Showing posts with label black relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label black relationships. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Black Love Lessons


Black Love Lessons
Looking at Black Relationships from a new perspective


It's not Valentines Day, but any day is a good day to talk about Black Love. Whether you are in a good relationship or looking for the man of your dreams, hopefully within these posts is something for you.

Before you start reading posts, perhaps you are curious about...

Video Clips
Black Love Talk
I want us to not only watch and read about Black Love, but talk about it to. Please checkout the following posts, and let everyone know your opinions:
Books
Black Love Lessons

Related Links / Links Mentioned Here

Read.Share.Respond
Black Love Lives
lhenry

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Building Better Black Relationships

As I continue to develop the BlackMomsClub and connect with other Black Woman online on this is very clear to me - Black Women love to talk about Black Men. We talk about dead beat dads, we talk about single motherhood, black men with white women, down low brothers, and everything else in between. However there isn't very much focus on the real issue, the thing that we are all trying to figure out ... How do we, as Black Women, create and maintain healthy relationships with Black Men? Whether your a mom or not, if you have an interest in the opposite sex, I'm sure this question has crossed your mind, but it's not something we talk about as much as all the other stuff.

That being said, I thought it was high time I devoted a section of this blog to talking about Black Love and Black Relationships. I want to focus on the good moreso than the bad because we hardly ever talk about the good stuff like strong Black Couples, or Good Black Men. I also want to here from readers about their experiences with Black Love.

This is an important topic to me because if my son, or any black child is going to grow up and create strong black family structures, they need to be able to imitate the positive interactions they see between their parents.

So that being said, Black Love Lives! Let me show you how much it does...

Friday, September 14, 2007

Bernie Mac on Tavis Smiley: Love Talk

Bernie Mac talks about the importance and the power of love...

Sista-to-Sista: Are Black People Affectionate

Seriously, my hubby and I are always have issues and conversations revolved around affection. We talk about how much we didn't get from parents, how much we need to give each other, how much is vital to give our son. Affection, touch, intimacy, how much of this is visible and/or lacking in the black community?

Sista-to-Sista: Real Love Stories

I would love to hear how you and your hubby meeted, greeted, survived and continue to thrive. Of course you know I'll be sure to share my story to. Please ladies and gents, share you real black love stories by commenting to this post.

Sista-to-Sista: Issues Between Black Men and Women

Really, what do you feel the issues between black men and women are?

Sista-to-Sista: The Truth About Brothas

Every one has their own truth. How do you define Black Men?

Sista-to-Sista: Love Lessons Learned

Do you have a personal Love Lesson that you feel others can benefit from? Please share you story by commenting to this post.

Black Love Lives
lhenry

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?

So I can't wait to see Tyler Perry's new movie "Why Did I Get Married?". With an all Star cast this movie looks like it's going to up the pay grade of not only Black Entertainment, but Black discussion about relationships between men and women in the Black Community.

I'm so excited!!! Black Love Lives!

Black Marriage in America

I like many others missed the Black Marriage Episode of BET's Meet the faith. Fortunately blogger Terrence Says, was gracious enough to blog about it. So do watch it.

TV commentators, Lauren Lake, discusses the issue of black marriage in America with Thomas Lopez-Pierre, a founder of The Harlem Club, Tiy-E Muhammad, the self-described "Love Doctor", and Dr. Ian Smith - noted author and television show host.

The lively discussion took place on Smith's, "Meet The Faith" program, which airs on Sundays on Black Entertainment Television. "Meet The Faith" has to be one regular BET's best new shows.

My hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this clip together and learning things like: According to the US Census:
43% of Black Men are Single
42% of Black Women are Single

Also, it's so hard for Black Women to find a Black Man there are 70 Single Black Men for Every 100 Black Women

They raised so many thought provoking questions like: Do Black Men have a fear of Commitment?

You have to have to have to watch this and tell me what you think.




More Black Love Lessons
Looking at Black Relationships from a new perspective

Real Stories of Real Black Relationships

I overheard these two black women authors talking about Black relationships and one said to the other, "I really need to come out with a book about positive black relationships because there is nothing out there." The two nodded in agreement, while I desperately tried to remember the name of this book I have. This great book with short stories from real Black Couples, Men and Women talking about their search for love and healthy relationships.

