!!! Much love & respect Mr. Ike

This is one of my favorite interviews from you Mark. The drug user interviews are interesting, but this man is sort of like living history

Definitely one of the best interviews in awhile

To me this was the best conversation I ever heard on this channel

A million thank yous from me to you Mr. Ike... I truly hope this reaches our youth in the same way it hit me. ALL people need to hear this man speak.

Mark is doing a excellent job interviewing people who, otherwise wouldn't have a chance to share their experiences. Let's also give it up for Ike Taylor as well. Great information.

This was an excellent interview. The topics covered truly went from A to Z. Mr Ike Taylor is a living testimony on how to never give up and always strive to make a difference. Giving hope to the hopeless is priceless wisdom, and vital for everyday survival. I wish you well on your continued journey to make a difference, salute Sir!!!

This man is to be listened to TODAY and NOW !!

He is so honest. I love that about him. I understand why he denounces his citizenship but still had his SS card and collects his check. If he could get up out of here, he would. Love the stories. I wish I had uncles living. I have lots of hope for him. Eternal life will represent ONE LOVE.

Mark, one of the most enjoyable and insightful interview you have ever posted. This is the black experience and needs to be shared and heard. His story about the black soldier who fought for the US people’s freedom…and still treated with no respect and racism…very same thing that has happened to the Indigenous peoples of Canada and the US. Thank you

So much wisdom & great history in this interview and it was very well done mainly by just letting this wise man speak 👏🏾

“We was tryna go from “Burn baby burn” to “Learn baby Learn” “ man I felt that

Again, thanks Mark. I love psychology and I love this channel because it gives you a glimpse into someone else's life, sometimes people we would never know or understand.

i loved everything about this interview. thank you for sharing with us, Ike!

Thank you for sharing ❤your podcasts to LIFT!

That’s a wise, knowledgeable Brother full of memories good and bad. Someone I would love to sit around and be educated on life experiences then and now! Salute 💪🏾💪🏾

WOW!! Great interview Mark!! This may be my favorite to date! Very true and insightful. He speaks lots of facts. Very deep!!!

WOW! Very eye-opening interview. Thanks, Mark, and Mr. Taylor for bringing it to us.

Mark, you are the man! I really believe you are creating a new medium. I’ve been watching for a few years now. I’m a big fan!

Best interview I’ve seen in a while.👌

Mr Taylor cannot say what's needed because *the enemy* always has a way of exploiting *any & every* effort at unification/development/growth of the African diaspora. One of the *most* substantive and informative interviews ive seen on the channel. Thanks for the upload Mark

By far my favorite interview and I been watching for years now everyday consistently, I’ve watched this one 3 times already

Such a great interview, and you can feel where he’s coming from 100% because he lived through it.

OMG this is so educational for me... And the best interview!!

Yes a history lesson! Would love a follow up with Ike.

Thank you Mark for introducing Mr. Ike! So very interesting, I wish he would right a book so that it’s forever out there in print telling his story! Sending love and hugs to him

I wanna give this guy like a hug for being strong. You can tell hes been through alot. Being treated unfairly really can get someone to their core.... u can tell hes hurt.. i hope he sees its not as bad as it used to be... im white i love in a black community. Besides young kids and gins... everyone is amazing

I so greatly appreciate this interview. I learned something new. Thank you. Dxf

This was amazing! Please bring him back for a Part 2

Thank you Mr. Ike for sharing not only your story but weaving the stories of others and highlighting the history throughout. Thank you Mark. There is always something in your interviews that teaches me, inspires me, and enlightens me.

Tysm for interviewing my big brother Ike Taylor ..love you much Ike Taylor ❤

Great interview. Nice to see and hear from Ike Taylor. Well done.

This is one of the best interviews I’ve seen in a long time..

Mark thank you so much for documenting this histor!!! Thank you Mr. Ike! what an amazing interview

Man what a video and interview, man....😳

Amazing interview and you should submit this to the Library of Congress

This is probably my favorite interview you have ever done. Thank you, Ike. Thank you, Mark.

I love the black history stories in events. This is why the elders are very important. They keep the stories alive to remind us of what we have already been through so that way we don’t repeat the process to remember what we are going salute to this OG! May God and the blood of our ancestors guide us!!! 🖤

Amazing brother, I learned a lot from this interview. RAW!!!

A legend speaking facts of his black life👍🏿 Thanks Mark again for your platform ❤

Ike, I’m a daily watcher but rarely post. I am compelled this morning, out of gratitude, out of respect and with love. Thank you for all you did in the community and continue to do. I can’t help but think how crazy it is that Florida is literally trying to rewrite black history and how shameful that is. Unsurprising and so shameful. Thanks for doing this interview. Inherited trauma as well as resilience and strength.

This is master class action right here. I’ve seen many of these. This man cracks the top 5

This left me very emotional 😢

This was VERY informative. Loved it

I love this old school knowledge. Very interesting to hear his perspective on everything. Thank you, Sir for your continued guidance.

I enjoyed his insights and views- from his point of view and experiences. He is so right about the real injustices that have going on for a long time- and politicians promising and not delivering, especially Obama- as he pointed out near the end. Another great video, Mark.

This was next to " Rebecca " of importance to watch.... I learned more than i thought i would and im glad i took the time to listen. Smart man and a great interview into a world of the unknown.❤

Wow!! Amazing interview!!!💯🔥