Pages

Jul 2, 2008

Given all the facts cited above and according to all psychological theory, black women in America should have the highest rate of suicide; yet we press on and live on. We make up seventy percent of our congregations on our churches. We are the ones holding our homes together.
-- Audrey F. Bronson, “Sister to Sister”

Enough said? Some of us would think so. Even the “Thought...,” thought so some few years ago, bless its heart.

But let’s give credit to the other half of the African American equation. Brothas, you are awesome, too!

Too often, when lifting Black women and lauding our hard earned accomplishments, we fail to mention Black men optimistically. Every Black man is not a playa, a dead beat, or a moocher. There are many who hold women in the highest esteem. There are many who walk with us and hold us up when our walk becomes too overwhelming or frightening. There are Black men who would give their lives just to see us, our children, and community remain unharmed and empowered. You know these men.

These are the Black men who stay and endure the hardships with us so that we don’t commit suicide or homicide. These are the Brothas who work hard to make life happen as positively and fruitfully as they can despite the many obstacles and interferences stacked against them and us. These are the men who make us laugh after a good cry, smile through the pain, and feel at ease when all hell has broken loose and there’s no visible light at the end of the tunnel. You know these men.

These are the Black men who would never think of committing acts of violence against us, even when we’ve pulled the last straw and thrown the first blow. These are the men who love us even when we find it hard to love ourselves; the Black men who love our children as fathers even though they aren’t theirs; the Brothas who hold family in its rightful place; and the Brothas who are conscious and work diligently to fulfill the needs in our families, the community, and across the world. You do know these men.

If you aren’t sure, look around you. You see that Brotha over there taking care of his body and mind, who visits his doctor for regular check-ups, guidance, and information? What about that Brotha over there who’s happily pushing his grandson on the swing? Look at that Black man there holding the hand of that beautiful woman with the relaxed and peaceful expression on her face. And what about that Black man over there who showed up for work today, on time, ready to be productive and accountable? You see that one there, speaking his heart and acting on God’s will to make useful change in the world? And check out that Black man there, the one next to you in the pew praising the Creator. See? Yeah, you know them.

A summary of the statistics indicate that Black men have it rough too, right? Let’s never forget or get so caught up in our fight that we forget to laud Brothas and their fight too. Our challenges are huge is big and so are theirs. Keep at the forefront the Fight in its entirety.

Sadiqqa © 2008

No comments: