Hey y’all! I had planned to drop a post some Saturdays ago talking more about my mental health, but I just couldn’t bring myself to post that after seeing the recording of George Floyd’s death. My mind has been racing over the last two weeks trying to figure out how best to put my thoughts into words.
My heart literally aches for my people especially Black men at this time, more than ever. I know I wanted to use my platform to really share a letter that has honestly been on my heart since dropping my first Black empowerment letter, Dear Black Girl, I Hope You Know…| An Open Letter of Self-Love, a couple of months ago. I felt pushed to write this letter and share it.
Click here to check out this letter to my Black Queens!
In a society that often sees Black men as a threat and places a big red target on their back, I am writing this letter to remind you all of how valuable you are and how much you really have to offer. I think the best way for me to write this letter is in the way that I talk to the Black men in my life (some pictured below), telling them the things I want them to know. The things I think every Black man should hear. So, this one’s for you Black Kings??????!
“Dear Black Men,”
In a world that is so hell-bent on ending your life, there are a few things I hope you know and understand about yourself.
I Hope you Know…
1. You are loved and appreciated.
You are loved more than you may know. I hope you know the simple actions we do such as making sure you’re okay with random texts and hitting you up to just say “be safe I love you” is to show you how much we really love you. I hate the feeling I get when you all are out, especially late at night, and I am just hoping you don’t get pulled over especially when you are by yourself.
I want you to know that checking to see if you need anything is my way of showing that I love and care about you. You should know that you are appreciated for just being who you are. Understand that despite the many people prejudging you and tearing you down, you have many people, especially Black women in your lives that are backing you and riding for you.
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You are stronger than you may know.
The strength you all possess is so admirable. You all carry so much weight and pressure to make sure you represent yourselves a certain way so that you are not perceived as a threat. You shouldn’t have to prove your value to anyone, but yet this world sees your strength as a threat. I know it’s not fair, but you all should continue to push past your pride and feelings and allow these situations to make you stronger.
Your strength is something that our community needs. The way you all face opposition really speaks to how great your character is. You all put up with so much ridicule, but yet you rise and press forward. This brings me to the third thing I hope you all know.
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You are resilient and so powerful.
I hope you know the way you all bounce back from adversity is truly amazing. You don’t allow circumstances to keep you down long. You don’t just handle the hand you were dealt as it is. You work hard to overcome the odds stacked against you. You are willing to outwork anyone to turn your dreams into reality.
Maybe, it’s the way you’re willing to keep progressing that intimidates some around you. Or maybe, it’s the self-determination and drive that keeps you focused on making sure you and your family are straight that scares some people. You all are so misunderstood, but that doesn’t stop you from putting in work. You all are truly a force to be reckoned with!
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You are talented and have so much to offer this world besides just sports.
I hope you know that you have so much to offer this world through your talents, and we aren’t just talking sports. Yes, there are a lot of you that are BEAST in the sports world, but there are also a lot more layers to you.
From songwriting and singing to playing an instrument or two to photography, dancing, and painting, the talents you all possess spread far beyond the sports world. Sometimes, you all are put into a box that tries to say you are only good for sports like Football and Basketball. But if they only knew the real about y’all! I know Black guy athletes that can show out on the court and turn around and spit bars or sing a little something.
Go Stream his new single “Stand for Something” on Apple Music and Spotify!
Like Lebron James says,” you are more than an athlete.” There’s so much more to you than the box some people try to put you in. Let ‘em know you can’t be put in a box!
Always remember who you are and the things you are capable of regardless of those who choose to misunderstand you! You are Kings!
In the comments below, tell me how you’ve been with everything happening! Know it’s okay to not be okay.
