At the beginning of every great thing, there is a woman.
And much like my Santa Claus, my experience is that she will be black.
Women are women and, with exception of these trigger-happy iPhone detectives, I am thankful for all of them. For the last 20 years every single business contract, speaking engagement, business investment opportunity or unlocked door was made available to me by a woman.
And like I said, typically—though not every single time—that woman has been black.
America is better off because of its black women. Moreover, some would argue that America IS because of its black women.
In my experience black women are legendary. My wife is a black woman. So is my daughter-in-law and my paternal grandmother. They are the gold standard that I quietly, that I secretly use to measure greatness. All educated, all beautiful, all women who want to think and act like women, not men. And they are very good at doing so. I salute.
But the history books declare an exceptional few as legends. I do not disagree. And I am happy that they stopped by to bless us with their gifts.
In the locker room, I’ve heard others discount or disagree. I’ve heard some flat out dismiss or disavow. Foolishness, I tell ya.
Because the skin I’m in is the most difficult in history to wear. I need help putting on this armor and I need a soft place to lay it down. I need for my daughter and her college roommates to build the capacity to be in relationship with black men. I need them to think legendary, like the women on this tee.
I do not think more of myself as a man than is necessary. I am not disillusioned. It is clear to me that we need our women.
Why?
Because when I cannot, black women will do the damn thing.
Features
- Gildan heavy cotton
- 5.3 oz, 100% cotton preshrunk jersey knit
- Seamless double-needle 7/8'' collar
- Taped neck and shoulders
- Quarter-turned to eliminate center crease
Colors:
- Burgundy
- Rust Orange
- Golden Yellow
- Army Green
- Sage
- Black