Dear Black Man, I Love You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Dear Black Man, I Love You

That is why I am so hard on you.

406
Dear Black Man, I Love You
Pixabay

This summer, I overdosed on Tanya Fields' live videos. Not only is she a popping food justice advocate, she's a single and empowered mother. She's a fellow Bronxite. She's a business owner. She's a force to be reckoned with. In a number of her videos she always said " I am hard on Black men because I love black men" and up until very recently I didn't understand how powerful that statement was.

It resonates with me on many levels. From my commentary around a number of issues, some might be inclined to deem me as a man hater. That is far from the truth. I critique black men so harshly because I love black men way too much.

I could turn my back on black men and just let them be - but that is a reality I am not interested in.

I am hard on black men because I love black men. Period.

I am hard on black men because I know you're better than this. I am hard on black men because I know the history. I know that you were kings before slavery disrupted that. We can literally trace the systemic ways in which this world has tried to destroy your greatness. And you're letting it happen. You're accepting the self hate and the misogyny. You're accepting the wrong definition of what manhood is supposed to be. You've accepted toxic hyper-masculinity as the norm. You've sold your magic for white faces. And I refuse to not fight against that. This is not how you're supposed to be. This way of being was imposed on you to destroy you. Don't let it destroy you.

I am hard on black men because many of our black men are strong yet broken. I have seen what happens when broken boys grow into heads of households. When heads of households break - not because they're weak- but because sometimes people just break. But when these heads of households, these black men who want to be heads of households, when they break and aggression and anger is all they've been taught- everyone else feels that. I have felt that. And black man, you are so much better than that. You can be better than that.

I am hard on black men because you're all I want. I've gotten over trying to make mixed babies. I love black men and I want to be with a black man. But I can't. I can't create beautiful black babies if your toxic ways will be their fate. I'm trying to fight against it, not procreate it.

I am hard on black men because I know we can fight against the systems and the plights that haunt the black community- together. I know that we can make it despite the struggles we come from. I know its possible to transcend higher than the options presented to us. I know that we can liberate our minds and stop living the same life that has come before us. I know that we can unite and we should unite and that the fight isn't only a fight that women should fight. We can do it together.

I love black men, despite being hurt by black men.

I love black men, so I have to call yah out on your shit.

I love black men, because they have the power to be great.

Be great black man. Be great, the right way.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196713
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18747
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460793
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28263
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments