“For black women as well as black men, it is axiomatic that if we do not define ourselves for ourselves, we will be defined by others – for their use and our detriment”. Audrey Lorde
Such were the thoughts cursing through my brain as I began this mini project on a quiet weekend.
We live in a world that romanticizes certain aspects of the black male culture. A world where the media portrays black men as violent,hypersexual and incompetent beings unless you are rich or a celebrity then you are free to do as you please. We also live in a community that is quick to ostracize another member simply because of their differences. Our society expects us to be emotionless and hardened, anything else and you are considered to be feminine. “Boys don’t cry”. But tell me, what does it mean to be a black male?
It is almost always a balancing act in order to adhere to everyone’s opinion and concerns whilst still expressing your blackness as a man.
But what if, all we are, are just a “Flower”. A flower that cannot blossom without sunshine. A flower that withstands the stormy rains. A flower that wilts occasionally but with tender care will bloom once again.
“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower”.
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KOBLA PHOTOGRAPHY 