When I reflect on what black love means to me, I often think of strength, power and beauty. I envision black and brown bodies intertwined in a love dance that words could never convey but the heart can feel.

My most vivid memory of black love is my dad kissing my mom and tapping her booty when I was around 5-6 years old. I remember the smile on her face and the way he looked at her. That is burned deep into my psyche. To me, this is Black Love.

I think of the mighty African women who reassured her shackled man in the bowels of the slave ships.  I can hear them whisper words of love and affirmation as they attempted to remain brave for their children. To me, this is Black Love.

I honor the dutifulness of the slave man who insists on jumping the broom with the woman who was chosen for him for breeding. I know he wanted to honor her and their union so their children would be legitimate in his eyes. To me, this is Black Love.

I feel the passion of my Black Panther sisters who stood side by side with the men they loved to bring about a revolution for their people. They worked together to feed neighborhood children and to protect their own. To me, this is Black Love.

Early leaders of the Black Panther Party Eldridge, Kathleen and baby Ahmad Cleaver 1969

I remember when my husband offered to love and cherish not only me but my 7yr old daughter from another man. He chose to raise her and any children our union would bring forth. He was there in the middle of the night when I was in the hospital being told that both of our unborn children would be born early and die. He laid his hands on me and prayed. Those children are now 16yrs and 14yrs old. To me, this is Black Love.

I cherish the love of MY FOREVER PRESIDENT Barack Obama has for his wife. The love they displayed for each other for all the world to see. His loving words about and to her at his farewell speech brought tears to my eyes. To me, this is Black Love.

Barack Obama whispering in Michelle's ear

You will experience these same emotions and more when you attend The Black Love Experience.  This beautiful and empowering event takes place Feb. 18, 2017 at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Road,  SE, Washington, DC.

BLE 2016

There will be live art demonstrations, music, poetry, spoken word, food and fellowship with those who love Black Love.

(Credit-Mayowa Ojo) BLE 2016

We need to appreciate and celebrate Black Love. We need to acknowledge men taking care of their kids. We need to honor our elders who paved the way for us to marry who we want, when we want and the way we want. To me, this is Black Love.

By: Tanya Barnett