boy /boi/ n. human male child

I was probably in 7th grade, crushing on one or many, the first time I felt real tears for a black boy.  One I didn’t know and because the evening news reported I never would.  My friend told me we were not connected; that there would be others to meet at the mall, on a college tour, as an intern.  I am more convinced than ever that until we own and absorb the experience of what it means to be a black boy, there are gonna be a whole lot more that will never be met at the mall, on a college tour, as an intern.

If you have ever loved a black boy you know.
If you have ever known a black boy you know.

And if you have never been lucky enough to experience either, let me explain:

He is what we…