WHAT IS A HERO?

What is a hero: a warrior, saviour, activist, crime-fighter flying around in tights and a cape? Whatever meaning you attach to the word, it’s hard to find a Black man represented in poetry, prose or film who fits the bill. Indeed, it was like pulling teeth out of concrete to get submissions on the theme of “Black Men as Heroes” for this issue of KIZA BlackLit.

Interestingly, there were more nonfiction representations of Black men as heroes than fiction, which says to me that, although it’s not so hard to find Black men living as heroes—it’s just hard to find their lives represented in media in the context of heroism. Can we not even imagine Black men in that light, even though they appear before our eyes?

The beauty of fiction is its artistic representation of life. Hold on, nonfiction writers. It’s not that your work is not artistic. You are required to mold real events, containing many ins and outs, stops and starts, into a compelling narrative with a beginning, middle and end. That requires imagination.

Fiction, however, requires a different kind of connection with one’s imagination. Fiction has coalesced reality into lasting metaphors that resound and gallop through time and space. Indeed, fiction allows us to go beyond the limits of our current realities, to bring new worlds and new possibilities into being. So much truth is represented as fiction. 

So, what do we mean by the word “hero,” here at KIZA BlackLit? In the context of this month’s theme, we mean Black men who, with dedication, vim and vigor, fulfill their roles as fathers, brothers, friends, neighbors, professionals and unfolding human beings.

These are men who give their hearts, minds and bodies to the protection and nurturance of what they are bonded to uphold. They follow their inner calling, regardless. Regardless of inner and outer demons. Regardless of inner and outer obstacles. Regardless of inner and outer shortcomings. Regardless.

Yet, with the highest regard for themselves, life and the recipients of their dedication.

With that perspective in mind, let’s take a look at the heroic Black men whose lives invigorate this Autumn issue—completing the first 4-season round of KIZA BlackLit. “KIZA”: It’s all about the story.