Xaviaer DuRousseau, a former Black Lives Matter activist, has launched a new show, Respectfully, Xaviaer, with PragerU. Using his firsthand experience from both sides of the political spectrum, he brings a unique perspective to discussions on pop culture and politics. In a recent interview, DuRousseau shared his journey from liberal activism to becoming a leading conservative voice.
Born in Englewood, South Side Chicago, DuRousseau’s family relocated to a predominantly white town of 10,000 people when he was two years old. His parents sought a safer environment free from the crime plaguing their original neighborhood.
Navigating both worlds proved difficult. Summers and weekends spent in South Side Chicago contrasted starkly with his school year in a mostly white town. He often felt disconnected from both communities—too black for white friends, too white for black peers. His family reinforced race as a defining issue, instilling a distrust of white people. These experiences led him to embrace progressive ideology, believing it was necessary to support black Americans.
Despite being a popular student—valedictorian, track team captain, and homecoming king—DuRousseau faced racism. A few incidents, including hate crimes such as being targeted by vehicles and racial slurs, reinforced his belief in systemic oppression. However, over time, he began to distinguish between individual racism and broader systemic issues. He came to understand that while racism exists, it is not a defining trait of America as a whole.
DuRousseau’s activism began in high school, where he promoted black history education and led student groups pushing for ethnic studies requirements. His passion carried into college, where he worked to make ethnic studies a mandatory graduation requirement at the University of Illinois.
His involvement with the Black Lives Matter movement intensified in 2020 following the death of George Floyd. He led marches and organized local activism, believing himself to be on the right side of history. However, his perspective began to shift as he questioned the narratives he had long supported.
DuRousseau credits PragerU videos as instrumental in his transformation, helping him “accidentally red-pill” himself by exposing inconsistencies within leftist ideology. His growing disillusionment led him to embrace conservative values, recognizing that personal responsibility, faith, and traditional principles offer more effective solutions than victimhood narratives.
Now, as a conservative commentator, DuRousseau is dedicated to challenging mainstream narratives, using his platform to encourage critical thinking and personal growth.
