|
The Beauty of A Black
Man
By Megan Davis
Soucial Scene Contributor
We are through half of 2016 already and it is certain that
time waits for no one. Summer is here and the month of June
is almost over. Some may say that “Father Time” is moving
forward, sparing no moment for inactivity.
As Father Time moves ahead, Mother Nature also continues on
her charted course. It’s a new season. We have celebrated
the newness of springtime, growth and change. We have
celebrated Women’s History Month and Mother’s Day.
There are longer days upon us now and warmer temperatures.
Families celebrate Independence Day, Juneteenth and Labor
Day while summer is in session. Children are on vacation
from school and summer camps are in full swing.
There is a great deal of focus on children during the
summer. Whether it be reading programs, free lunches or
athletic competitions, there simply is no shortage of
activities for the kids. In fact, there are more programs
and services designed for women and children than there are
for men. WIth June being Men’s Health Month and the month
that Father’s Day take place, men need more than one month
to be inspired and celebrated.
In our community there are two important initiatives that
our men are a large part of, The Annual Fatherhood Walk and
the Real Men Ready program. While one unifies men in the
community to come together and uplift one another in their
roles as fathers, the other brings men together to promote
literacy among African-American boys.
They are passing on a valuable skill that is often missed
with students today. These programs are needed and are
appreciated by those impacted by them, and yet, there is
something more that could be done to elevate the men in our
community.
For generations African-American men have been portrayed as
animalistic, dangerous characters with the inability to live
as respectable community members. Little boys are
stereotyped into being “aggressive” and emotionally
disturbed when they have difficulty learning or socializing
in schooleven kindergarten. |
By Megan Davis
 |
|
Young men are often perceived as thugs and vagabonds. Grown
men are cast as deadbeat dads, womanizers and hustlers. It
is rare to hear of men being considered leaders, lovers and
“kings” in the lives of their families and within their
communities.
Without spending too much of Father Time’s ticking clock
trying to determine why this is true, time would better be
spent sharing why black men are beautiful. Beauty isn’t just
for the dainty female or a flower; beauty is for the black
man who takes one look at his child and vows to protect him
or her for life.
Beautiful is the man whose hands work day and night to
provide for his family, a home, a vehicle and food.
Beautiful is the man who has a vision and sets forth to
fulfill it. Beautiful is a man who shares love and
compassion for others. Beautiful is the man who overcomes
the judgment of society to become our judges, attorneys,
professors, councilmen, fire chief, and even the president
of the United States.
Black men are beautiful, quite the opposite of what has and
is being portrayed. Beautiful doesn’t only mean that one is
pleasing to the eyes, mind or senses, it also means
something or someone of very high standards, one who is
excellent.
Black men have also been trendsetters in hairstyles and
fashion for generations. Whether it’s the Conk, Jheri Curl,
the High Top Fade, Locs or the Bearded Bald Man; black men
have made hairstyles and fashion a multi-billion dollar
industry with looks adopted by people of every culture and
generation.
Black men have stood out and been unique since the beginning
of time and they can be celebrated for the men they are.
They are teachers, community leaders, artists, journalists,
health care professionals, activists, musicians, fathers,
brothers, and sons. Many black men are self employed as
barbers/stylists, lawn care specialists, group home
facilitators, apparel companies, photographers, DJs and real
estate agents. Black men are managers, supervisors and team
leaders. Black men are husbands and parents. There are more
good things about a black man to celebrate than there are to
criticize and condemn. As time progresses, it is important
to uplift the black man with honor, respect, in spirit, in
prayer, with love and compassion and with hope.
We cannot change the past, but we can inspire and be the
change today and moving forward.
|
