Nelly Before Jay

Earlier today I had an epiphany: I was more familiar with Nelly before I was "properly" introduced to Jay-Z. How in the world did this happen?

In elementary school, I did not really listen to music; however, the music I was exposed to Top-40. During that period, some of the artists that dominated the airwaves were the Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Britney Spears, and 'N Sync. My parents did not really allow me to listen to hip-hop music because they were uncomfortable with the featured themes of misogyny, violence, and inappropriate language for an adolescent boy. Looking back on it, I think they made the right decision for a few reasons. First, I was too young to really understand anything about hip-hop including the technique, metaphors, and most importantly the context i.e. where the artists were coming from. Moreover, coming from "the old-school" my parents probably did not understand too much about hip-hop either. Secondly, I attended a school with a fair number of suburban white kids (with actually soccer moms - not kidding) and hip-hop did not really have a place in the culture. My parents also did not want want me to be stereotyped for my aesthetic decisions.

Up until middle school, I had only heard hip-hop in passing or when it crossed over into pop/Top-40. For instance, I clearly remember Puff Daddy's (or Diddy's) "I'll Be Missing You" because it was played on Top-40 radio. And of course, my favorite rapper at this time was... Will Smith - so typical (Quick sidebar: Will Smith's first solo album "Big Willie Style" was actually a great album, but it was pop-rap). By the time I had entered 6th grade in 2000, I found that I was listening to more hip-hop, but yet it was still pop-rap. By "pop-rap" I am talking about hip-hop that is relatively radio friendly and appealing to a mainstream audience and for me, no artist better personifies pop-rap than Nelly.

"Country Grammar" - http://bit.ly/ripuWK

"Ride wit Me" - http://bit.ly/rv30Xa

"Hot in Herre" - http://bit.ly/r1Mr8o

"Dilemma" - http://bit.ly/n7kiB4

"Air Force Ones" (the WORST song ever, behind "Pimp Juice") - http://bit.ly/nis0xx

What do these five songs have in common? They all came out while I was in middle school (2000-2002) and charted in the Top-5 of the Billboard Top 100. Each record is catchy, but in my opinion, does not possess the rawness present in a lot of hip-hop music. Here's the key and it's something that I can't blame any rapper for: mainstream America either cannot relate to a lot of elements of hip-hop culture and/or they don't want to hear about something (borrowing from DuBois) so deeply entrenched within the Veil; so they make music that is accessible and somewhat relatable. By my standards, this is cool... as long as the rapper is willing to accept the label of being pop. So, I would have no problem with walking up to Nelly or Will Smith and calling them pop artists to their face.

On the other hand, while I was in middle school I got my first snippets of Jay-Z. The very first hip-hop song I fell in love with was Jay's "I Just Wanna Love You" - http://bit.ly/pjnmj1 - I just had to listen to this track even chance I got! Also, the track's smooth hook also made me a fan of Pharrell and the Neptunes. I didn't understand what Jay-Z was rapping or anything - it was just my track. While I was exposed to Jay-Z in pieces, there were two more hip-hop acts that really broke through into the Top-40 scene: Eminem and Outkast. Of course as a white rapper (a lot of his biographical and socioeconomic background could easily be black - easy) Eminem was a fascination and it's easy to see why he broke through into the Top-40: he was an anomaly and was as a creative a storyteller as Slick Rick. Outkast was so smooth with "So Fresh, So Clean" and "Ms. Jackson" (http://bit.ly/ruchLf) that they had to break through. Both of these artists had tracks that any one could relate to, i.e. the familiar themes of "hating your mother" or "getting a girl pregnant" - the difference between artists like Eminem/Jay/Outkast and artists like Nelly or Ja-Rule was that whereas the latter made rap-pop tracks to make Top-40 hit money, the former's talent and ability drew the mainstream to their material; Eminem/Jay/Outkast did not change a thing (at least not at that time).

