The Unseen Revolution

For those familiar with the concepts of liberation, freedom, war, poverty, sorrow and elevation, the notion of reclaiming the family structure has a familiar ring.  A seemingly over abundant number of talking points crowd our collective psyche.  But without concrete, take the bull by the horns, step by step action, it remains just that—talk.

                The bottom line is this, like anything, our family issues are a complex mixture of individual experiences and collective vision.  There are black, beautiful couples producing wonderful works and magnificent children to be reared in lovely homes.  There are also black beautiful couples producing NOT so wonderful works.  “Raising” children, that without the intervention of the righteous force, become yet another reminder of how far we have to go collectively.  This is the family structure most talked about; saving existing children and repairing existing families.

                But there is an unseen issue.  The millions of men and women seeking to pair with another great mind committed to liberation and having brilliant children.  As a single solider I’ll admit I’m in a somewhat biased position.  Often I am left wondering how is it possible to endeavor to be the best man I can be, a template to be improved upon for my brothers, yet not (apparently) coveted by my sisters.  Go figure. During these times of questioning, of doubt, it is easy to fall victim to yet another by-product of our social conditioning.  Hatred of our sisters, and self-loathing

But why does this persist? What exactly is plaguing the psyche of so many brothers and sisters that results in so many unable to find good partners in the very places where prospects should be abundant? Hurt caused by expectations not met seems to be a likely answer.  Also, disconnection between man and women results in a lack of respect shown by word and deed.  Part of the solution can be found by implementing a rites of passage system.  When it comes to meshing logic and nature our people need to do better.  For instance there should be no reason why the “ratchet and ghetto” members of our family should be in relationships, and having babies while the so called “conscious” are single. 

Let’s be honest, many of our family is so emotionally traumatized from past experiences before they join the movement that they simply shut down the portion of self that craves unification, instead choosing  to dedicate themselves to other parts of the struggle. That is understandable and often needed.  However, when the time comes to step back into the realm of family building, emotional baggage left unresolved becomes like a cancer to the Afrikan mind, causing strife between man and women.  We must break down that wall in order to progress.  There are way too many knowledgeable, driven brothers and sisters out here not having babies, not starting families.  In war, if able, it is generally a good policy to open multiple fronts in which the enemy must defend.  Let’s open up this front family.  To be clear when I say we must save the babies, I speak those currently in the world and those present in our sperm and eggs.  The future is fluid so the better we do NOW; the better life WILL be for the future babies. So stop fronting, be men and women and unite the collective struggle.  Remember a house divided against itself cannot stand.

Taking from an ancient Egyptian concept of unification, we must reunite the two houses of humanity; the Kingdom and Queendom.  Looking at the trend brought about by mass incarceration, which is a tactic in an overall strategy to thin the black male from society, division has grown in our household. The war on drugs, lack of employment( no viable trade programs in inner city schools) have resulted in young black man being killed, unfairly  targeted or locked up at an astonishing rate( women are being incarcerated  at an ever increasing rate as well).  Combined with an astounding number of programs geared specifically toward women, designed to economically and socially empower them, an educational/financial gap has occurred between the black man and woman. 

To be clear this is not a pity party. Black men, self-included, need to step up and become powerful figures in our community again.  However the black woman needs to educate herself on the plight of her brother, her partner.  By doing so, perhaps they can begin (on a massive scale) to select better men.  As we men learn ourselves again and start to exhibit those qualities of a good partner we too can select better partners, not to mention treat our partners better.   Want to be less likely to become divorced or abused?  Then don’t look down on the brother with a job but rides the bus.  You know not his plans.  If you wish to be taken care of, while still being pushed to be the best woman you are?  Perhaps the brother who acts 19 yet is pushing 30 is not for you (or maybe that works depending on the level of focus). 

In short a new evaluation system is order.  There is a well-known truth in war.  “Everything is fluid”.  Meaning as the times change we must adapt.  The old rules don’t completely apply.  Women are as whole, in a position to be the financial backbone of the family. Embrace it.  At the same time we as men need to articulate and expand our vision for our people.  As our women make headway in this European world, we as men should use this time to reflect and perfect our strategy.  A key function of manhood is the ability to shape reality, by dictating and adapting to events. 

As Afrikan men what is our collective vision?