Positive Thoughts for Black Men

I didn't grow up with a father. He was in my life for a couple of early years and left mostly damaged memories of him. Instead of loving my mother, he fell in love with coke and his fist. He found it fit to use these against my mom whenever he wanted. He slapped me once, straight in the face and destroyed a toy he gave me that I loved. I came from a society where girls became pregnant and dropped out of school. Our communities were run by men called "dons". I didn't particularly take...
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I didn't grow up with a father. He was in my life for a couple of early years and left mostly damaged memories of him. Instead of loving my mother, he fell in love with coke and his fist. He found it fit to use these against my mom whenever he wanted. He slapped me once, straight in the face and destroyed a toy he gave me that I loved. I came from a society where girls became pregnant and dropped out of school. Our communities were run by men called "dons". I didn't particularly take to how they "governed" the people. Females weren't known for anything more than baby-making machines. I wasn't 10 years old before boys asked me for a "piece" Fatherless homes were the usual. The abuse was the usual. Women acting vulgar was the usual. Bleaching skin became the usual. I felt like I was drowning in the self-destruction. And when I tried to rebel, I was disciplined or warned. I had a hard time liking the opposite sex. I focused on my studies and tuned boys out, only allowing a few to become good friends. Fortunately, they stayed true to being the opposite of what I've become accustomed to in males. My grandfather is a gem and him along with these male friends became the saving grace. I later found out in life that men could be different. They could be respectful, non-abusive and overall phenomenal human beings. In my late teens, I was introduced to more men who were good fathers. That surprised me. These men were like mothers, stood by and would do anything for their children. I know in some communities, this is the norm. Throughout talking to black men later in my life, I see that they are being penalized for struggles they personally didn't contribute to. I understand that society and even black men themselves aren't lifted up enough. They too have been damaged. We don't tell them enough good things. I see the best qualities in my grandfather and male friends. They deserve the goodness and support. For us to heal, we need to mend our men too. This collection is, therefore, a salute to black men. Brothers, know that we love you and we are in this together.