MOS Panel Defining Man

Let's talk about what it means to be a man. In our first ever Men of Substance Panel discussion our goal was to define what a spiritual man is to us. One of my English teachers taught me, that we should always define the noun before the adjective, so at the root of the issue is, what does it mean to be "a man". Many definitions were presented. Most of us were in agreement. The fact is, we all develop our definitions of the undefinable based on our own story, made up of our experiences, dreams, teachings, surroundings...etc. A part of the definition that I was surprised to hear echo in the voices of so many men who looked like me, was the word ego. I think as a collective of men, we were all there that day to put aside our egos, let down our guards and get to know we we actually are.

So, as a group of men, with egos checked at the door, we dove into a conversation focused on defining what being a man meant to us. I heard stories of father figures, grand fathers, neighborhood idols, and some from those who were lost, trying to figure it out on their own. The cards had been dealt and each one of us was just trying to play the hand received the best we could. There was no better or worse scenario. There was acceptance of what was and a relief that sharing part of yourself wouldn't negate who you are as a whole.

We walked out of that room that afternoon as better men. The surface has been scratched and we are excited to continue the journey towards healthy men of color through conversation and building up what we lack and tearing down the things that  hold us back (I truly had no intention of rhyming when I started that sentence) from being who we were destined to be.

As founder of Men of Substance, I humbly adopt the responsibility to create space and time for those on the journey towards their crowns to be supported and educated. The journey is never easy, but it doesn't have to happen alone.

Join us at our monthly Men of Substance panel discussions. Follow us on IG: @menofsubstancemag to stay updated on upcoming events and topics. We look forward to helping you on your journey.