I unfortunately didn't remember the name of the book in time to let those sistas know that such a book exists, but I am able to tell you about it...

Sometimes Rhythm, Sometimes Blues: Young African Americans on Love, Relationships, Sex, and the Search for Mr. Right: $8.41
Sometimes Rhythm, Sometimes Blues: Young African Americans on Love, Relationships, Sex, and the Search for Mr. Right

Today’s women expect it all: a successful career, an understanding and equally successful mate, and children—all wrapped up in a white picket fence. But recent studies show that while black women have ascended to form a new middle class and have attained success in the business sector, black men haven’t followed suit. Perhaps as a result, with other sociological and economic factors at play, many successful sistahs are having trouble finding a partner to call their own. Sometimes Rhythm, Sometimes Blues is a groundbreaking anthology that explores the many reasons why—analyzing materialism and financial expectations, single motherhood, bling-bling culture, media representations of African-American gender roles, missing fathers, incarcerated partners, and more—and offers hope from women who have beaten the odds. Writers including Kevin Powell and Victor LaValle weigh in on the men’s side in a “Talking Back” section, while female contributors include Kiini Ibura Asalaam, Shawn E. Rhea, Shani O’Neal, and Asha Bandele.

Read More Details



Black Romance in Books and on the Big Screen
Mahogany Momma's Online Store
Black Relationships Section

Oh Brotha, Oh Boy

When mums told me that a man’s happiness was not going to be her sadness, something clicked inside of me. Her words were like the key that locked my thoughts in place. As I sat there listening to her story, I slowly drifted back into my own past experiences. I thought, “How much time did I spend waiting for phone calls, thinking about what he was thinking, feeling like I was the only person in a relationship meant for two? How long did it take me to realize that the after taste of a short and sweet love was long and bitter heartache? How long was his happiness my sadness?”

In a balanced relationship each partner contributes 50%, and receives that in return. It is true that there are occasions when love requires us to sacrifice a little extra or request a bit more from our partners, but this should never be the norm. The equation of love consists of gaining happiness by giving love to others; not gaining happiness by gaining love. If your partner is getting more affection than you are receiving in return, it’s time to start exploring why this is the case. Love never requires us to lose ourselves in the pursuit of another. Talk to girlfriends. Sit silently with your thoughts. Most importantly, let your partner know what you are feeling. In the coming weeks, begin to use communication as a means of turning your sadness into your happiness.

Also, remember that communication is essential. Rather than assume your partner is a mind reader, consider daily conversations as a tool for fostering openness and honesty. You will have a greater understanding of each other if you talk about your individual thoughts on a regular basis. Dialogue reduces instances of jealousy, over-analytical behavior, and room for misinterpretation. When negative energy is out of focus, there will be more focus on strengthening the level of emotional intimacy between the two of you. Essentially, these are the activities that transform a relationship into a true partnership.

If you are currently single and searching, avoid taking advice from those who claim to know the Top Ten Ways to Find a Mate. Relationship Hunters are almost always easy to spot. They are either the first to be avoided or taken advantage of (in the interest of a one night stand). If nothing else consider three things. One: most people don’t find love; love finds them. Two: Beyond physical attraction, people are generally drawn to those who are confident & comfortable with who they are. Three: You are more likely to exude confidence when you are participating in activities you enjoy rather than surveying prospective lovers in a bar.

Point being, focus on finding yourself and your mate will find you. When you find comfort in your way of life, others will surprising gravitate towards you for friendship and love. After all, anyone in love will tell you, it happens when you least expect it, and probably when your not looking.

The Black Family

One of the most unique attributes of the American Black Family is the role of the Matriarchy. Whereas most of western culture is founded on the construction of a dominant patriarchal figure, the roots of Black culture are deeply embedded in the role of the mother. The dominant black matriarch emerged out of the system of slaver and fell into the restrictive social definitions of gender. In other words, throughout the days of slavery, black males had no control over the well being of his partner or children. Black women, however, were able to retain a maternal power derived from being both childbearings and managers of both their young and those of their master.

