Reflecting on My Father: A Journey Through the 70s as a Black Man
Being a street hustler, you had to be, you know, intimidating, you had to be slick.
What was it like to be a black man in the 70s? In this episode of 'Black Fluid Poet', John S. Blake takes listeners on an emotional journey through his father's life during that tumultuous decade. With a blend of personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Blake paints a vivid picture of the financial struggles, societal pressures, and the rigid norms of masculinity that his father faced.
He also touches on the frustration felt by his mother and the challenges many fathers confronted during that era. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the impact of these societal norms on the LGBTQ+ community and the harsh realities of street hustling. Blake also opens up about his own childhood trauma and the struggle to come to terms with his current life situation. Through a lens of forgiveness, he shares how he managed to move forward.
The episode also delves into the themes of materialism and the isolation that can come from living alone. This raw and deeply personal episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the intricate layers of the black experience in the 70s.