Indeed much of the literature written about black folks in the post-civil rights era emphasized the need for jobs. Material advancement was deemed th… - bell hooks

To return to love, to get the love we always wanted but never had, to have the love we want but are not prepared to give, we seek romantic relationships. We believe these relationships, more than any other, will rescue and redeem us. True love does have the power to redeem but only if we are ready for redemption. Love saves us only if we want to be saved.

To be loving is to be open to grief, to be touched by sorrow, even sorrow that is unending.

Abuse and neglect negate love. Care and affirmation, the opposite of abuse and humiliation, are the foundation of love. No one can rightfully claim to be loving when behaving abusively.