Why I Love...

About three years ago I read Why I Love Black Women by Michael Eric Dyson and in it he described the qualities black women possess that have caused him to have much respect. He described the qualities by using specific women to paint his picture. He spoke of Angela Davis, Maxine Waters and Kimberly Williams Crenshaw, some well known, some not. He does a wonderful job of taking their attributes and merging them into all Black women. A very good read, makes me proud to be a Black women, as I see myself in so many of the women in which he spoke.

It is in the spirit that my next few entries will be on Why I Love... My first will describe Why I Love Black Men.

When I first heard Angie Stone's Brotha, I fell in love with the lyrics. Her first verse,
"He is my King, He is my one
Yes he's my father, Yes he's my son
I can talk to him, cuz he understands
Everything I go through and everything I am
That's my support system, I can't live without him
The best thing since sliced bread,
Is his kiss, his hugs, his lips, his touch"

Man that describes what I feel! The second verse describes that often Black men are misunderstood and they are just trying to make it, like everyone else on this planet. I applaud Angie for recording such a marvelous song, especially when so many try to bring the Black man down. I think I'll elaborate a bit further on why that first verse speaks to me.

He is my King, my father is a Brotha. He is a strong man who despite many obstacles made it and perservered. I've never heard him complain once about the hand that he was dealt. He is a hard worker and has done whatever it takes to [legally] provide for his family. That is why I never bought into the myth that Black men are lazy, don't provide for their families and are materialistic. My dad taught me the meaning of hard work and that no one owes me anything.

He is my son. My son...mothers have always had a special bond with sons. For Black women it's even stronger because we know how hostile this world is to our babies. My heart went out to the mothers of the Jena 6 because that is one of my biggest fears. LB will be nine Friday and I just pray things will be better, but that's what many have prayed for the last hundred years. That is the main reason why I prefer for him to be with his dad...guidance and support. I understand what he will go through, but I don't know if I'd be able to guide him through it.

I think the rest of the verse speaks for itself. I mean who better to understand a person than someone who has lived it and is currently living it? The Black man...loved, feared, envied, hated, desired.

I love your strength, you make it despite the many obstacles faced in your way. I love your style, you have set and continue to set trends. I love your swagger, no matter what life hands you, you keep your head up. I love your hair...from the afros, the fades to the locs and the shiny heads. I love the many hues...caramel, chocolate, cocoa, peanut butter. I love your versatality...from the boardroom to the backyard barbeque, keeping it real. Yes, Angie, there is nothing better than his kiss, his hugs, his full lips and his touch. I, too, want the whole world to know that he's my black brotha and I love ya!