By the time I had entered high school, I was actively listening to and learning more about hip-hop music. One thing particular moment that stands out in my mind was the day I went to Circuit City and brought my first two hip-hop albums: Outkast's "Speakerboxx/The Love Below" and Jay-Z's "Black Album."

But of course, there's another level to this story and that involves The Roots, but that's for another day!

Where I've Been and Occupy Wall Street.

It's a fortunate situation when you can just pick up where you've left off: that's what I'm doing by writing this blog entry two months removed.

I also blessed that I've been able to come home and pick up right where I left off. First and foremost, I'm grateful to my parents for their unconditional love and support (even though they're probably not reading this). It's thanks to them that I'm able to take this time right now to explore my options and really "take it easy" for a bit.

After my folks, I need to give a shout out to my friends Matt and Roxy who have shown me that fun does indeed exist after college, lol.

So, where have I been? I've pretty much replaced my Facebook status updates with Tweets and am spending most of my days in the library studying and exploring my options. And I've learned that I have a lot more in common with the "common folk" than I assumed and timing is everything.

One thing that is really on my mind right now is my relationship with Princeton as it relates to the Wall Street Movement. Although I do not see myself as an investment banker (or in a related field), I am connected to a lot of people who either are or are pursuing careers in this field. Moreover, Dr. Cornel West - one of my greatest teachers and favorite professors - was arrested this past Sunday as a form of protest. Here's the irony: Dr. West is protesting against the institution that many of students sitting in his class (my former peers) are primed to enter.

I am not an economist and I am not aware of the specifics of this economic recession, but I know that many Americans who are working hard and are "doing the right thing" have been cheated by the actions of a few. My question is this: will my friends and former classmates who are about to enter Wall Street roll with the status quo or push for reform.

From another vanish point, I am also connected to men and women who have either (1) been "laid-off" from their jobs or (2) are struggling to find a job. It's rough... to feel their pain and I imagine that they may even experience a sense of powerlessness. My father once told me that one of the unique aspects about being black is having a "nexus" to those who are well-to-do and those that are struggling - I'm feeling that right now. Yet, there's a different type of nexus at work right now in that I feel empathy for everyone out there who is struggling to find a job or to keep one. People bond and come together over shared experiences; this type of pain caused by the current economic recession is an experience that people all around the world are sharing - it transcends racial, ethnic, nationality or other types of identifications.

If I had a to pray for something right now, I would ask God to bestow the necessary awareness upon those in power so they might be enabled to do what's right for all of us.

One more thing: Jared and Maya - thanks for your support and insights! Keep 'em coming!

Experiencing Love in Miriam's Kitchen

Sometimes the best moments in life occur when two things happen: (1) when we least expect it and (2) when we throw all caution to the wind and dive in. I’ll admit this first sentence is very cliché but it exactly describes my experience volunteering at Miriam’s Kitchen earlier this morning.

For some background, Miriam’s Kitchen is a non-profit organization that “provides individualized services that address the causes and consequences of homelessness.” One of the unique aspects that I appreciate about Miriam’s Kitchen (and keep in mind, I just became aware of this today) is the holistic and individualized approach its takes towards each of its guests. This organization’s three areas of programming are meals, case management, and art as a form of therapy. In some ways, Miriam’s kitchen takes a full service approach in that they have food, activities, programs, clothing, and toiletries for their guests. More importantly, Miriam’s kitchen provides its guest with a community to go to everyday which gives them recognition: I believe that to recognize or be recognized is the greatest, most powerful type of human interaction that exists. For more information, please check out their website: http://www.miriamskitchen.org/

Now to reference the beginning of this reflection, this time yesterday afternoon, I was not planning on volunteering at Miriam’s Kitchen. As a member of the Princeton Club of Washington, I received an “urgent” email requesting volunteers to join in the contingent that we send every month to the Kitchen. In some ways this email came from “left field” and felt totally random – “we least expect it.” Next, I was on the fence because our group’s shift was from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM. This meant that in order to get there, I would need get up at around 4:15 AM and head out for the Metro at 5:00 AM – which is when the first trains depart; I decided to throw “caution in the wind and dive in” – and it was worth it!

