It’s A Different World from where you come from.

It’s A Different World from where you come from.

(ThyBlackMan.com) Time exists independently of humanity and is neither influenced by nor dependent on us. Instead, we realize through experience that we are subject to and reliant on time. Ultimately, we learn that time is a major force behind change. Everyone on life’s journey has probably learned or is still discovering a few simple truths: time doesn’t wait for anyone, it brings change, and sometimes those changes can be hard to get used to. I wish I could tell you that the changes over time have benefited the Black community, but unfortunately, if I tried to convince you of that, I would be lying.

After watching the Netflix series A Different World: New Generation, I observed and listened to the reactions of the Black community regarding the changes in the physical appearances of the actors, as well as our collective perception that the series’ plot lacked depth and originality, without giving much thought to the statistical data that roughly only 20-40% of Black Americans who are children of college graduates go on to graduate themselves, while 20-30% of Black children from non-college graduate households attain a degree. If we do not acknowledge that the college graduation rates for Black children with college-educated parents are not significantly higher than those from homes where parents did not graduate, then we are missing depth and complexity. I wonder how much more depth we truly need as a community. Should we seek entertainment when we watch television? Or should we challenge ourselves to see entertainment for what it truly is, understanding that some deeper meanings can only be appreciated with a little extra perspective—like a third eye—developed through a mind trained to recognize subtle depths that might not be immediately obvious?

Things will never be the same.

We are all familiar with the statement The more things change, the more things stay the same. Yes, I will be the first to admit that our level of respect in the Black community for our elders, ancestors, Black men, and Black women has changed, and I am afraid that if we don’t make drastic changes quickly, things will never be the same. Longevity and a long life have traditionally been valued in our community, along with the natural changes that come with aging—like grey hair, hair loss, weight fluctuations, a changing physique, wrinkles, and shifts in appearance. These aspects were once embraced and even revered, reflecting the wisdom and experience that age brings. Historically, our community appreciated and celebrated Black women in roles like Big Momma or auntie.

However, today, even prominent women such as Jasmine Guy, Jill Scott, Viola Davis, Michelle Obama, and Leslie Jones, among many others, face ridicule both inside and outside the community for not fitting our narrow aesthetic standards as they age.  Seasoned Black women and men might start questioning whether aging is as remarkable as their ancestors suggested if their community no longer finds them aesthetically appealing. Historically, we treasured Big Momma and our aunties equally, regardless of their appearance, and we held the men in our community in high regard despite their decline in vitality. Some community members might argue that because we have largely failed to recognize the beauty in our Savior (Isaiah 53:2-4), we may also fail to see beauty in one another as we ought to. Moving forward, our community must acknowledge, embrace, and appreciate the ongoing physical changes everyone will eventually undergo.

Don’t say anything at all.

Even within the Black community, we live in an era where people seek visibility, voice, and viral fame for their opinions and ideas, often without regard for the facts. Has our desire for fame, recognition, and riches overtaken the lessons we were taught as children to value and esteem others? The great, soulful singer Jeffrey Osborne reminded us all, “If my brother or sister is in trouble, so I am.” How have we descended to such a low point that we now perceive our community, our brothers and sisters, as burdensome, leading us to justify exploiting them in some manner or form for personal gain?  Our personal and community desire for worldly gain has caused us to loudly criticize the image, reputation, and social influence of Black women when they don’t match our beauty standards.

Similarly, Black men who speak their mind are often labeled as sassy, and our LGBTQ+ sisters and brothers are frequently viewed as unworthy of recognition because, to many of us, we feel we must voice our opinions without all the facts. Remember childhood, when we learned an important lesson: if you don’t have anything nice to say, it’s better to stay silent. Those moments shape how we connect with others even today. I’m not asking that we become mute to injustices, sin, or wrong, or that we stop speaking truth to power. For the sake of our community, I am asking that we stop speaking without facts and stop speaking in ways that strip away anyone’s humanity for riches and viral fame. Sometimes silence is the best option.

Time to Operate Differently

Are we in a different era than before? Yes, we are. A clear sign is that our love for ourselves and our community is either weak or missing. The dynamic duo of Donny Hathaway and Roberto Flack raised the question in 1972 by asking, “Where Is the Love?” Today, I ask once again: Where Is the Love? For yourself, your community, and your God—like time, many believe it has shifted or grown tired. Yes, time brings about a change, but with change comes the chance for new opportunities. Since today gives all of us a new opportunity, I challenge all my Black queens and kings to operate differently: queens, go back to being a girl’s girl who uplifts her sister and brother. Keep aiming high when others go low. Kings, I urge you to stay consistent, present, and vocal, as your family and community rely on you to embody these qualities and more.  The cost is too high for us to go back to our old ways or stay the same. Change is possible, and we all need it.

Five Affirmations

1. I choose to see value in myself and others beyond appearance, status, or popularity.
2. I will honor the wisdom of those who came before me and help build a stronger future for those who come after me.
3. I speak with truth, facts, and compassion, knowing that my words have the power to heal or harm.
4. I embrace change as an opportunity to grow while remaining rooted in my values and identity.
5. I will operate with love, respect, and purpose, even when the world encourages division and selfishness.

Three Quotes to Live By

1. “Time changes everything, but character determines what remains.”
2. “Before speaking, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?”
3. “A community grows stronger when its people choose dignity over popularity and love over criticism.”

Two Courses of Action

1. Practice Intentional Encouragement

Commit to uplifting at least one person each day. Encourage an elder, support a young person pursuing education, celebrate a friend’s achievement, or defend someone’s dignity when they are being unfairly criticized. Small acts of affirmation help rebuild community trust and respect.

2. Lead With Facts and Humanity

Before sharing an opinion online or in conversation, pause and ask:

• Do I have all the facts?
• Does my comment preserve this person’s humanity?
• Am I helping solve a problem or simply adding noise?

If the answer is no, choose reflection over reaction. Thoughtful silence is often more powerful than uninformed commentary.

Staff Writer; Jamie Seals

May also connect with this brother on Twitter; mychocolatemind.

Also drop an email at; JSeals@ThyBlackMan.com.