Ebony S. Muhammad (EM): As-Salaam Alaikum, Brother “Student Minister” Darrin!
Darrin Henson (DH): Wa-Alaikum Salaam Sis (laughs).
EM: You shared some beautiful words a moment ago about the condition of our community, especially here in Chicago. When you mentioned how much things have changed since your last visit, what exactly were you referring to?
DH: I saw that Chicago is being gentrified, and we are being moved out. I saw a lot of boarded up homes, I’ve heard some statistics about young brothers who have been killing other young brothers and sisters. These are things that are very, very unfortunate when you leave a place and you come back and these things are being quantified. It’s sad and it just simply means that people are not listening.
EM: Yes sir. When you saw the youth performing here (Harold Washington Community Center) on stage in preparation for the opening night of the Color Purple musical with various forms of performing art, what did that do for your spirit?
DH: It’s always wonderful. As I said on stage, I always support John Ruffin. He pulls on his own community to establish a network of people who have abilities to perform whether it’s acting, singing, dancing or showcasing some form of talent. That means they can showcase what they have, but at the same time we can be entertained.
EM: Awesome. You’re not only here to support John Ruffin and his musical production, but you are also here to promote your latest publication “Intimate Thoughts”. I didn’t know that you were a poet and a profoundly talented one at that. I really enjoyed your performance this evening.
DH: Thank you very much.
EM: What inspired you to write this particular book?
DH: Intimate Thoughts is literally a journey of the last nine years of my life. It is poetry on economics, politics, spirituality, certain social situations, my family; things that I have seen, heard or felt.
EM: As a performing artist, how have you been able to maintain a level of balance to not compromise your religious and spiritual beliefs? With your success I’m sure you are a great influence for those who are aspiring artists.
DH: Well first of all I am a man, therefore, I look at myself as such. Another thing I want to remind people of is that we’re in the 300th year of the Willie Lynch letter . That letter is still very strong right now, and I tell all people of color what they should do is get the letter, read it, print it and keep it on their wall to remind them about what they should not be.
At the same time it also reminds them of the work we have to do, because our work is not yet done. It teaches us that we need to get focused and stay focused, to get fit and stay fit.
In this place that we live in called North America, if you’re not ready you can get caught off guard. People always talk about how knowledge is power; I believe that knowledge is only potential power. You must use the knowledge that you have in order for it to become powerful. Just in terms of that I’ve taken a stand about myself and my family in becoming an example daily. It is a reminder of the work I have to do.
I listen to The Minister (Louis Farrakhan) almost daily. Making Dua (prayer) is very important, and I just try to stay focused.
EM: Yes sir!
I think that title of your book, Intimate Thoughts, is very interesting. I conducted a research study a few years ago on the Black Male Perspective on Intimacy. I interviewed 14 men from different parts of the country, different ages, relationship statuses and religious backgrounds on the topic of intimacy in a male/female relationship.
You mention this in your book, but can you offer more detail of the turning point for you in how you were able to grasp the true meaning of ‘intimacy’?
DH: Yes ma’am. The reason I called it “Intimate Thoughts” is because they’re my personal thoughts. I broke down the word intimate; in time we choose a mate. Sometimes we choose out a mate, but we can choose ourselves as a mate. In other words it is our ability to have a relationship with patience.
It is our ability to have a relationship with our integrity. It is our ability to have a relationship with our word. It is our relationship with our mind. In time we choose a mate, but we have to get to know ourselves and what we’re capable of.
One of the things I say is responsibility means to be able to respond to your ability. Therefore, when I say “intimate thoughts” these are my thoughts about what is going on around me. I will tell people, “Don’t always think things are happening to you. Maybe they’re happening for you at the same time”. If we look at things happening for us we can learn and take it from that objective.
EM: Beautifully said!
This October 14th, marks the 17th Anniversary of the Million Man March, which will be celebrated in Charlotte, North Carolina. Were you present that day or viewing it from home? What do you recall thinking and feeling as the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan addressed the entire world, focusing on the Black man? How has the Million Man March impacted your life to this day?
DH: I watched it live on Television and 10 times afterward. It provided me with source of information about America, who I really am and what I can become. It also provided me with a sense of confidence and pride and awareness. It made an impact on me with regard to my children, especially my son, and re-teaching the information Minister Farrakhan provided. It afforded us an opportunity to grow as a family.
EM: Thank you very much for your time, and may Allah continue to bless you with much success in all you do of positivity.
DH: Thank you sis, it was an honor.
Get your copy of Intimate Thoughts by Darrin Henson at www.darrinhenson.com
Follow Darrin Henson on Twitter @MrDHen
