Yasmin Eleby had dreams of being married before the age of 40. However, after not finding a suitable mate, Eleby decided to marry herself.
According to Black Art in America, the Houston native tied the knot with herself in front of family and friends at the Houston Museum of African American Culture. For her honeymoon, Eleby will travel to Cambodia and the jazz festival in Dubai.
But there is a deeper issue to this public display of self-love. The media will cause Black women to believe that they are destined to be single. Some outlets have suggested that one of the main reasons Black women aren’t getting married is because of a lack of available Black men.
There is a notion that the majority of Black men are either in jail, homosexual, or only attracted to women of different ethnicities. However, those assumptions are mostly a myth.
The Census Bureau revealed in 2009 data that over 70 percent of Black women had never been married. But their data only counted women between the ages of 25-29. When considering Black women who are at least 55, only 13 percent have never been married.
This is not to suggest that women will have to wait until they are 55 to get married, but there are circumstances that are causing some people to wait longer before tying the knot.
Unlike 40 years ago, more women are now seeking higher education and careers. Working to obtain higher education or remaining focused on a career could, at times, interfere with relationships. A lack of economic stability can also put a damper on relationships. These are a few key factors as to why marriage is being delayed by many in this generation.
But do not believe that there is a shortage of available Black men. You probably won’t marry Idris Elba, but all that is needed is one guy who can complement and love you.
Hopefully, Eleby will be the last Black woman who feels the need to marry herself.