The first thing I noticed when I walked into Miriam’s Kitchen was that all of my fellow volunteers were white and I was the only black one. In the grand scheme of things this does not matter; however, I majored in Anthropology and African American Studies which means that I pay attention to details and people because it may speak to a larger cultural/societal trend. After this initial observation, I later asked one of the security guards who was also black if “brothers volunteered here” and he responded “all the time.”

My primary task during the day was to work the door. In this role, I was responsible for greeting each of the guests and handing them numbers that corresponded to the order in which they would be served breakfast. The 90 minutes I stood at the door, I had the opportunity to greet and interact with some genuinely awesome people. There are two people that stick out in my mind. First, there was a guest who had creative artistic skills and drew pictures of the casts of two Tyler Perry sitcoms and the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Second, there was another gentleman who came up to me and pointed me out as a college student. He asked where I attended school and I told him Princeton. Then he responded “Ok congrats, that’s a nice school” – that was a nice moment there, but fortunately one amongst many.

During my time at the door, I had the opportunity to hand out numbers and greetings to about 120 people (the others lined up early outside for numbers before I had even arrived). Each of these interactions were simply refreshing and fun. Moreover, when leaving a lot of them thanked me even though I didn’t do too much. Guests came in steadily throughout breakfast time and came together to form a type of community. In this modestly-sized room, over 100 men and women ate breakfast together. In addition to breakfast, I saw glimpses of the Kitchen’s full-service approach: the case managers making the rounds to each table, the volunteer in the corner handing out toiletries and vitamins, and the lawyer to consult with the guests. Add this visual to a soundtrack of 60’s Motown music and that’s quite an aesthetic!

All-in-all, this was a special experience for me. Aside from being my first post-college volunteer experience, it was an amazing instance of experiential learning. Although I did not talk in depth to any of the guests (being at the door, I did not have the time), my preconceived notions about homelessness in Washington D.C. were further shattered. For instance, in terms of diversity, I interacted with people of every race, men and women, people who were dressed in different ways, and veterans. In terms of the veterans and homelessness, I am somewhat sensitive to this matter because of my belief that anyone who has served our country in the military should not have to experience homelessness. I would like to learn more about this particular relationship and find out if it’s due to a failure of our Department of Veteran Affairs, or perhaps our country’s general unawareness of the issues returning soldiers face upon returning home.

I would like to thank Miriam’s Kitchen for this wonderful experience and opportunity. It was good and uplifting to see so much love – agape type love – so wonderfully generated and concentrated in one place. There was love from the guests who appreciated being recognized and loved, there was love from the volunteers who lovingly prepared and served the food, and there was love from the staff who coordinated this communal gathering – I felt the love all around (note: the blog is entitled “I am Here 2 Love”). I’m looking forward to returning in the near future.

My Reflections on SlutWalk

(While reading, please keep in mind that these are only my reflections; I do not claim to have any expertise here)

Yesterday, I attended SlutWalk DC; it was one of the most uncomfortable and insightful experiences of my summer. Imagine just sitting poolside with your feet and part of your legs in the water. You're in the water, but you're not submerged in the pool - that was my experience attending DC's SlutWalk. I was there, but wasn't all-in.

"SlutWalk" is a worldwide movement, to amongst other things protest and reject the practice of victim blamming regarding rape/sexual-assault. Moreover one of the central missions of the movemnent is to reject the power of the word "slut" and the notion of shaming based on personal expression or lifestyle choices. For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SlutWalk

So the first question is "why did I decide to go?" There are two reasons here: (1) I support women's and LGBT rights in the sense of people should be free to express their sexuality in any manner they desire and (2) I enjoy attending cultural events (marches/protests/etc.) in Washington D.C.

