Full disclosure, two months ago, on Sunday, April 14 to be precise, I lost the first real love of my life after being partners for 52 years; Michelle was a ‘one of a kind’ woman, absolutely drop -dead gorgeous, without need for additional frills or beauty aids with flawless skin and eyes that reflected a range of colors that was hypnotic. However, it was her mannerisms that was the glue to all her relationships; calm, measured, practical and reasonable are just some of her attributes that kept a union, as well as a friendship for over 50 years. So, when she died my mental health became as fragile as everyone else experiencing loss, and the trauma of catastrophic illness. I found myself being more vulnerable to even the tiniest trigger, the slightest question or suggestion from a friend or family member. My sensitivity and emotional quotients are still on high alert, and my anger at the “Health SCare System” is still palpable, but the awareness of my condition is a challenge I must confront every passing day of my life. It just so happens that while my wife was hospitalized, I was scheduled for hip replacement surgery, but my orthopedist, God bless his heart, insisted that I focus on my wife, and defer my surgery for a while. So, my wife passed, and two months later I underwent hip replacement; and four days later I am sharing my thoughts with you in order to persuade you, that our interdependence as a people, (not independence), is one of those foundations we must build and reinforce in order to empower the tribe.
My strength, reassurance and mental stability has come not only from the Force or Source that I deem as my Creator, but from family and friends who have demonstrated a love and empathy that is humbling. I thank you all from the very recesses of my heart for your prayers, meditations, and emotional support. I am sitting at a makeshift desk and orthopedic chair that accommodates my temporary incapacity, and the reason I share that, is because I want to tell you about someone who has endured far more serious medical interventions and discomfort than I have, which never deterred him from advancing the interests of the Tribe. Four days before my scheduled surgery, Saturday, June 8, I attended “The Black Man’s Health Festival” at the Weeksville Heritage Center on Buffalo Avenue in Brooklyn, and I am convinced the inspiration I received was instrumental in my up-beat attitude to my surgery on Wednesday, June 12. Not in my lifetime have I seen so many young, educated, enthusiastic and caring Black men focused on their health and the health of their brothers. Mind you! This was not billed as a party or soiree, it was a Health Festival put on by Heart, Body & Soul, a Not-for-profit Foundation that has placed Black Men’s Health as a Black priority in our communities of color. Chris Williams and his team are on to something that is way beyond even their vision.
You tell me honestly, how many people do you know who have faced death three times in one year, then turns around and says, “I don’t want to see anyone go through what I went through without the proper information, education, preparation and inspiration that we can provide.” As Chris will explain, this was the birth of Heart, Body & Soul, an organization dedicated to, and invested in the engagement and improvement of Black Men’s Mental and Physical Health. Personally, I can’t recall a time being surrounded by so many young Black men responding to what is normally classified as a boring event, yet they were animated by the prospects of wellness, breath work, yoga, panel discussions, barber shop lounge and fitness challenges. There is no question that our women of color need their men to live healthier, live longer, look younger and experience the elusive feeling of wellbeing that we all crave. Hat’s off to the women who ensured that their men showed up, and to the Heart, Body & Soul team who demonstrated that Black women know how to dispense love, kindness and compassion, and the Black brothers who served their brothers with love. To Mr. Christopher Williams whom I respect and admire for his vision, insight and love for his fellowman, your execution was flawless, timeless and matchless -Kudos!