When slavery ended, blacks regained control over their bodies, but the mental chains of oppression were still visible. Segregation, miseducation, and poverty made it almost impossible for black men to acquire the patriarchal power common to their male counterparts. More over, black woman were accustomed to being dominant figures in the household, and have retained that role to this day. It is true that there are cases in which black fathers claim their title as man of the household, but for the most part the matriarchy lives on.

Could there possibly be anything wrong with that? What do you think?

Bad Seed: Picking the Wrong Man

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and the bad ones always seem to fall on me."

Before you ask yourself why the wrong man always falls for you, you should ask why you always fall for the wrong man. Do you ever think that the men you choose stem from what you think you deserve, as opposed to what you believe you want? What am asking is, could you be the type of sistah that wants the man who listens to you, but gets and thinks you deserve the one who tells you what to do? Do you want a career man, but always get and think you deserve the jobless scrub? Picking the wrong man is perhaps something you can identify with, but you might be thinking to yourself, "Well I don't think I deserve him. I am looking for better." What I can tell you, from experience is looking for better and expecting worse, is a ditch that many of us fall into.

You want the happiness, but past experience makes it all too easy to expect the hardship. Hence, a beautiful sistah like yourself who believes she wants X, ends up with the unwanted, and readily expected Y. It is true that past experience is the best teacher, but it is also true that one can unconsciously call forth the past by awaiting its return in the future. In short, you must establish a median between what you want and what you deserve, regardless of the quality of relationships you have had and hope to receive. There are several things that you can do to weed out a few of those bad seeds not only with respect to the men you meet, but the mentality you have when you meet them.

Here are several things that you can do to weed out a few of those bad seeds, not only with respect to the men you meet, but the mentality you have when you meet them.

1) Clearly define what you want in a relationship, and communicate that want to your significant other. Don't let years past by before you realize that his needs and your own, do not coincide.

2) Once insane, always insane. If the brotha has issues that you find yourself trying to confirm to, in the hope that you can change him, leave him with his issues. Realize how hard it is to change yourself, let alone another person. The longer you stay in the depths of insanity, the harder it is to
leave.

3) In accordance with point 2, do not try to claim a man's emotions. Whatever he thinks is truth, don't justify it, try to define it, or claim it as your own. By taking on his baggage, you might find yourself blaming yourself for his actions!

4) Under the guise of hanging with the boys, sports, cars, and late nights on the street, men ponder the same pains, which we carry on our sleeves. Though our pains are often written on our faces, theirs lay deep within them, often times in a place we can never see. Do not yearn to find that place, just know of its existence. Moreover, understand that regardless of how one processes one's feelings, one of the best ways to resolve pain is to acknowledge it in the presence of those you love.

5) Finally and most importantly, understand that your significant other is an external reflection of your internal perception of who you believe yourself to be. Under stand what's inside, and the rest shall follow.



Black Romance in Books and on the Big Screen
Mahogany Momma's Online Store
Black Relationships Section

A Prayer for a Woman

Dear Lord, I pray....
For wisdom, to understand my man
Love, to forgive him
Patience, for his moods
Because Lord, if I pray for Strength
I'll hurt him.

Real Love Revalation No. 3

I find it funny when people think I'm lucky to be in a long term relationship when in reality luck has nothing to do with it. I tell you like I tell them, my relationship works because of three reasons: communication, connectivity, and commitment.

When it all boils down to it, he and I communicate through bliss and blowups. And even when it gets crazy, we both remain committed. After an argument we both come back to the table, and that's something rare in relationships. You'll often find the people who jump from one relationship to the next usually end up in situations where on person is willing to work on it while the other is waiting to bounce. And finally connectivity, whether it be intimate, spirtual, mental, intellectual, or hopefully all of the above. The more connected you our with your spouse the better.

Black Love Lives
-lhenry

A Girl Like Me

A Girl Like me is a documentary on what it's like to be a young black woman in America. Very interesting featurette for Black Girls, Teens, and Older Women. A definite must see for Black Women. After all before we can find love, we have to start loving ourselves.

Nina Simone's Black is the Color

When I think of what it means to love a Black Man, I think of this song. When I heard Nina Simone Sing this, it was truly a Lyrical Lesson. The singer here is not Nina, but she is amazing in her own way.

