The issues surrounding Black Men in America are complex, to say the least. Black Men have experienced significant struggles, from slavery to systemic racism throughout history. Despite these hardships, we have always found ways to persevere and build strong communities. However, as we look at the current state of affairs, we must ask ourselves: What's next for Black Men in America? In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of masculine Black Male figures in building a stronger community. Black Men are a powerful demographic, capable of achieving greatness. However, we have internalized negative stereotypes such as the infamous phrase "Black-on-Black crime" that are used to make us believe that we inherently hate one another. The truth is, crime is usually committed against those who live closest to the perpetrators, and in turn, look like them. We do not hear phrases such as "white-on-white" or "brown-on-brown" when discussing other demographics and their societal issues. To gain a better understanding of the issues in the Black community, consider that the number of Black Men killed through criminal activity in the past decade surpasses the number of casualties in the recent war in Afghanistan. Black Men have misused the power gained through our struggles, ultimately making enemies of ourselves. However, imagine if Black Men had used this same brilliant strategy to unite and work towards a common goal. For example, imagine if the Bloods and Crips, instead of fighting amongst themselves, had created a cohesive army capable of conquering any hypothetical land. This belief in ourselves and each other is crucial to our progress. We must hold ourselves accountable for our actions and recognize that we have the power to win the war, but only by working together. We can no longer afford to fall victim to negative stereotypes that divide and conquer us. We must embrace our masculinity, use our power, and work together to build stronger communities. We have come too far to allow anyone to make us believe that we cannot achieve greatness together. In conclusion, Black Male figures in our communities are essential to creating unity and strength. We must understand the historical and ongoing struggles of Black Men in America, but also recognize that we have within us the power to build a brighter future. We must hold ourselves accountable for our actions, use our power wisely, and work together to create a more equitable society for all. We did not come this far to be defeated by negative stereotypes and internalized oppression. Together, Black Men can create powerful, sustainable communities that thrive and ultimately win the war.
Comments