Everyone has a story to tell that someone else needs to hear. It's how we as human beings connect, how we relate, how we communicate, and how we pass on wisdom AND learn.

One day not too long ago, I decided that it was time for me to tell my story. Because as Black Men, we are CONSTANTLY being told that we need to "be more communicative," or that we need to "become more open with our feelings," especially when it comes to how we communicate those feelings with Black Women--and women in general.

I Said What I Said is my humble attempt to tell that story--MY personal truth. But it is also a story that has enough commonalities with many of my brethren, that it goes beyond my small corner of personal experiences. It is my attempt to tell my honest and open version of the larger universal truths of Black Men needing to be told--even to one another. I am writing this book to help bring clarity, understanding about us to anyone; Black, White, male, female, or other. I want people to understand that the story of the Black Man in America, relates and connects on a level that transcends beyond race and gender.

One of my truths is that I am not fearful of honesty and vulnerability; that's the easy part for me. We are born; then we live--and ultimately, we die. But each and every one of us has importance and purpose. Someone should have the privilege of knowing who we truly are. Here, I'm choosing EVERYONE to have the chance to know me.

I have lots and LOTS of words. And I'm not afraid to use them.