I came on the scene at 11 AM for the opening rally in Lafayette Square (it's actually across the street from the White House). If I had to do this again, I would have brought a friend along; however, this time I rode solo. And instead of interacting with other attendees, I just chilled from a bench in the square. During the time between the rally and the start of the march, to the area of the program proper, I simply watched what was happening right in front of me. I saw men and women in their underwear and other revealing clothing, which made an intriguing contrast with the tourists in their uniform family reunion blue t-shirts.

In My Notebook (while sitting down during the rally): "Why am I here? I'm just sitting on a park bench,taking it all in.

When the marching began, I took a while to join in. At first, I was just going to not march and skip ahead to the stage where the program would take place, but I decided against this because walking with the people in solidarity is part of the experience. Although I marched with the people, I remained silent the entire time. While others were shouting chants such as "consent is sexy," I was silent. Once again, I took it all in - police officers on motorcycles to my left, tourists and vendors to my right, and allies/fellow marchers in front and behind. Unlike the other marchers, I had no sign in my hands or no words in my mouth.

In My Notebook (while marching): "There's a big diff btw working in a campus center for LGBT rights and marching for it"

When we came to the Sylvan Theater, there was a good 30 minutes before the speeches began. I stood around on the grass and watched people with all types of bodies and who came from all sorts of places congregate for a common purpose - a good purpose. I was captivated by the signs - all direct, most of them clever. I took photos of the signs and walked around a bit. There was an overcast in the skies...

The SlutWalk program was powerful and perhaps the greatest illustration of this power was the combination of the wind, rain, and thunder. For me these natural elements were a reflection of the power and importance of this gathering for social justice. I decided to Tweet during this program:

Tweets between me and J:

J: " @ReggieGalloway Oh man, Reggie, how did the #Slutwalk go?"

Me: "@j I'll be honest J, it's powerful to hear the testimony and strength of rape survivors - but as a man, there's something uneasy here"

J: "@ReggieGalloway I'm sure. I think it's similar to what @r told me about listening to James Cone talk about #black #liberation."

Me: "@jit's never easy for a member of the transgressive group to hear and sincerely listen to the victims but it needs to happen justice"

While writing the last Tweet, I thought about how white allies of black civil rights activists must have felt during the movement back in the 1950s and 60s. I imagine it must have been difficult for them to hear about the atrocities and injustices committed against people of color throughout the country. In my situation, as a man, it was difficult to hear the testimony of rape survivors who had been sexually assaulted. There was one testimony that particularly shook me.

Before leaving the program, I listened intently to a speaker who was thrice a victim of rape. One of the three times she detailed occurred during the 1974 Race Riots in Boston. She talked about how she – an individual who worked to end segregation – was raped by a black man. I was shook, as if she had found me, looked me in the eyes, and told me that story. And she specifically said that the racial identities do matter in this story – why? I still don’t understand that and how race specifically fits into this larger issue – because tragically, sexual assault is a global issue that occurs in all cultures and racial groups (I also still have images of black youth in London and Philadelphia fresh in my mind).

My Tweet: “Just heard the testimony of a white female rape survivor who was sexually assaulted by a black man back in the race riots of '74 - shook me”

After that, I couldn’t take any more, it was a lot to take in and think about. The rain had stopped and I put on my headphones in order to escape. I put on something familiar in order to get lost in the music – Big Sean’s “My Last.” I think that specific testimony was something that hit me from left field and disrupted my understandings of the complicated interactions between black men and white women; it was the realization of the worst possibilities of miscegenation from D.W. Griffith’s A Birth of a Nation: the black savage man ravaging the pure white female. Big Sean’s lyrics offered me a moment of escape and fantasy (and ironically, its chorus is sung by Chris Brown):

Looking back on the Slutwalk, I’m glad I went. I learned a lot about how our society creates and perpetuates the conditions in which victims of rape and sexual assault are held partially responsible for what happens to them because of how others perceive them – and of course this is wrong. Self-expression is a right and no one’s body should be threatened as a result of exercising that right. I think the best way we can help is with two practices:

1. Zero-Tolerance for unwanted sexual advances.

2. Letting go of our preconceived notions and stereotypes regarding what a “slut” (clothing, sexual behaviors, etc.). For the most part, these are unfair burdens/double-standards placed upon women and even though it’s going to be difficult, these need to go.

