Billy Johnson II’s friend, Joe, joins in on the conversation and explains why he loves black men and the brotherhood that he shares.
Joe responds to Billy Johnson II’s “Why I Love Black Men“:
When I first met y’all I thought you were two knuckle heads.
Chris, from the moment I met you I felt like we were two of a kind; same height, build, step the same way, both love attention from the ladies! In the beginning I was down for you more than you were down for me. Then I realized you don’t put your emotions out there like that, and you try hard to please everybody, so when it felt like our friendship was put on the back burner, it was really just you trying to please everybody. I understand now, through all of our conflicts, we were still connected then, just like we’re connected now.
As for you B, I really couldn’t stand you at first! You were just too damn quiet! I’m like “what the hell are you thinking,” even when you were pledging it was hard to get you to say anything, always ‘pondering’.
I wasn’t sure I wanted you in my frat, wasn’t sure you had what it took to be a Sigma man. When you “crossed” I felt like you were “Chris and them” boy, not necessarily down with me.
Until that summer, that summer we kicked it man. Going out, hanging out; we was down for each other, backs against the wall it didn’t matter. We are brothers man! I love you B. you need me man and I am there. Things are different now, I’m married with children, God is first and my first. But you need me man, I am there. If you get messed with by anybody, I am there, you feeling low, we can just talk, and I am there.
I know I can run hot and cold and at times y’all get frustrated with me, but we have the type of connection where we can all be different, and still embrace each other. You let me be me, and I let you be you, and we continue to love each other, that’s why we are Brothers man. The three of us, three for the founders, if years go by and we don’t talk, when we pick up the phone it feels like no time has passed, our closeness is there.
Bill, Chris, and Joe have decided to write a book about their friendship, Black men, love and brotherhood. Find out more at [email protected] or on Facebook. Return later today to read Chris’ response on their friendship.
Read more stories of Platonic Friendship on The Good Life.
Image courtesy of Bill Johnson II