Black men are crying uncontrollably in public.

Clips of Black men hugging are going viral. 

Black mothers and fathers are unabashedly showing unconditional love for their children.

Something wonderful is happening in the Black community in this first year of the 2020 decade. Major public figures are freeing themselves of centuries-old stereotypes about Black people. They are showing up as the diverse, rich, complex, and feeling human beings they are. Above all, they are offering shining examples of Black people loving Black people. And, as the buzz on social media shows, Black people are loving it!

Community Healing Network’s mission is to mobilize the Black community to “reclaim our dignity and humanity as people of African ancestry.” We are intent on making 2020 to 2030 the decade to “Embrace the Truth of Black Humanity.” 

What does that mean? First and foremost, it means recognizing, as Toni Morrison exhorts us to do, that in a world that so often despises us, we must love us. We must, radically, love ourselves. 

At least in the public square, we, as a community, are starting the decade off on the right path.

Our job here at CHN is to keep providing the resources to help our community free itself from the most powerful weapon ever formed against our humanity: the lie that Black people are inferior. 

Our job is also to help cultivate a renewed understanding of the African view of humanity as expressed in the communal concepts of Ubuntu (“I am, because we are.”) and Sawubona (“I see you in the deepest sense possible.”), which is distinct from the Western view, driven by the radically individualistic idea of “I think, therefore I am.” 

So, watch this space in the months ahead for more on the African vision of what it means to be human. We’ll be featuring interviews and guest blogs on the subject—with and by—African philosophers, psychologists, and others.

In the meantime, join the trend of openly demonstrating Black self-love. Let’s be intentional about showing that we care deeply for ourselves and one another. 

Embrace the Truth of Black Humanity. Our children—and our ancestors—are waiting.

By Enola G. Aird, CHN Founder and President

Photo: Enola G. Aird, CHN and Dr. Cheryl Grills, ABPsi