Thanks for Reading.

Reggie's Slow Jams

First off, I'm back and (believe or not) I graduated!

In college, I did almost everything I wanted to. One of things on my list, that I never got to do was to make a slow jams playlist and exchange it with my friends. When I originally had this idea, I was thinking about composing a playlist of the most ridiculous, over-the-top songs just for fun. The type of song that would have made this original list would is Prince's "Do Me Baby" - which is actually a great track, but it's just really too much. Here's the thing: during the course of college, I fell in love and began to realize that a great slow jam can really capture and express sincere emotions of love (while being a great soundtrack to.... lol).

Also just thinking about it, the name of the blog is I am Here 2 Love so... makes sense :)

With that said, here are 5 of my favorite old school and contemporary slow jams (in no particular order):

Old School:

• "The Lady in My Life" - Michael Jackson (Thriller)

http://bit.ly/Lxq8r - "I promise you tonight that you will always be the lady in my life..." This is MJ at his smoothest and most tender!

• "I'll Make Love to You" - Boyz II Men (If)

http://bit.ly/9urq5Y - "Girl your wish is my command, I submit to your demands..." The thing about Boyz II Men is that they always gave the ladies what they want.

• "The Beautiful Ones" - Prince (Purple Rain)

http://bit.ly/m8pK07 - "What's it goin' to be baby, do you want him or do you want me? Cause I want you!" This is one of my favorite Prince tracks and it's awesome because he lays it all on the line (honestly, how many of us guys do that?)!

• "Let's Get It On" - Marvin Gaye (Let's Get It On)

http://bit.ly/DdJ2N - "Let's Get It On" It's THE song, the Standard, nuff said

• "Something" - The Beatles (Abbey Road)

http://bit.ly/6CwsTm - "Something in the way she moves attracts me like no other lover" This George Harrison (Beatles) track is a bit different in that the singer is not directly addressing his love interest, but it's probably the Beatles' greatest love song and in their top 10 overall songs.

New School (No song quotations for these)

• "Shut it Down" - Drake feat. The Dream (Thank Me Later)

http://bit.ly/cl6Le3 - Drake and The-Dream: a lethal combination!

• "You and I" - Lady Gaga (Born this Way)

http://bit.ly/qgrvWQ - I love this track because it's about two people who have been together and together through a journey. This is also a great bar songs and example of storytelling in music.

• "There Goes My Baby" - Usher (Raymond v. Raymond)

http://bit.ly/cpTF51 - Usher just takes it to another level here - everything here is perfect!

• "Customer" - Raheem DeVaughn (Love Behind the Melody)

http://bit.ly/qLffGS - Please pay attention here! Raheem DeVaughn just doesn't get enough credit for what he does, i.e. he makes all his music for the ladies. Once one of his slow jams is played, it's game over.

• "Until the End of Time" - Justin Timberlake feat. The Benjamin Wright Orchestra

http://bit.ly/3Q522y - JT is talking about commitment; big thing there pal, especially when it's until the end of time and all that, lol

That's my list! Thanks and I hope you've enjoy reading!

