I lost two good brothers this week. Both transitioned due to health-related issues. And while God calls each of His children home according to His will and timing, I feel with deep conviction that both of these Black brothers are gone far too soon. These are not the first brothers I have lost and fear prevents me from typing the logical conclusion to that thought – and yet the truth remains, more Black men will die prematurely. The life expectancy for Black Men is 69 years. With tears streaming down my face, I realize that my personal tragedy is our tragedy – it deepened the blow. And much like the beginning of my professional career in education, I feel compelled to do something; not speaking to you from above but alongside. Arm in arm into ties more brotherly. I do not have an answer, strategy and much less a vision. Black Men, I ask, plead, advocate, and challenge you to prioritize you sometimes. Lovers of Black Men, I ask, plead, advocate, and challenge to support Black Men in loving themselves. I lost two good brothers this week. I am committed to contributing the gifts granted to me to prioritizing my self-care, and using the medium I have access to share what I have learned, what I am practicing and experimenting with to improve my personal wellbeing, in service of our collective wellbeing. The only vision I have is: next week more of my brothers will be thriving. Walk with me, niggas 😂
Join me on a journey I see/I hope results in better health, wellness, and fulfillment for us and the sons, daughters, wives, communities, and others we take care of.
All Love,
John Burnett – blackmenheal.me
Awesome post brother, I hope you’re able to heal with the passing of your brothers and carry on a legacy that makes them happy from above.
Awesome read! I pray that healing is taking place right now. Prayers that our Black men as a whole will embrace healing. We need you all just as much as you need us. Take care of yourselves mentally ,emotionally , and physically ❤️
Thanks for sharing my good brother!
keep up the good work kiddo!
This is the conversation that we need to have. What profits a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul? Too often I’ve heard this bible verse being considered when discussing financial gain… maybe Jesus meant for us to consider the rush, hustle and grind that eats away at our very core and just…. stop. When we go out of balance we usually sacrifice our health first. That’s an abundantly lived life. I’m here as a sister, mother, supporter and friend advocating for black men to heal. Thank you for starting the conversation.