The Upright Black Man: A Catalyst for Healing the Black Community

Crop determined young African American male athlete with dark hair and beard in black sportswear leaning forward and looking at camera against blue background

In today’s era marked by broken Black consciousness, toxic masculinity, toxic femininity, and a lack of spiritual connectedness between Black men and women, the presence of upright Black men becomes increasingly crucial for the well-being and progress of the Black community. These challenges, deeply rooted in historical, social, and systemic factors, have hindered the Black community’s growth and unity. However, the concept of the upright Black man, who embodies integrity, moral strength, and spiritual connectedness, offers a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive transformation.

Due to his personification of the values and ideas established in the Scriptures, the spiritually upright Black man must serve as a leader in the Black community. The Bible offers a moral and spiritual compass that people can use to make informed decisions and foster a peaceful society. The characteristics required for effective leadership are possessed by the upright Black man dedicated to honesty, integrity, and Black Love. Drawing on biblical principles, he can motivate others to accept their identities, overcome social constraints, and travel a road of empowerment and upliftment. His leadership illuminates a path to collective success and fulfillment through advancing freedom, justice, equality, and spiritual kinship within the Black community.

The Black community has endured the effects of broken Black consciousness—a disconnection from cultural spirituality, self-doubt, and internalized racism. In the face of these challenges, the presence of upright Black men becomes pivotal. They can serve as pillars, guiding others to reclaim their identity, instill pride, and cultivate a sense of purpose rooted in Black people’s rich history and achievements. By embodying integrity and moral strength, they can help heal the wounds inflicted by centuries of oppression and empower individuals to rise above societal limitations.

Proverbs 12:26 states, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” This verse encapsulates the significance of the upright Black man in the context of the Black community, which grapples with issues such as broken Black consciousness, toxic masculinity, and the lack of Black love between Black men and women. As defined in the Bible, the concept of the upright man provides a framework for understanding the crucial role that Black men must play in fostering positive change within the community. By embodying qualities such as integrity, wisdom, and compassion, the upright Black man becomes a transformative force, promoting healing, unity, and love in the Black community.

Black communities have historically been underserved by political institutions, which has led to systematic injustices and marginalization.

Biblical Upright Black man constantly finds himself in conflict with a flawed political system. Because he understands that both major political parties, Democrats and Republicans, have contributed to his struggles and downfall throughout history, he is well aware of the guidance of Ephesians 6:12.

Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

This verse is often understood to mean that the challenges believers face extend beyond physical or earthly conflicts. It highlights that the actual adversaries are those who do not believe in freedom, justice, and power and use the power of their high seat to oppress.

In the context of the Biblical Upright Black man navigating a broken political society and is well aware that the struggle faced by marginalized individuals encompasses both real political challenges and the spiritual battle against systemic injustice and oppression.

To solve this, the presence of moral Black males becomes essential in promoting development in Black politics. In the political domain, the morally upright Black man exemplifies ethical leadership. He continues to be dedicated to helping the greater good and won’t compromise his principles. The upright man prepares the path for more egalitarian, inclusive, and empowered political outcomes, ultimately bringing about a brighter future for Black communities by drawing on spiritual principles and faith in God, using his platform to fight for revolutionary policies.

We live in a time of lack of spiritual connectedness between Black men and women which has contributed to a sense of disunity and disorientation within the community. The upright Black man, rooted in spiritual values, becomes a unifying force. Through his commitment to spiritual growth and connectedness, he promotes a deeper understanding of shared values, purpose, and the interconnectedness of all community members. By exemplifying spiritual principles such as love, forgiveness, and compassion, the upright Black man helps bridge the divide, fostering a sense of unity and collective progress.

Proverbs 11:3 states, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” This verse emphasizes the vital role integrity plays in the lives of upright individuals. Integrity encompasses moral wholeness, honesty, and purity, serving as a compass that guides their actions and decisions.

The integrity possessed by the upright Black man acts as a moral guide, illuminating the path they should take in life and cautioning them against detrimental choices. It instills a sense of clarity and purpose, allowing them to make decisions rooted in honesty and righteousness. Integrity compels the upright Black man to speak the truth and refrain from deceitful or harmful words. Their words reflect their character, inspiring trust and fostering positive relationships. Through integrity, the upright Black man can discern who truly deserves their support and assistance, as principles of fairness and justice as a guide. They give generously to those in need while exercising discernment to avoid enabling destructive behavior or rewarding dishonesty.

Toxic masculinity and toxic femininity have further exacerbated the struggles faced by the Black community. These harmful expressions of gender norms perpetuate destructive patterns of behavior, reinforcing power imbalances and hindering harmonious relationships between Black men and women. The absence of Black love, characterized by mutual respect, trust, and support, is a significant challenge faced by the Black community.

Upright Black men, however, offer an alternative narrative. The upright Black man can exemplify honor, loyalty, and Black love and become an agent of change. By embodying healthy masculinity, they reject notions of dominance and aggression, promoting emotional intelligence, empathy, and respect. Through his actions, the upright man dismantles negative stereotypes, bridges the gap between genders, and cultivates an environment of love and solidarity. Developing genuine connections and fostering open dialogue paves the way for Black men and women to transcend the toxic dynamics and build partnerships based on equality and mutual support.

The Black community urgently needs more upright Black men in the face of broken Black consciousness, toxic masculinity, toxic femininity, and the lack of spiritual connectedness. By embodying integrity, moral strength, and spiritual values, upright Black men can inspire transformation, empower individuals, and promote healing within the community. Their influence extends beyond personal growth, catalyzing unity, understanding, and a renewed sense of purpose. The time has come to embrace the power of the upright Black man and work together toward a brighter and more harmonious future for the Black community.