On August the 21^st more than the term “single” was un-defined. The very core of who we are and what our purpose is as individuals was un-defined and left to be re-defined.

It is as though the different opinions across the club lounge were dots and the co-hosts drew a line to connect them with every pass of the mic. I couldn’t help but reminisce on the school worksheets back in the day. I eagerly wanted to see what picture would be formed as the dots connected.

The process itself was fun and I stopped wondering what the picture would be. I enjoyed comments like dating is for married people while courting is for singles, and there’s nothing wrong with going after what you want, so long as you find what you need. I began to see that as a generation we have all felt the pressure to conform to a definition of what relationships are supposed to be. From how we look, to what we wear, even to how we think about ourselves and our partners.

For a few hours, Sunday, that room was an open vessel. Matters of the heart were explored without condemnation, criticism, or complaint. Solutions were provided through group cohesion as we laughed over sweet, tangy refreshments. The animated video really brought humor to such serious situations we all face, fear, and ultimately must overcome. The video is here.

I began to see my own perspectives deepen and expand with every segment, which included: Family, Culture and Beliefs; Media Influence; and Experience & Expectations. As Johnny C Weaver (spoken-word artist) performed Let Us Talk Like Men, the audience’s emotions rode the rollercoaster that truly is the life of many men today. Then the comment was made that women too, must talk like women in order to balance the equation of healthy communication.

In the end, we were all challenged to move beyond superficial and artificial definitions and revert back to the one that whispers inside of us. The one that’s been with us from the beginning. The one that is unchanged and simply wants to be heard. The true you. Then we prayed together based on no particular faith, just a group prayer for better relationships and understanding for our generation. Then J.J. Davis (musical artist) took us home with an original song Off the Globe!

~Dawun