Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage

Hi Chocolate Chip Fans!

I couldn't think of a more appropriate post to publish from my vacation in Oak Bluffs, a haven for Black families for generations, than this on Black marriage.

According to the US Census, in the early 196o's 81% of African-American children lived in two parent holds. Today those figures have almost been completely reversed 69.7% of African-American children are born out of wedlock! The data is staggering and should put you into a rage! Clearly those of us who love Black families have an uphill battle to fight to preserve our unions. The title of one of Dr. King's book captures it best, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?"

The Answer: Community

If you live in the Washington DC area, you are probably familiar with the blog Black and Married with Kids. Founded by Ronnie and Lamar Tyler, this power couple shares Chocolate Chip's passion for celebrating and changing the perceptions of Black families. http://blackandmarriedwithkids.com/

The couples newest venture is a documentary, Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage. There is clearly an audience for the subject because I've watched their Facebook fan count almost double from 5000 to 9000 in the 2 weeks since the Washington DC premiere on July 30, 2009 and the release of the documentary on DVD on August 4, 2009. The evidence is clear: People want to see more positive images of Black love (think my all time favorite movie Love Jones), marriages and families. http://www.happilyeverafterthemovie.com/

The documentary interviews Nisa Muhammad, from CNN's Black in America 2 and the founder of Black Marriage Day, Denine Milner, Parenting Columnist, Joe Madison and several couples who share their experiences and insights on the state of Black marriage. Chocolate Chip encourages you to purchase this documentary (see link below to trailer) to support this initiative. Consider the $19.99 plus shipping, a personal investment in Black families.

Happily Ever After also features significant discussion on the role the Obamas will have in shaping the perception of Black families. I wholly agree one of the most important images from election night was the introduction of the next First Family of the United States....The impact was deep and profound. What a powerful image of a strong, powerful Black family to present to the world.

Check this post out brought to you from the vaults of the Chocolate Chip Archives on the Obama effect. http://chocolatechiponline.blogspot.com/2009/01/black-first-family-changes-everything.html

In the words of Nisa Mohammad,

"Wishing you wedded bliss",

Your friends from Chocolate Chip