What is it to be a black man? There is no monolithic black male experience, and those who are able to answer this question have derived their answers from personal experience along their journey in life. Then there are young men like myself, trying daily to unravel, uncover, and discover self and what it means… Continue reading The Black Man’s Wellbeing
Author: Jamar Boyd II
Jamar is a graduate of Georgia Southern University '16. His work on campus has been highlighted in the Georgia Southern University newspapers and student run magazines. Jamar was the initial feature in the series entitled "Black Stories Matter" in The George Anne, stemming from his summer 2015 experience speaking in Charleston, SC, on race in America and race and racism at Georgia Southern University. An avid reader and writer, his work can be read on his blog.
Loved, yet Misunderstood
T he discovery of individuality and humanity is a journey seldom untangled. There are no proven strategies to ease navigating the voyage, nor perfect techniques to enduring or escaping unscathed. One must endure the plateaus of necessary isolation, rivers of uncertainty, and islands of desperation. Individuals, young and old alike, desire one thing above all… Continue reading Loved, yet Misunderstood
The Irony of Pro-Life
The term “pro-life” rose up in 1971 among those who opposed the Roe v. Wade decision which legalized abortion. A decision, to this day, which has caused many within religious and nonreligious circles to ponder upon what it means for a woman to determine the fate of the fetus within her. A decision which has… Continue reading The Irony of Pro-Life
On Critique and Praise of President Obama
As of January 20, 2017, the United States Presidency as we know it will be no longer. Barack, Michelle, Sasha, and Malia will cease occupation of the White House and enter American society as citizens, albeit as the former First Family. President Obama’s staff has minimized, his cabinet members have removed the last items from… Continue reading On Critique and Praise of President Obama
Tears and Black Masculinity
“Crying is cleansing. There’s a reason for tears, happiness or sadness.” —Dionne Warwick Get over it. Suck it up. I don’t want to hear it. Dry em up. What are you crying for? As an African American male I’ve heard all of these. Whether from my own family, friends, television or movies, it always struck… Continue reading Tears and Black Masculinity
In Defense of Colin Kaepernick
San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, has made my heart happy. Not because of his athletic ability, immeasurable talent or wealth, but because of his unapologetic stance on not standing for the Star-Spangled Banner. An anthem whose third verse declares: No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the… Continue reading In Defense of Colin Kaepernick
The Journey of Self-Discovery
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” –Carl Jung Twenty-two. African American male. 5 foot, 10 inches. Son. Brother. Public servant. Preacher. College graduate. Old soul. That’s who I am externally, but who I am internally? What makes me smile?… Continue reading The Journey of Self-Discovery