Black Manhood and Progressive Masculinity
Series curated by Michael R. Williams
“I know what the world has done to my brother and how narrowly he has survived it.”
James Baldwin, p.5
Dear Reader,
We need to talk.
I know those words might feel heavy. They’re designed to grab your attention, to shake you from complacency and ignite a fire within you. Relax for a moment. Breathe. Open your heart and mind to what I’m about to share. In the spirit of Baldwin’s profound reflections, we must recognize the weight of our journey and the importance of transformation.
Listen, I know you’ve been reading.
James Baldwin’s words in The Fire Next Time have resonated deep within you. They’ve made you question, grapple with the complexities of being a Black man in this world. Religion, identity, politics, love, family, sexuality — all these facets of your existence have been stirred. Baldwin has revealed new possibilities, options you may have thought were off the table. He’s offered you space. Our resilience is a testament to our strength, but we must also acknowledge the trauma that has been passed down and recreated amongst others. This trauma manifests in various ways, often leading to emotional suppression and a distorted sense of masculinity. It is time to confront these issues head-on, to heal, and to redefine what it means to be a Black man.
This letter is a sign. Embracing progressive masculinity means shedding the toxic traits that have been ingrained in us. For Black men, the weight of traditional masculinity, often intertwined with the legacy of racial, spiritual, gendered, and socioeconomic trauma, can be a double-edged sword, hindering emotional vulnerability, growth, and authentic self-expression. It means allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, to express our emotions freely, and to seek help when needed. This is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It takes immense courage to face our fears and to dismantle the barriers that prevent us from living authentically. A chance to cultivate those possibilities, to negotiate your own path, to claim your space. It’s time to plant seeds. Imagine how you will flourish even through the storms. Root yourself in love, in community, in joy. Your harvest will be tenderness, action, and a radical hope.
Black men, let’s go deeper.
I’ve gathered brilliant scholars to illuminate a path forward. Their essays will explore the power of imagery, resilience, introspection, tenderness, and love. They will challenge you to see Black feminism as an ally, to shed the armor of the warrior, and to embrace the superhero within.
Here’s why we need to talk.
As you reflect on this letter, remember that growth is a continuous process. There will be challenges and setbacks, but each step forward is a victory. Stay committed to the principles outlined here, and let them guide your actions and decisions. Black men consider these action steps:
[I] must find healthier ways to express my emotions. For ourselves, for our communities, for the generations to come. [I] must embrace progressive masculinity and tenderness. It’s time to adapt, to evolve. [I] must unlearn the toxic scripts of masculinity. They harm us all. [I] must listen to the wisdom and experiences of womxn. Their voices matter. [I] must act with love. It’s the most revolutionary force we possess.
When the moment arrives and I read this letter again, I hope I have done these things:
Listened with an open heart.
Acted with courage and conviction
Shared my light with the world.
As James Baldwin reminds us, true transformation requires a shift in our entire frame of reference. The journey of loving Black men is a lifelong one. The call to action in this letter is a perpetual reminder. By embracing the transformative power of progressive masculinities, infused with the wisdom of Black feminism, Black men can rewrite their narratives, cultivating a legacy of love, empathy, and authentic connection.
“I was thinking, in order for this to happen, your entire frame of reference will have to change, and you will be forced to surrender many things that you now scarcely know you have.” James Balwin
Yours in Growing,
Now Playing Baldwin Park, Sonder
