The Journal of an Angry Black Man

My bro suggested this writing prompt to me last night, so let me give it a try. I'm proud of the fact that I graduated from college. It was a struggle and I really didn't have anyone to go before me to set the stage, but though it all I stuck to it and accomplished my goal. My degree proudly hangs in my aunt's house and I have a copy in my room to remind me of what I've done. It was one of my proudest moments even though I didn't get to attend my own graduation (another story). I'm proud of how I'm dealing with my mental issues. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder years ago and it's been a struggle to cope with the ways my emotions and my mood changes. For the past year or two I've done well though. It's not an easy fight but I'm committed to beating this thing and not allowing it to ruin my life or my relationships. I'm proud of myself for starting a fledgling business. It's only a resume writing business but it's somethi...

I don't know why I don't just give these things up completely. Days like today make me wonder if they are even giving me a decent outlet to talk to other gay men, or if they are just a way for bitter faggots to spew hatred when they don't get the type of response they want from me. It's like I try to be nice to everyone, but people assume I'm supposed to be a certain way. And when I'm not who they think I should be, they get an attitude or they get dismissive. The first idiot today really threw me for a loop. He hit me up and his profile was one that I wouldn't have given the time of day, but he went against his own words and sent me a pic early in the conversation, saying he wanted me to know who I was talking to. So I figured he was at least half way decent if he could understand that I didn't want to talk to an anonymous profile. So we chatted briefly and he soon asked me for my number. I thought he wanted to ask me something personal but it turns o...

What am I grateful for today? I am grateful for a comfortable home. We're not rich but we're far from poor too. I've always felt like home was a place I was always welcome and where I can be myself. I'm grateful for those friends I have who support me financially. They definitely don't have to do it and I appreciate the help they give when they are able to. I am grateful for the luxuries of cable and internet because they keep me from being bored and they allow me to do a little bit of work for myself from home. I'm grateful for the books I have because they've taught me a lot about things that I'm interested in, particularly history and politics. I'm grateful for my experiences growing up, because they have taught me to be appreciative of the life that I have.

What am I grateful for today? I'm grateful to be born into such a rich heritage of being a black person. There is so much richness in the legacy left by my ancestors. I couldn't imagine being anything else, and wouldn't want to be either. I'm grateful for technology, and the ability to keep in contact with people even though we're so far away physically. I get to see what my friends and family are doing every day and I feel connected to them much more than I would if there were no computers or Facebook. I'm grateful for my mother and father, for having me. They may not have been there to experience all the things I did growing up, but without them I would not be. I love them both and I'm just grateful that I get to know them for who they are, flaws and all. I'm grateful for the teachers I've had over my life. They have all poured so much time and energy into me and I believe they did that because they saw someone worth investing in. I hope I ...

My best friend challenged me to start writing about what I'm grateful for every day. So what better time to start than now. Today, I'm grateful for my family, specifically my Aunt Bert who has shown unconditional love and support for me since the first time she saw me as a baby. I do not know where I'd be without her. I'm grateful for the opportunity to get an education. I might not be doing what I thought I'd be doing at this point in my life but at least I have something that says I'm capable. My degree was a goal that I set my mind to and accomplished and I'm happy that I stuck with it and proved it to myself. I'm grateful for my health. I have issues that I have to deal with but for the most part I am healthy. I'm blessed to have access to doctors and medicine that keep me going and in good shape. I'm grateful for my friends who remind me every day that I'm a special person deserving of love and loyalty. They have always been a gr...

This morning I attended a program at my old high school dedicated to unveiling a historical marker at our school. Israel Charles Norcom High School has been a part of Portsmouth's black community since the 1900s, and the legacy that goes along with the name has continued on in our lovely city for more than 100 years. Today, Norcom students, administration, alumni, faculty, staff and friends gathered together with a few local and state leaders to recognize the contribution that I. C. Norcom has made to the Portsmouth community. Congressman Bobby Scott was there and spoke, so was the city Superintendent and the Mayor. I got to catch up with an old teacher of mine, Mr Miles Bond. and it was great being back in a place with so many great memories and such a great history attached to it. I've missed seeing so many smiling brown faces every day. Norcom truly has a place in my heart and I hope and pray that the institution continues to have such a positive and profound affect on our c...

So, I've been home alone for three days now because Aunt Bert is in California! She went out there on an invite from my sister in law to surprise my brother, Neavrae, at his upcoming promotion ceremony with the Navy. This is her first time going to California and I'm really happy that she got to go out there to see my brother. It's a little weird being here alone though. I'm so used to Aunt Bert always being home that it just takes some getting used to with her not being here every morning and every night. I'm managing to take care of myself and the house fairly well. I haven't burned anything down, mainly because I haven't attempted to cook anything. And I'm not even entertaining company at home which I thought I would but quickly realized I don't want to invite people into my home, especially folk I don't even know. I took down the Christmas tree, washed my bed linens and I'll probably do some more laundry later in the week. I've just...