Just Straight Talk – Episode 5 ~5:40 minutes
As a Black Man — This Is What I’ve Seen and Learned
Welcome back to Just Straight Talk.
I’m R-E SAMPLE, and today I’m speaking from deep within.
This episode is personal. It’s real. And it’s for anybody willing to listen.
Let’s start this one with prayer.
Jehovah God,
Thank you for life, for strength, and for the story you’ve allowed me to live.
Thank you for the wisdom that comes with experience, even when it came with pain.
Let these words today speak truth. Let them open hearts and maybe even open eyes.
In Jesus’ name—Amen.
Let me tell you straight—being a Black man in this world comes with a whole lot of weight.
And I’m not just talking about what you see on TV.
I’m talking about what I’ve lived. What I’ve carried. What I’ve survived.
I’ve seen things I can’t unsee.
I’ve heard things I wish I could forget.
But through it all—I’ve learned. I’ve grown. And I’ve held my head high.
This episode ain’t about hate. It’s about truth.
Because if we can’t speak our truth, how can we expect things to change?
Real Talk—What I’ve Seen
As a Black man, I’ve seen:
– People crossed the street when they saw me coming—just because of how I look.
– Doors closed—even when I was qualified, ready, and willing.
– The system works for others… and work against us.
– Friends locked up, not because they were bad, but because they didn’t get a fair shot.
– Loved ones pass too soon because the healthcare wasn’t equal.
– Strong men break down because they were taught to hold it all in.
And I’ve seen myself—praying in silence, crying in private, walking out in public like everything’s fine.
But here’s what I’ve also learned:
– I am not broken.
– I am not less than.
– I am not invisible.
I’ve learned that dignity ain’t about money — it’s about how you carry yourself when folks expect you to fold.
I’ve learned that forgiveness takes strength, not weakness.
I’ve learned that as much as the world can try to beat you down…
Jehovah God lifts you up.
To the young brothers out there — let me speak to you for a minute.
You don’t have to prove your worth with your fists, your money, or your mouth.
You prove your worth by how you walk, how you treat people, and how you handle pain.
You’re not what they call you.
You’re not what the media shows.
You’re not just another number.
You’re somebody.
And you’ve got to know that—before the world tries to define you.
What I Wish People Understood
To those listening who aren’t Black—I appreciate you for staying with me this far.
Here’s what I wish more folks understood:
– We don’t want pity. We want opportunity.
– We don’t want a handout. We want a level playing field.
– We don’t hate others. We just want the same shot at living free and safe.
You don’t have to walk in my shoes—but at least try not to step on them.
Now you know how we do—this is a clean space.
We don’t curse to make a point.
We speak boldly but respectfully.
That’s the kind of talk that sticks.
I’ve seen injustice, yes.
But I’ve also seen progress.
I’ve seen my people rise, build, lead, and love in ways that the world couldn’t ignore.
So I say to my brothers, my sisters, my neighbors, and even those who don’t look like me:
Let’s keep talking.
Let’s keep walking.
Let’s keep holding on to the truth—even when it hurts.
Because the truth is what sets us free.
Jehovah God,
Thank you for giving us strength through the struggle.
Thank you for the moments when we felt seen, and even for the moments we had to walk alone.
Heal our communities. Unite our families.
Let truth rise up over hate. Let love guide our path.
In Jesus’ name—Amen.
This has been Just Straight Talk, and I’m R-E SAMPLE.
Next time, we’ll close out this opening series with:
Being a Senior in Today’s World—The Good and the Bad.
Until then—walk proud. Speak truth. And remember who you are.
Remember– Truth Don’t Change. JUST STRAIGHT TALK