celebrate love.

our ancestors were a modest, strong, courageous people.
they shifted the earth with their hands. they washed. they cleaned. they worshipped. they inspired.
we were a prideful people
my ancestors-
strong jaws, hands, and eyes. ebony skin, shining and elegant.
my ancestors-
swaying hips, full lips, and healthy thighs. dancing to the tune that heaven went.

BUT,
if we knew anything like the back of our calloused hands, it was love.
we were brilliant at the art of love.
we raised our children, your children, and hers.
we seasoned our food with spices, stuffings and smiles.
we harvested hearts and planted embraces.
ironically, we brought light to the ugliness hidden in the dark shadows of humanity.
we gave organic love-
sticky, sweet, authentic love.
a love untainted by arrogance, vanity, and the oh-so-tempting harlot "caractère superficiel".

yes. if we knew how to do anything at all ... we knew how to love.



-- & if there is anyone who embodies black love appropriately, it is Toni Morrison & Zora Neale:

“She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order.” 
- Toni Morrison, Beloved


I did not just fall in love. I made a parachute jump.
Zora Neale Hurston


“Don't ever think I fell for you, or fell over you. I didn't fall in love, I rose in it.” 
Toni Morrison, Jazz


Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.
Zora Neale Hurston


“Love is never any better than the lover. ” 
Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye

Love, I find, is like singing. Everybody can do enough to satisfy themselves, though it may not impress the neighbors as being very much.
Zora Neale Hurston


“Love is or it ain't. Thin love ain't love at all.” 
Toni Morrison, Beloved