5 Random Thoughts and March Madness Picks

I just have to start with this video: Princeton Black and Orange Remix

Before getting to my March Madness picks, here's 5 Random Thoughts that are just on my mind:

1. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan. I'm also praying for all those involved in the rescue efforts and for a positive outcome for the nuclear situation.
2. What does it take to get some diversity on the Bachelor/Bachelorette? I mean honestly? Last night, the best thing on TV was the Bachelor season finale in which Brad chose Emily, but for years I've been wondering where are the minorities on this show? Not that I watch either the Bachelor or Bachelorette on a regular basis, but whenever I do the there are seems to be no black, Hispanic (I think some Latin American men have been featured), or Asians. Instead we have Flavor Flav, New York, Chance/Real, and Tila Tequila on VH1 - just saying.

3. The NFL Lockout is stupid. Here's my thing about the NFL Lockout: (1) We all know football is going to happen in September, but more important (2) There are everyday people who work for the teams (such as facilities workers and office staff) who are losing paychecks because of this situation - those are the people for whom I am most concerned. Besides, it's not like I'm craving my NFL football right now.

4. Lupe Fiasco's Lasers has nothing on Food and Liquor or The Cool. Lupe Fiasco is probably one of my all-time favorite rappers, but I'm just not going to listen to Lasers because it's not really his vision. I'm sure it's a good album but Lupe's first two albums were hip-hop classics.

5. I only have six more weeks of college left!

Alright time for my picks!

Love in the time of green cards - One's Upon Times

This is what love is about: just watch.

The Soundtrack of my Life: Wale - The Motivation (Be Cool)

"I know the world gets cold and the days get long
and the sun don't shine and you mind just wonders
why me, I say it cause we number one
this why we get up in the morning
It's gon be alright (be right)
It's gon be alright (be right)
It's gon be alright (be right)
Believe that
It's gon be alright (be right)" - Wale

Make it Plain

"This supposed to be your moment ain't it? It supposed to be your moment. It supposed to be your moment. What good is it being the one, when you're the only one who knows it?"

- J. Cole, Friday Night Lights (Intro)

First off, to all of you who read my last blog entry and took time to take in my message - thank you.

Also, thank you to Maya Reid for the best gift I've received in a long time: http://afrodisiaccordingtome.blogspot.com/2011/02/addition-to-list-of-things-i-really.html

During this past summer, my mother told me that sometimes its best to articulate my goals in order to fulfill them. March is going to be a very important month for me. To recap, February was about moving on and starting fresh. I got back on my feet, made some mistakes, and really lived for the first time in years. Most importantly, I learned that I need to do things for myself for once. For so long, I've done everything for others out of love for friends or respect for an institution (see my year as Social Chair of Quad), but here's the complicated thing: Princeton is not the type of environment that awards selflessness and at times I can honestly say I was selfless. Last semester, I was frustrated by the absence of material and emotional reciprocity and this frustration became a distraction.

But now I need to remove all of the distractions or residue feelings and focus. I have two goals that I need to accomplish this month:

1. Complete my thesis and hand it in on time (April 1st)

2. Stay strong in my courses

Sean Covey has a saying, "begin with the end in mind." In order to make this happen, I need to see myself walking across the stage in late May or June receiving my Princeton degree. I need to see myself handing a completed copy of my thesis to the congregation of the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church and that will be a glorious, beautiful moment.

"Make it plain" was the title of Malcolm X documentary, but it also means to be clear and simple. These are my two goals for March, plain and simple - no distractions, no dramas - just dedication and focus.

Black Men Loving Black Men Part 2

"I was told the true definition of a man was to never cry
Work till you tired (yeah) got to provide (yeah)
Always be the rock for my fam, protect them by all means...

I was always taught to be strong
never let them think you care at all
Let know one get close to me...." - Musiq Soulchild, Teachme

What these lyrics from Musiq Soulchild's song Teachme have to do with black LGBT activist Joseph Beam's words, "black men loving black men is the revolutionary act?" Musiq is singing about the American societal construction of manhood, with a special emphasis on what it means to be a black man: "never cry," "work... to provide," "be the rock for my fam, protect them." These are heavy burdens for anyone (any person) to live up to - regardless of one's gender, sexual orientation, class, race, or any other aspect to their identity. In the second verse, Musiq speaks to the presentation of manhood in the public and domestic spheres: "be strong," "never let them think you care," "let [no one] get close." In this construction of manhood, there is no space for men to express the emotions associated with their imposed burdens, lament, or to be vulnerable.

