Black Love Is Our Compass For New World Building

“You must love one another.” – John 13:34. 

Kendrick Lamar’s new song “Luther ” is more than just a nod to Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s cover of “If This World Were Mine.” It’s a testament to the sacred power of Black love. 

Like the original song, Lamar’s version prompts, “If this world were mine…” and proceeds to list ways he would love if the world was his to design. This prompt is a deeper invitation for us, too. 

What would the world look like if we created it through the power of Black love? 

Lamar raps, “If this world were mine I'd take your enemies in front of God. Introduce 'em to that light, hit them strictly with that fire.” Essentially, he’s saying, “If this world were mine, I would protect you from our oppressors by making them face God.” 

This positions Black love as revolutionary and a form of divine protection. But we’ve been knowing this. 

Black love has historically been at the heart of revolts, protests, and used to establish community care initiatives. Most importantly, it’s allowed us to explore our dreams and exist outside the bounds of whiteness. 

Black love is the combination of faith, sacrifice, revolution, community, and devotion.

By centering Black love within our plans for a new future we create the foundation for revolution. What would we do if “this world were ours?”