A King’s Prayer🙏🏾

Instead of heading into the new pondering what I can ask for, I would rather give thanks and praise.

Let us pray🙏🏾

I pray for the Brothers who will not return to their earthly homes but have found sanctuary in their heavenly Homes – both those Brothers whose names live in celebrity and in anonymity – You mattered.

I pray for the families and communities who lost Brothers who were pillars. I pray for your healing and I create space for your grief. I cry with you. I pray for collective, and continued, strength to “bear it all” when you must and that you ask for help when you need it. If I have the resources to help, I will.

I pray that our value is acknowledged, celebrated and cherished – if it not celebrated by others, know that your roses are reserved within this Brotherhood of ours. In the small chance that they are not, know that I see you and I love you.

I pray for the collective confidence and bravery it takes to live with authenticity and to never disregard inequity imposed on others – Brothers or not. As we collectively cultivate the courage, I pray that you know I will stand-in-arms with you till the end.

I pray for Brotherhood that creates bonds that will never be broken and that our Boys can live in solace knowing that Black Men can and will protect them. There is no Black Boy joy without Black Men providing safety. Black Boys, know that we got you.

And to Black Women, I say “thank you.” I pray that Black Women get the Black Men they deserve and that our families thrive because of it. I pray that Black Women can have a year (and many more) at ease. I pray that you continue believing in Us when no else does. I pray that this year breeds unprecedented amounts of Black Love. Black Women, We love you and we will protect you.

I pray that, Black Men, you internalize that you are not alone (ever). I pray that you know you are an essential thread in the rich tapestry of humanity. Black Men are irreplaceable. I hope We allow that truth to sink and that that knowledge allows your chest to swell with pride when you consider how much we have achieved despite…

I pray that each and every Brother receive the joy, happiness, satisfaction, and fullness that is the Higher Power’s/God’s/Jah’s/Allah’s promise. Black Men, I pray that you look good, smell good, and feel good for a long time. I pray that you find success intellectually, emotionally, physically, spiritually, socially, and occupationally. I pray for Our increased self-awareness, self-care, and self-love.

I pray that you know the greatest love can only be manufactured within – where only God can reside. And because we are each of God that there is not a political, social or cultural context that can stop us from being happy.

I’m sending all the Love to Brothers (and lovers of Brothers). Let us raise our glasses of Hennessy together.

Rest in peace to JJ and JC. I love you.

Amen,