Meet Terrell Ford #dearblackmen
- LME Media Team
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Current Location: Okinawa, Japan
Tell our audience about you
I am a native of Detroit, Michigan. I am a Christian and am passionate about serving others. Growing up with a challenging childhood helped me build a strong level of resilience that has supported me throughout my career as an active duty military member. I am currently serving in the United States Marine Corps, where I have had the pleasure of serving alongside and leading many people at various levels. My passion for leadership and ministry has allowed me to establish a reputation for being dependable, regardless of the level of difficulty or uncertainty, to provide hope and be a light in dark places. I am a proud husband and father, which is another example of how I strive to set a positive image.
What does being a Black man mean to you personally?
It means being a living manifestation of sustained excellence. Looking back through history and realizing just how far a people can come from starting with absolutely nothing is a legacy I strive to live daily and pass on to my children. The pride of being Black is a fire within me that shines through my character.
What challenges have you faced that you believe are unique to Black men?
For me, it has been the challenge of proving my worth and value. In the military, subtle judgments or challenges lie on the surface through things such as test scores, job performance, and relationships with the right people. The challenges I have overcome have proven to be what lies within me, helping me become successful in all that I do. That reputation has carried forward to my benefit, opening dialogues about what it truly means to be successful.
In what ways do you feel society misunderstands Black men?
Society often conflates passion with anger and drive with motivation.
Can you share a moment when you felt proud to be a Black man?
Every day I wake up and give glory to the Lord. My proudest moments as a Black man occur when my children are in public and people praise them for their conduct and how they carry themselves. They are a direct reflection of me as a parent.
What role does family play in your life and identity?
Family plays a significant role in my life and identity. The family I come from reflects the man I am today. My family has given me a blueprint of what I should do to help guide me to become the man I am. They have sharpened and challenged me to be the best version of what God created, and they have blessed me to lead as a husband and father. This connects back to being a living manifestation of sustained excellence.
How do you practice self-care and prioritize your well-being?
I have started to surround myself with like-minded men to encourage and support each other through both good and bad times. For me, self-care can involve taking a long drive, going for a walk or run, or engaging in physical activities at the gym. Creating meaningful moments with my daughters also provides an opportunity for them to see me as a positive male role model in their lives. As I've focused on prioritizing my well-being, I have made significant progress and have been intentional in these practices.
What does resilience mean to you, and how have you demonstrated it?
For me, resilience means steady progression and consistency through adversity. Throughout my life, regardless of the challenges I've faced, I have kept my eyes on the prize, looking for greater meaning or lessons in each situation. Whether it was experiencing homelessness, leaving abusive relationships, overcoming toxic masculinity demonstrated by family and friends, or progressing through the ranks in the toughest military branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, I view resilience as a choice. It reminds me of crabgrass; whoever chooses to be resilient can grow in any environment over time.
How do you handle discrimination or racism in your daily life?
I have found that discernment is the best way to handle discrimination and racism. Some people may say things without being aware of their impact, so addressing these issues head-on and creating awareness has helped a lot. In other cases, individuals may be fully aware of their actions and may even try to provoke a reaction. For those individuals, I pray for them but choose to stay away.
How do you cultivate meaningful relationships with other men?
I cultivate relationships by being genuine and asking how I can support their lives and dreams without expecting anything in return. It’s simple to find common ground with men. The main challenge is building trust so they allow you into their lives. I make it clear that my faith is the standard for any conversation; it shapes my worldview. I also check in on them randomly, just to show I care, and continue to find ways to foster our relationship.
What advice would you give to younger Black men navigating today's world?
The best advice I can give to younger Black men is to understand that the influences around them should not be the deciding factor in their lives. Recognizing who you are, in my opinion, involves understanding Christ and identifying the greatness within you. It’s like reading words in a book; one might ask, "What is that voice I’m hearing?" I would suggest that it's not just yourself, but a deeper spiritual version of you that has been waiting to emerge. Identifying that voice, your purpose, and your passions will help you focus your efforts and energy on being great in those specific areas. Be humble, keep the fire burning to improve every day, and ensure that your faith is central in every aspect of your life. Lastly, my message is to reach out to me if I can assist you on your journey.
Can you describe a time when a relationship taught you something significant about yourself?
When my wife asked me about my childhood, I discovered that I was a broken person with sharp edges that needed healing.
How do you think society's perception of Black women impacts their relationships with Black men?
I believe society is one side of the coin, while the patterns set from childhood are the other side. For example, if children grow up in an environment where breakups are common and relationships are fleeting, it becomes more difficult for them to sustain relationships. The same applies to communication, finances, and other important life areas.
What do you think can help bridge the gap between Black men and Black women?
Honesty, transparency, and seeking something deeper than surface-level interactions are essential. Understanding the foundational aspects of a person that can always be depended on is crucial; for me, that has always been my faith.
What do you think can help bridge the gap between Black elders and the youth?
Increased engagement between the two groups is vital. Simple actions like normalizing school visits to elderly homes or nursing homes to serve and support can make a difference. Today, many grandparents are just as young as parents, and the relationships between them are often not as strong as they could be, possibly due to past grievances.
What impact do you believe technology has on the lives of Black men today?
For the most part, I believe technology has a positive impact, likely due to the circle I surround myself with. As long as technology is used as a tool and not something to rely on completely, it offers great benefits. However, if it's used to numb the mind or escape from daily life’s stresses, it can lead to destruction unless we maintain a healthy balance.
MARRIAGE & FATHERHOOD
How do you communicate your needs and feelings in your marriage?
I communicate them directly.
What challenges have you faced in romantic relationships, and how have you addressed them?
Any problems I’ve faced have been addressed with honesty and transparency.
How has becoming a father changed your perspective on life?
Becoming a father has allowed me to reflect on life through a protective lens rather than a selfish one.
How do you approach the challenges of fatherhood in today’s society?
I engage in honest conversations with my daughters, providing them with age-appropriate truths based on our discussions.
What advice would you give to other fathers about building strong relationships with their children?
Be honest and transparent, and regularly check in with your children to get their perspective on how you are doing as a father. Allow them to express themselves freely, ensuring that it is done in a healthy
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