Besties: Young Thug and Masculinity

Young Thug’s emergence on the mainstream hip-hop scene was met with some backlash. He is one of the most polarizing artists in the hip-hop industry because his persona, physical appearance, lyrics, and unique fashion sense. Immediately, I (like others) dismissed his music by closing my ears, eyes, and mind. His music and wardrobe reflects his… Continue reading Besties: Young Thug and Masculinity

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

Endnotes to “4:44”

“I apologize, often womanize. Took for my child to be born. See through a woman’s eyes.” -Jay-Z On June 30, 2017, Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) released his 13th studio album 4:44, arguably the most personal and socially conscious album of his career. Subscribers to his online streaming service, Tidal, are privy to music videos for the… Continue reading Endnotes to “4:44”

Fresh Dressed: Fashion and Black Masculinity in Pro Sports

“For me to sit here and tell you I wasn’t the best-dressed, I would be lying to you.” -Jamal Adams, 2017 NFL Draft Where can you find Christian Louboutins, pink blazers, and lots of floral prints? If you said the Kentucky Derby or an Alpha Kappa Alpha soiree you would be wrong. No, this was… Continue reading Fresh Dressed: Fashion and Black Masculinity in Pro Sports

The Healing Journey of Manhood

The transition from boyhood to manhood has been a cultural element of many groups for centuries. For males born in the United States, like myself, there aren’t any official cultural practices to support the transition into becoming a man. Honestly, manhood is not well defined. Most of the men I know see being “a man”… Continue reading The Healing Journey of Manhood

Troy Maxson and Toxic Masculinity

“Patriarchy demands of men that they become and remain emotional cripples…Patriarchy as a system has denied males access to full emotional well-being, which is not the same as feeling rewarded, successful, or powerful, because of one’s capacity to assert control over others. To truly address male pain and male crisis we must as a nation… Continue reading Troy Maxson and Toxic Masculinity

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

Learning to Float

unlearning is a part of the journey. relearning is a part of the blessing. —alex elle Note to Readers: I’ve been praying through journaling this past year. I have a massive document filled with prayers about many things—mainly faith, love, relationships, and purpose—and I want to share a few with you. This is deeply personal… Continue reading Learning to Float