4:44, APlaybook for Black Mothers Raising Black Sons

Although our paths will probably never cross; Sean Carter (JayZ) and I grew up in the Marcy Projects during different decades. I lived there during the heroin epidemic. Jay lived there during the crack siege. However, If you think it’s ironic that a board-certified ob-gyn physician and a billionaire emerged from the Marcy Projects, then clearly, you do not understand the magic of Brooklyn. It is the midwife of creativity and genius.

Mary Tyler Moore came from Brooklyn. So did Barbara Streisand. Forgive me if I can’t name all the rappers who came from BK (as it is affectionately called) because rap is usually “not my thing.” I’m a proud jazz buff, but I love the written and spoken word. The murder of Nipsey Hustle caught my attention because of his prolific rhymes.

When 4:44 dropped in 2016, I was in the midst of an ugly divorce. How do you spell chaos? Gratefully, peace and joy are now at the center of my life, and I have regained focus.

Gayle King’s CBS interview with Jay-Z had Marcy Project alums bursting with pride. The Brooklyn Museum exhibit of his work brought many of us to tears. We love Jay not because of his notoriety but because he never forgot where he came from and spoke about BK and “The Marcy” with the same reverence that we do. Gayle asked Jay how he felt being vulnerable, and he quickly…