WHY THIS MAGAZINE—AND WHY NOW?

This magazine is a must. Especially due to the dire spiritual state of our country, America, and our world/s. And these voices must be heard now due to the racial, monetary, and vitriolic animosity of all types amongst the people. Where, indeed, do we go from here?! Hell is certainly calling. Yet, there is reason to hope. Perhaps some reader will gain that hope or find something life-giving in the midst of a literal human hell-storm. This magazine is a must for so many reasons.

#1, it’s STILL so very needed. Voices of every-day Black men have not been presented as honestly and fairly as they need to be. And our men, our communities and our world suffer from this vital ingredient.

#2: This magazine is a must because I do my best to keep my word: I gave my word to the Most High that I would do it, and I actually began the process—business cards, stationery, etc. etc.; yet, I allowed the often very necessary interruptions of life to delay and take precedence over what I knew to do. More than three decades have passed. Yes, Black Victor is three decades “late” due to many factors not room enough on this platform to elaborate! When I was first given this assignment—to my knowledge—there were no nationally known magazines with a focus on Black men. Ordinary Black men. Just regular Black men in our communities nationwide with no particular worldly fame associated with them—yet, men with something of value to share. The assignment was a major mental challenge for me then—and now. Why? Mainly because I am a female. “How dare her!” was my most feared response from men. (Yet, if stones are thrown—I’ll just duck them for now—and I’ll have finally kept my word.) There have been other stop gaps too numerous to mention.

But, again, how does one really run forever from what is believed an authentic God- assignment. Though some do it, I could not…and so, here it is. Finally. BLACK VICTOR MAGAZINE. Thank you, fellas, for entrusting me (at least this one time) with your stories—your thoughts, your concerns, your advice, your heart and soul. So, per my beautiful daughter’s ever-present dictate: “Let’s roll!!” …

DEDICATION

L: H.J. Jenkins, R: Uncle Juke 

This Black Victor Magazine is in honor of the most important man in my life—my father, H.J. (“the Fact Man”) Jenkins, Sr. Though he was loved and known for his generosity, friendliness—and often his verbosity—he was known more for his fearlessness, his courage to stand up against the odds for what he believed to be right. But he was adamant with this one rule: “Bring me the facts! No maybe’s. No guessing. Just the facts!” And so, it’s why he was called, H. J. “the Fact Man!” I told my Dad and Mom three decades ago about this magazine, and I was encouraged to “GO FOR IT! JUST DO IT! YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU PUT YOUR MIND AND TALENT TO DO!” As a result, with my father’s encouragement, I present this publication with the best intention and with the guidance and the leading of the Most High Father/God.

I dedicate this magazine to my Uncle Juke. My dad’s older brother. He lived in Detroit. When I told him my intention, I could sense his pride! He, like my dad, encouraged me to “GO FOR IT!” I could feel his big smile through our long-distance telephone call. Within days, he had sent me a letter as further encouragement. Inside was $200. And his eager anticipation for me—his youngest niece—was to get going and let the world gain from the dream God had given me.