To view life from the lens of someone else’s experience is to gain both wisdom and insight. To shift our perspective, which creates a heightened level of compassion and understanding. Throughout history, we have delved into the arc of black history. Overtime, we have shifted the focus of the black experiences, by taking away from the authenticity of the individuals who have actually lived this life by telling their story through our eyes. My goal with this series was to allow us to live vicariously through the thoughts of the Black man, from the Black man. It also led me to ponder on the thoughts and experiences of the Black women who love, know and raise these Kings.
Below you will read their words, their wounds..
What does it mean to love a Black man?
“To be in a constant state of terror that someone will see him as a threat not realizing he is a soulmate, a husband, a son, someone’s reason for smiling, a father to kids that desperately need him, a partner, an intellectual, a sentient being. SOMEBODY. I have to tell Chad to take his hood off in hopes he’ll be seen as less of a threat since he’s a 6’0, 240lb Black man. I’m worried when he takes out the trash and I breathe a sigh of relief only when he comes back inside. I hold his hand and he might think it’s just affection but I think of the devastation I’d feel if someone tried to take him away from me just because of his skin.
So to love a Black man means to be a safe place for him, love and appreciate him while I can and try to swallow the lumps in my throat to enjoy the moments I have, because anything can happen.”
Keyanna brown | 28 | lover | step mother | advocate for change
What does it mean to raise Black boys into men?
“Being a mother of young Black men in this day and age scares me to death. My youngest just turned 21, has locs in his hair, has his own car and we live in a neighborhood where white police would love nothing better than to pull them over as I say DWB (Driving while black). We have “the talk” all the time about getting pulled over and to please please listen to whatever the officer tells you to do. We’ve raised them to be good citizens of society but equipped them to be street smart as well. At the end of the day, my husband and I constantly plead the blood over all four of our sons for protection. I thank God every time they come home safely.”
Yolly hall | 47 | a dedicated mother | youth advocate
What does it mean to be a sister of a Black man?
“To be a sister of a Black man is to be proud and feel protected. I wish the world would see him more as an asset and less of a threat because of the dose of melanin God blessed him with. I looked up to him and was blessed to have him. Scared he can be taken or killed because he's not accepted for being black.”
Shavelle hamilton | 28 | a sister | a nurse
What does it mean to teach Black boys who will become Black men?
“To teach Black boys is to give them access to all that life has to offer. Empowering them. Oftentimes we create our own narrative for our children, ESPECIALLY, Black boys. “He should be.....”, ”he should do....” , or “just do”. This can be very stifling to and for a child. Our job when teaching our Black boys is to present them with all options, how to achieve them and support for what they choose. Both an honor and a great responsibility to equip them for a world that might not be ready for them.”
Kadi-ann brown | 26 | inner city teacher
As a Black woman, I felt as though I was having an outer body experience. I learned even more about the lives of other Black people around me. Reading these thoughts which so deeply resonated with me, allowed me to realize that we have a responsibility to be a catalyst for change. A friend said to me the other day, it's not about the size of the impact but the difference it makes. Although the tapestry of this Great American Society is still marred by racial injustices since 1619, I know that we are capable of making a conscious change. I salute not only my Black brothers and sisters but all who are willing to be a part of that change.
How can you (we) go about implementing small shifts that will create great waves of change?
Be deliberate and most importantly lead with love.
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