An Ode to the Black Man: 5 Ways to Fully Support Him
- Courtney Simmons
- Aug 3, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2, 2023
*I own the rights to all images in this post*
As a mom and wife of Black men, it's disheartening to see and hear how much the media tries to tear our people a part through subliminal messages and visuals. While we are in the midst of a culture that urges us to feel that "Black men ain't s**t," I want to encourage you to actively exhibit and voice the value they bring to our lives.
The following poem I've written is dedicated to our beloved men all around the world, but especially those in America who are attributed to false characteristics, labels, and stereotypes and are targeted by the evils of injustice, envy, and fear.
An Ode to the Black Man
We don’t know what goes on in your head,
But we can see you truly are a superman.
You hold your head high and power through your day
With a vibrant smile upon your face.
You make sure everyone around you is secure and set,
Forgetting that you, too, need a supply of the same dose of medicine.
Yes, you are the true definition of a king—
Generous, polite, pure hearted, and courageous with a high intellect.
If you are a bit down or have an off day
Do not be dismayed...
This does not make you weak or less than,
And we’ll be here to reaffirm this for you time and time again.
It’s okay to be tired and give in to rest...
It’s okay to make a mistake without feeling you have failed...
It’s okay to forgive yourself when you haven't displayed your best...
It’s okay to go against the society that over sexualizes your physique...
It’s okay to cry out if you or your brother are demoralized or dehumanized...
It’s okay to love love and despise hate...
It’s okay to be child-like and light up with glee and cheer...
You see, without you, there would be no us...
And without us, there would be no more you,
As your sons grow and flourish in our wombs.
We are connected by blood, soul, and spirit...
We hurt when you hurt and rejoice when you rejoice.
It's clear that our existences are forever intertwined.
So, we will root you on as you rise up and recognize
The beauty and power we’ve always seen in your eyes.
We are for you!
We are for you, because we are you!
5 Ways To Fully Support Him
Recognize and Acknowledge that Black men...
Are multidimensional beings with individual interests, experiences, traits, habits, and views of the world
Have feelings and the right to express themselves through a (healthy) outlet of their choice
Bear the weight of systemic racism more than any other race or gender, which can induce subconscious, mental, and physical stress; they are not to be pitied but should be granted an adequate amount of grace just as any other human being receives
Are worth more than their physical strength, ability to create innovation and streams of income, and sexual performance
Play 1/2 the role in ensuring our people and ancestors' legacies continue to thrive on
Take-a-ways
We are one and are nothing without one another.
For this reason alone, we should rebuke the social culture that deceives us into believing we can be and do more separately. Remember, you are who you declare yourself to be, you have the gift to write your future, and you are forever adored and supported.
Today, I encourage you to celebrate and honor the Black men in your life through both your words and actions.
On behalf of all the black men in the world I want to say thank you for believing we are worth more than what the world perceives us to be. More love will help us give ourselves grace and rise to the desire standard that the black women deserves. You are doing God's work.