February is seen as the month of love because of Valentine’s Day, but it’s also the celebration of African American accomplishments. Real love is so hard to find nowadays being that the current generation value material things and monetary incentives. Instead of valuing a person for their honesty, sincerity, or the true person that they are; most are looking for monetary stability. Though the generation has ulterior motives, we can look to people who have persevered and remained a unit throughout the years. The beautiful marriages I will highlight this month are real individuals who will tell their story of an African American successful marriage. But first as a community we must look for famous examples who paved the way for true black love.
1. President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama: These two beautiful African Americans have been married for nineteen years. It is apparent that as the President of the United States that, without a doubt, that there are definitely stressful situations. But this couple exude a true mature and loving relationship to the world. The love they have for one another does not present as false; there love is a great example of what successful black marriages look like. The amount of years they have dealt with one another shows that they are willing to fight for their relationship. (cited from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/02/obama-marriage_n_1250072.html )
2. Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis: This couple maybe before this generation’s time, but that doesn’t mean that people cannot learn a thing or two about real love from them. Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis were married in 1948. This couple started their marriage as an open one and still managed to stay together for through all the mishaps and missteps. In a marriage of many years some stressful things come along but they prevailed; because it was never about incentives with them, it was about—love. Every day will not be a picnic but after the storm there will be a bright rainbow in the sky showing it’s worth it to stick it out. (cited from http://weblog.liberatormagazine.com/2008/07/on-open-marriage-ruby-dee-and-ossie.html)
3. Denzel and Pauletta Washington: Philanthropists, successful couple, and parents— this couple is another great example of the longevity of old fashion marriage. Denzel and his wife have been married since 1983 and have remained in the limelight for helping and assisting the needy, successful films, and also for being a beautiful black couple. They exude finesse, class, and a true sense of family. (Cited from http://xfinity.comcast.net/slideshow/entertainment-hollywoodmarriage/13/)
4. Bill and Camille Cosby: We all watched Bill Cosby on the hit show The Cosby Show; he played the role of a successful doctor with a big family and a gorgeous lawyer for a wife. He played the role on television, but also in his real family life. Bill and wife Camille have been married since 1964. This couple suffered the death of their son, probably one of the worst times in their life, but remained a strong family unit. These situations show you what real love is about; not about four to seven months of only smiles and high school drama, but of life progressions together and life’s rough patches.(cited from http://www.answers.com/topic/bill-cosby)
All these examples are a symbol of consistency, loyalty, and love. They have had hurdles we as an audience may or may not know. Whatever the case, these couples are the direct correlation of what we see of successful black marriages. It may seem as though these are the only examples but there are real life, “normal” African Americans who have married, worked, and continuously work to remain in love. Love is what YOU make it; take control today and become an example for someone else, don’t just read about them. If you like what you have read go to the top and press SUBSCRIBE. If you have any ideas email me at Msjasminejackson21@yahoo.com. I am always ready to talk with you.
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