Joesph Beam's words are a call to create spaces in which black men may be vulnerable to one another. Beam recognizes that there is support and power in the recognition and acknowledgment of a shared experience of toil. Moreover, although Beam is orientated in the particular experience of a gay black man, his words are not about sex; they are about love. "Black men loving black men" is about all different types of love: the love between father and son, between brothers or cousins, between uncles and nephews, between friends, and yes also between two male lovers. I have personally experienced all of these bonds/loves with the exception of the last; however, I stand with those who are privileged to have such a bond. The love here is not sexual love, but a love of self and one's identity. As black men, our self-love - appreciation for one another and our shared, collective experience - in the public sphere as been and still is distorted. As slaves, our love for one another was distorted by the distinction between house slave and field slave. During Jim Crow and Segregation, our love was distorted by the distinction between light and dark skin. And during the Black Power Movement, perhaps the worst of all, we were told that we had "to be strong black men," while we relegated our female partners to the domestic sphere and rendered their particular experience invisible - misplaced love.

But all this happened before I was born. In 2011, I have to negotiate my manhood and self-love in relation to the popular media images presented in the public sphere. Can't be a minstrel show like Flavor Flav, but I can't be threatening like a 50 Cent. Need to be athletic like Lebron, but not confident/arrogant like T.O. This constant negotiation of black manhood is tiring and a constant performance. What Beam wants [and what I want] is a space in which black men can appreciate each other's shared experience concerning this weariness. If we want society to stop having these expectations and stereotypes of ourselves, it has to start from within. I realize that not every black male experience is unique as we are each individuals and that is the one of the central purposes of "black men loving black men" - a recognition of ourselves as individuals and not stereotypes. I'm talking about a space in which we can see each other not as "the athlete," "the rapper," or even "strong (all the time)" but as human - and to love someone, is to recognize their humanity.

One more thing: I'm heterosexual, but as I said before, I stand with everyone who stands for love.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Black Men Loving Black Men

"Black men loving black men is the revolutionary act" - Joseph Beam

"Black men loving black men" - what does this mean to me, a young, heterosexual, Christian, middle-class, ivy-league educated black man who is oriented in the hip-hop tradition? Moreover, why do I care about these words from a black LGBT activist?

For starters, I am an ally - (according to this http://geneq.berkeley.edu/lgbt_resources_definiton_of_terms) "someone who advocates for and supports members of a community other than their own. Reaching across differences to achieve mutual goals." I'm also a feminist, i.e. someone who strives for equal rights and opportunities for both genders.


More personally, I recently learned that my Uncle Tyrone (who passed away when I was 12) was gay. Aside from my father and my grandfather, Tyrone Monroe was my strongest male influence - a gay black man. He was the one who took care of me when my parents were busy, helped to develop my creative capacities, and taught me the importance of friendship/loyalty. I'm going to have more to say about my Uncle Tyrone and Beam's words later, but for right now, two things: (1) I love and miss him (2) he was here 2 love.

After the Fall

"They looking back, all th' Eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late thir happie seat, Wav'd over by that flaming Brand, the Gate With dreadful Faces throng'd and fierie Armes: Som natural tears they drop'd, but wip'd them soon; The World was all before them, where to choose Thir place of rest, and Providence thir guide: They hand in hand with wandring steps and slow, Through Eden took thir solitarie way." - Milton, Paradise Lost (Book 12, 641-649)

Here's the deal: Adam and Eve could not live until they left Paradise; they could not live until they fell. Like Adam and Eve, I recently had my "Fall" episode, i.e. the month of January. I'm not going to recount January's events because it's time for me to move on, move forward: It's time for me to live.