BY JOI OGLETREE

Valentine’s Day holds such cultural significance immersed in a shared romantic experience as it is an opportunity for couples to express the deep love and unique connection they have for one another. The connection of black love is a deeply profound historical and cultural parallel that conspicuously encapsulates faith, joy, vulnerability and security.

It was important to me to capture the multifaceted nuances in highlighting the beautiful bond and  authentic portrayals of black love in Howard couples juniors Mekaiah Wise and Serfina Atibu, and sophomores Syrr Gordon and Kaitlyn Greaves. One couple described Black love as loving and adoring everything about what makes your partner beautiful in their Blackness … their hair, skin, taste in music and even their scent. Enjoying the essence of who they are and the shared joy and adversity of being a Black couple in love. Love is the foundation of who we are as Black people.