My Taste

Touched By Boys Loved By Men
A Collection of Poems by LaShanda Henry


My Taste I

Slowly he eased into the question
Are you bitter he asked?
Quickly disgusted by the one I trusted I thought, bitter?
Bitter, bitta
Think you think I think I'm a bit betta
Than everyone else now that everyone else has become my enemy
Villain she who overcomes all odds and forgets the act of forgetting
Never letting one piece of her pain go
Pity though she be - I be the victim
I be a bitter one at that

Are you bitter he asked?
Bitter betta feeling a bit under the weather
Black man you better taste me.
Taste your concoction

The one you auctioned off to the highest bidder when
Pussy juice and love songs weren't enough
The one you beat to make yourself feel better
When times got rough
The one you left to die at her own hand
Because living without you just wasn't enough

Without you
The Devil's brew the black man's stew
Overflowing with black breasts and thighs
Black lips and eyes and bitter hearts
A feast fit for gods above all odds you'll always have your
Main ingredient
Her bitter heart, her bitter heart, her bo-boop bo-boop


Bitter bitta betta
Nigga you betta not ask me 'bout my taste
Who you think made me taste this way

My Taste II

Slowly I eased my way
Squeezed my way out of that bitta skin that wasn’t mine to begin with
Quickly I wiggled and giggled as sugar cubes po-po-popped out my pores
As I fell to my brotha’s feet
Eat them I cried as he tried to comprehend the magic in me
While the madness in me gave me an air of con-fi-dance and
Ooh did I dance to that po-po-popping sound
The notes formed a triumphant crown atop my head

To my brotha I sang said
Sweeta, sweeta and sweeta still
I climbed the black man’s hill and he pushed me off with his pinky toe
Oh no
I was falling, falling, I fell
Into my minds hell, made a well of tears and a bed of fears and lies and cries but

Still I rise, Maya, Still I rise, I rose, I was arisen from my bitta prison and
A prism of angels lifted me to the ground where I found my brotha standing
Silently demanding to know
How momma withstood poppa’s blow
How Chickenheads seem clueless but somehow they know
Your “I Love you” prose comes and goes as quick as
Your mantra “Fuck these bitches and ugly ass hoes”

My brotha shows know sign of affection as I infect him with my floetic gift
My sugary sweetness, the essence of my soul’s completeness at the days end
When a sista’s heart can mend with girlfriends, Gods’ hands, and angelic laughter

From now ‘til the hereafter a sista can always find rhythm in the blues
We refuse to refuse the magic of the madness of the music in us

With this thought, I just bust through this bitta skin of rejection
Fuck affection
I turn unrequited gratitude into sought after attitude
I swallow muffled screams and smile sunbeams ‘til
This once bitta black berry is …

Sweeta, sweeta and sweeta still
I will climb the black man’s hill
I will, I will.

My Man, My Daddy


Thinking on Paper I
From the diapers to the diaphragm I just don't understand why my lack of a father affects my need for a man.

Touched By Boys Loved By Men
A Collection of Poems by LaShanda Henry


It's a Father Daughter Thing
An Excerpt of Proud Poppas - Maghoany Momma Guide #10

No one will argue that sons need their fathers. Dads know how to teach their little boys to grow up and be men. They provide them with the type of discipline and insight that only a father can give. Words can not express how important it is for every boy to have a father, but what about every little girl? Is it equally important for our girls to have a father figure in their lives?

The truth is that every little girl needs her father. Fathers do a lot more for their daughters than simply serve as a source of protection. They can teach their daughters how to be just as strong as little boys. Moreover, fathers have the ability to show young girls what a healthy man-woman relationship should be through their interaction with their spouse, children, and others. Every woman looking for a good man should be able to find someone who reminds her of her father.

Gwyneth Paltrow expressed the impact her father had on her life in a very touching episode of Oprah. She spoke of the time her father took her on her first trip to Paris. Upon returning home from what could only be described as an amazing experiencing, Gwyneth’s dad asked her if she knew why the two of them took this trip without the rest of the family. When she replied no, he told her it was because he wanted her first trip to Paris to be with a man who would always love her. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every father could express such a sentiment to their daughter in their own way?

In short, both our boys and our girls need to have positive father figures around them so that they can visualize and hopefully recreate more healthy family structures within the black community.

Father Daughter Must See Film: Daddy's Little Girls
Find More Mahogany Momma's Black Relationship Films