You absolutely can be pro-Black and be in an interracial relationship

Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more ? I also married a woman who was born in Lebanon. The choice to date and marry her was not a statement on Blackness—our wedding ceremony honored both African-American and Lebanese traditions. Rev. Run from Run-DMC was our officiant, and we jumped over a broom like our ancestors did. Why did I choose her? The heart moves in mysterious ways, and humans are complex and multifaceted. We can have contradictions and yet still be in harmony. Being with her doesn’t mean I am any less pro-Black—Blackness is a part of me that she embraces. I’m unapologetically Black and proud wherever I go and no matter who I’m with. 

I didn’t realize people were still out here trying to shame Black people who are in interracial relationships in public. That’s just so 1990. To think you can stand in judgment of someone’s Blackness because of who they’ve married is so silly. My Blackness is not so fragile as to be damaged by being with my wife. But are there other ways that I can cancel my pro-Black card? Please tell me. If I listen to the Beatles or visit Paris or attend a Shakespeare play, am I losing my religion—excuse me—my Blackness? Or is it possible that I can perform and embody my Blackness the way I want without being judged? Is it possible that my Blackness is powerful enough to roll with me wherever I go and whatever I do? I think it is. I also this that part of being truly pro-Black means loving Black people enough to understand that we are all Black in our own way.

Touré is the host of the podcast “Touré Show” and the podcast docuseries “Who Was Prince?” He is also the author of seven books.

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