Shares

By: Ebony T.

What are the definitions of the word “love?” Love is a noun: an intense feeling of deep affection and a great interest; pleasure in something. Love is also a verb: when someone feels a deep romantic or sexual attachment to someone else.

Is there a such thing as “Black Love?” In Black Hollywood, most people would identify “black love” as Will and Jada, Beyonce and Jay Z, along with Denzel and Pauletta Washington. The Urban Black dictionary defines “black love” as: a spiritual journey that only people who are rich in melanin can experience. A love that’s unconditional. A love that can build an empire.

Bayou Beat News reached out to African American men and women about their thoughts on “black love.”

How do you define Black Love?

Ciara R.: I consider love in all its aspects– romantic, familial, platonic and self-love — because no one can live on just one. Each of these characteristics of love creates our complete existence as beings who must give and receive love. That means “black love” includes any kind of love being shared between two black individuals whether a mother and her daughter, two best friends or a husband and wife. If you’re a black person, of course, giving love to yourself.

Shannon L.: “BLACK LOVE” is like many others. It’s heartfelt, deep, emotional and strong. The question is, are you really in love and how hard are you willing to make it like God’s love?….1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Sena P.: I would define “black love” as strong, unique and beautiful. It’s a powerful energy for uniting and impacting the world. It’s embracing the culture and our beginnings.

Robert T.: I never wanted to fall in love with anyone more than a black woman. I’m proud to be a product of “black love.” For me, “black love” is a part of ensuring the legacy of my family’s future.

Diann T.: “Black Love” means strength and resilience to me. I’ve watched my parents love each other all my life, so I’ve always known that “black love” means covering each other in prayer and having each other’s back through the thick and thin.

Qualities of Black Love

La’Torria L.: The qualities of “black love” consist of forgiveness, healing, understanding, believing, trust, pure love and togetherness.

Kacee N.: Passion, understanding, shared experiences and communication.

Raybin D.: “Black Love” comes in different forms. It can be romance, friendship, or unconditional love between family members. When it comes to romance, I define “black love” as a relationship where you bring each other peace. When you communicate, you speak life into one another. You also motivate and pray for each other. “Black Love” also involves respect and honesty. I think it’s important to respect each other’s boundaries, different experiences and past traumas. If you love someone, you need to be completely transparent with them about who you are and what you want out of life, so you both can make sure you’re equally yoked.

Desiree H.: Some qualities of “black love” are transparency, admiration, fondness and compassion.

Reginald E.: Qualities of “black love” are family dynamics, intuitive communication and generational norms.

When did you first witness Black Love

Ke’Tara W.: My mother and father were my first examples, but they never got married. They still had many things they needed to work on personally. They weren’t perfect, but my mom and dad are best friends. I think because I never got to see it in full effect, I’m still working on my definition of what a partnership really looks like. Sometimes, I never have the courage go past a friendship stage with anyone because my parents never got married. However, that’s what I always knew love to be…a friendship first. But, the ability to be in love in a new life.

Jacory W.: The first powerful “black love” couple I’ve witnessed was Florida and James Evans from “Good Times!” They truly define “black love” because even when your family is going through the slumps, you are there to carry your significant other, as well as your family!

Kirsten P.: The first “black love” couple I’ve witnessed were my neighbors in Pleasantville. I loved the way they interacted and spoke to one another — just in everyday life.

Tyler G.: My first experience with “black love” was in 1994 at my parents’ wedding. I didn’t know what was happening, but I knew they loved each other, and that love continues to this day. Although they’ve been an amazing example for me, that doesn’t make the quest for finding “black love” any easier. I have an understanding of two people who are in love and what it looks like to grow in love day-by-day. However, I’ve never been prepared for the men without that same understanding or example of “Black Love.”

La’Monica G.: The first “Black Love” couple I’ve experienced were my parents. They showed me how to love God and myself, which made it easier for me to find my soul mate.

So, what is your definition of “Black Love?”