I keep hearing black folk describe Barack and Michelle’s relationship as "True Black Love", almost as though they have created something new that never existed between a black man and black woman.

Somehow, I find it very strange that we have missed the shining examples that were put before us in the past. Well okay, they were not the First Lady and the First Black President, but they were there all along.

What about loving relationships like Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, married for 56 years. They shared a relationship based on mutual admiration, pride and respect. On the other hand, Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott who married in 1953 and despite his death, she remained dedicated and committed to their vow of love. What about the Washingtons, you know Denzel and Paulette, or the Smith’s, Will and Jada.

Many of us see true black love every day and just over look it. I see it in my friends Gerry and Deborah, they have been married twenty-one years, raised three of their own children and one god child. To my knowledge, he has always been good to her and had us women-friends wondering, "where we could get a man like him".

I think of my girlfriend Robin and her husband Phil, they have been married for 9 years, and are raising their four daughters three of which were adopted, or maybe we can look at my husband’s sister and brother-in-law Marsha and Lionel, who have been married for over twenty-five years and although they do not have children, have played a substantial role in raising many of their nieces and nephews, as well as other people's children.

Finally, my grandparents Matthew and Gabrella who were childhood sweethearts and after marrying others, found their way back to each other and spent 53 years in a deeply loving relationship.

Courtesy: Nay Nay's Space