Dearest black man:

As we stand on the precipice of another political shift, I feel an urgency in my heart to reach out to you, to hold space for the anxiety and uncertainty that many of you may be feeling. The winds of change can be harsh and unforgiving, especially for Black men in America. The systemic forces at play often seem designed to keep you tethered, scrutinized, and marginalized.

You live under the weight of constant observation and are expected to traverse through a world that has systematically sought to minimize your existence, to dim your light. The potential for a new administration brings with it the fear of further marginalization and the dread of policies that may once again fail to make room for you, fail to acknowledge your worth and humanity. The reality is that this country has a history of forcing you into the shadows which has compelled you to exist on the periphery, both seen and unseen, often feeling disrespected, ignored, and unappreciated.

The Roots of Today’s Reality

The struggles you face today are not born in a vacuum. They are the echoes of a brutal history, a legacy of slavery that sought to strip Black men of their identity, their power, and their dignity. The institution of slavery was not just a system of forced labor; it was a mechanism designed to dehumanize, to emasculate, and to control. This oppressive legacy has evolved but not disappeared. The modern penal system, with its disproportionate impact on Black men, serves as a continuation of this history—a new iteration of a system that seeks to confine and suppress your potential.

The economic disparities, the systemic injustices, and the daily microaggressions are all parts of a larger design, a design that has intentionally sought to exclude you from the fullness of your humanity. This has created a climate where survival often means treading lightly. You live in a constant climate where you are forced to hide parts of yourself to avoid confrontation. Invisibility also remains necessary in order for you to avoid being targeted and profiled, moreover misunderstood and emasculated.

The Burden of Survival

The psychological toll of living under such constant pressure cannot be understated. The necessity to be ever vigilant, to manage your emotions so as not to be perceived as a threat, and to continuously prove your worth in a society that questions your very existence is a heavy burden to shoulder. It can foster a sense of invisibility and anger, a feeling that you must diminish your presence and hide your true self. In other words, you are left with having to suppress your emotions just to get by. This invisibility can manifest in physical and emotional absence, a disconnection from your own power and potential.

But, I see you. I see the strength it takes to get up every day and face a world that too often refuses to see your humanity. I see the resilience, the creativity, and the profound spirit that persists in the face of adversity. I do see you. In fact, we all see you, even though not everyone will admit it..

Reclaiming Your Power

As we move forward, it is imperative that we work together to change the narrative. This is not just about surviving in a hostile environment; it’s about reclaiming your space…your power…your voice. You have the right to be seen. You have the voice to be heard. You have earned the right to be respected. You have sacrificed consistently and deserve to live a life of dignity and purpose, free from the constraints of a system that seeks to limit your potential.

It starts with recognizing your worth, with affirming your value not just in spite of the challenges, but because of the strength and wisdom that those challenges have instilled in you. It involves creating spaces where you can be fully yourself, where you can express your emotions without fear of judgment or reprisal, and where you can connect with others who share your experiences and understand your struggles.

A Call to Action

I am committed to standing with you, to working alongside you in dismantling the structures that seek to oppress and marginalize. In unity, we can all build a future where Black men are not just surviving but thriving, where you can step out of the shadows and into the light of your full potential. This is not just your fight. It is our fight. We are one community banded together by a common thread of resilience. As such, it is a call to action for all of us to play our part in changing the trajectory of our communities and our lives, especially for those who will follow.

We must demand policies that address the systemic inequalities that have persisted for far too long. We must support initiatives that promote education, economic empowerment, and mental health for Black men. And we must continue to uplift each other and vulnerably share our stories as well as celebrate our successes, no matter how small they may seem.

The road ahead may be uncertain. The challenges may be great, but I believe in your strength, in your resilience, and in your ability to overcome. Together, we can create a world where Black men are no longer forced to hide in the shadows but can stand tall, proud, and free. Our failure to do so will leave future generations in a constant state of uncertainty.

Prayerfully,

Erika