· Following the October 2018 release of the book “WYSM?”, family members hosted a book discussion. As a result of the notably positive discussion, a team was formed to develop a standard meeting format, entitled “WYSM?” Live!
· During the meetings, men and women responded to two key interconnected questions: Are Black Women Mean to Black Men, and Have Black Men Betrayed Black women? In 2019 meetings were hosted in 4 churches and 10 homes. Average attendance was 10-15 men and women per meeting.
· The identification of Betrayal and Meanness as a cause-and-effect cycle, and a realization that the cycle must end , fluently emerged. Comments, and solution/suggestions for breaking the cycle are noted.
· The compassion, ideas, understanding and solutions offered in the interactive groups have been described as inspiring and refreshing. One of the comments repeatedly spoken from women and men: “This conversation is needed and overdue."
· The ultimate goal for the book and meetings: Increase unity, understanding, and respect between men and women in the family and community. We consider “WYSM” Live! to be a movement and social innovation to break the cycle of Meanness and Betrayal in relationships via #TreatEachOtherBetter (TEOB). While the central focus of the movement is on Black relationships, there is potential for this model to positively effect individuals from other ethnic backgrounds.
. As of March 2020. "WYSM?" LIVE! monthly meetings have been held via the Zoom platform. Scroll down to view "WYSM? Live! International September 2020.
· The WYSM?” team cordially invites you to play a vital role in this social innovation by hosting a meeting for your church, family, school, or community center. We welcome the opportunity to facilitate this dynamic discussion For, By and About Us.
TEAM “WYSM?”
Theresa Edmonds, Sandra White, Brook Hinton, Denicia Fowler, Karen Fulton, Cerise Hardy, Tony Hardy, Walter Hardy, and Deborah Hardy.
Train Ride 2008: The Beginnings
During the two hour, rattling ride from France to Luxembourg, the grayish day whisked from cobalt dusk to graphite night. In lieu of staring out of flirty windows, the four traveling companions excitedly chatted about the breathtaking sights inhaled on a dream come true day. With a paper map and a wrinkled brochure, by way of a little red bus, four friends experienced the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, and wondrous whirl of the city in springtime.
As the train traversed the dark, European countryside, the conversation became more compelling. After jesting and jousting on politics, religion, and sports, in a flurry of retorts, inevitably the traveling companions shared opinions and quips about romance and respective relationships. The train rapidly transected the northern terrain, still, the passengers were miles from the station. Suddenly, with a quizzical look upon his ebony face, because even in Europe the quest for understanding is ever-present—to more deeply converse, the Brotha traversed Black femininity. After a brief suspenseful pause, Brotha said, "I've asked this question before, but I need to ask again. Tell me, 'Why are Black women so MEAN to Black men?'
Is this question a presumptive premise? Is the notion of Black female meanness rooted in yet another media reinforced stereotype? The question and potential answers haunted the traveling companion. Her poetic response began as a rant. After much prayer and outpouring, the lines and rhymes plead for a particular, kind unity. Deeply centered love for Black Brothas surfaced and flowed onto the pages. The poem is vocalized in the person of First Lady Nzinga Moody. Co- Author Ronnie Vanderhorst creates a dynamic persona in the person of Pastor Kwame Moody. The pastor's combination of valor and compassion is soulful and engaging. A work of fiction based on real events, "WYSM?" 's poetry and prose pack a powerful punch.
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