I am a mother of a 26 year old African American son.

My soul wails for my son, father, brothers and EVERY African American Male. My heart can’t bear the pain of the senseless brutality and murders of our Black Men. It sickens me; it pisses me off and it strikes fear in my heart.  I want to walk in denial and block out the news of the tormented death of ANOTHER Black Man. I want to scream out the injustice of it all and ball my fists at those who defend the injustice. God, help me – help US!!  Why can’t they see beyond your beautiful glistening skin?

The beauty of your skin ignites us…. its sweet smooth caramel, silky dark chocolate and every shade in between is envied. From the shiny waves, kinky dreads to the full lips and strong jawline… you are beautiful. The protruding veins in your arms and hands portray your determination, hard work and strength.

The bulge of your Adam’s apple, the crumbled hair on your chest and the prominence of your strong calves are God’s divine creation of you. Our ears listen for your witty humor and intellectual whispers. We love the way your vein throbs on the side of your head as you contemplate the conundrums on your mind or your broad smile when your sweet soul is jovial. We want others to see you through our lens: an alluring specimen made in the image of God.  Not perfect or without flaws… just a Beautiful Black Man striving for equal opportunities and the pursuit of happiness.

Beautiful Black Man – we love you! We have your back! We pray and cry for you.  Despite the stereotypes set, we see your intelligence, your strength and beauty. You are the backbone to our community and we NEED you. We admire your drive, dreams and goals. You are our protection, wisdom for future generations and the epitome of Divine greatness. Our Heroes!!

We pray for your fair chance at life, so you don’t have to consider other dark alternatives. We pray you are able to walk, jog or drive without the clutching of purses and clicking of locked doors.  For others to see you are human…not a threat. Underneath your beautiful black skin, you are the same: God simply chose to clothe you in a magnificent colorful external layer.

Beautiful Black Man – daily we fear for your life. Not because we don’t trust God – because of the systematic racism and injustice of this country. Our womanly instincts rise to fight for what we value so much; for you, Sir, are the pride and joy of our hearts! We care and we are here… as your advocate, your supporter, your place of rest and your prayer warrior!  We don’t dishonor what you can do – we want to remind you with all certainty – we are in your corner!

We worry; consequently we make this simple plea – please call/text us upon arrival at your destination. We aren’t  invading your privacy – we are praying for your safety and peace. We are interceding for your potential, power and YOUR FUTURE.

I am a mother of a 26 year old African American son.

Every morning I am that mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin that breathes a sigh of relief and gratitude when I hear the deep voice of the Beautiful Black Man I love so dearly…