What's Love Got to do with it

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This week, we’re joined by the dynamic duo, Charles and Fabien Jones. Together since 2013, their story began as coworkers in 2006, blossoming into a beautiful partnership rooted in love, laughter, and shared experiences. Charles, a natural conversationalist, brings his passion for relationships, the Black community, and storytelling, while Fabien, a creative introvert, provides a perfect balance with her artwork and calm nature.

Their unique perspective on traditional marital values, the power of relationships, and building a collective legacy will leave you inspired! Charles is now embarking on a new journey with his film production company, Iconic Conceptions Entertainment, and is releasing his first feature film, All Love—all with Fabien by his side, keeping him grounded.

Press play and join this uplifting conversation!

Bio of tonight’s guests:

Charles and Fabien Jones are a dynamic duo who have been sharing their lives together since 2013. They first met as coworkers in 2006 and a healthy friendship blossomed into a beautiful story of love and laughter. Charles is a conversationalist by nature. Passionate about relationships, the black community and storytelling, he has the unique ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable. Fabien is a creative introvert. Lauded for her artwork and temperance, she has proven to be the perfect and more relatable balance to the colorful nature of her partner. Together they share a love for the ideals of friendship. They value the power of relationships and the openness that can be created with shared experiences. Their stance on traditional marital values has become a unique POV, one that is often challenged by today’s culture. Their home is built on Saturday morning Neo Soul and over the top social media banter. Their love is built on unification and a collective awareness versus a search for singular success. The Joneses are excited about the future. With Charles opening a Boston based film production company Iconic Conceptions Entertainment and releasing his first feature film All Love, Fabien continues to be the driving force to keep him level headed in his journey to developing a long lasting legacy.

Conversation-Themes:

What is Black Love? 

“Black Love” encompasses the distinct beauty, resilience, and cultural legacy of romantic, familial, and community bonds within Black communities. It’s a celebration of love that affirms Black identities and traditions, shaped by the unique experiences, histories, and resilience of Black people, especially in the face of systemic challenges like racism, economic inequality, and marginalization.

Origins and Evolution

The concept of Black Love emerged partly as a response to negative stereotypes and pressures that often portray Black relationships and families in a less positive light. In the United States, for instance, Black Love became a powerful theme during the Civil Rights Movement, offering a vision of unity, strength, and resistance. Figures like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Maya Angelou not only spoke to political freedom but also to love as a form of solidarity and pride within the community.

In the 1960s and ’70s, the Black Power and Black Arts Movements reinforced Black Love as a symbol of pride, self-affirmation, and cultural unity. Musicians like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder celebrated Black relationships in songs that became cultural anthems, while artists and writers offered narratives that centered Black families and relationships in their full complexity.

Black Love Today

Today, Black Love continues to be celebrated through media, literature, and events dedicated to uplifting positive images of Black relationships. This movement counters narratives of broken or absent family structures within Black communities, instead highlighting stories of committed partnerships, strong family units, and supportive friendships that thrive on shared values, joy, and community resilience. TV shows like Black Love and social media movements have helped elevate these narratives, giving visibility to the diversity and richness of Black relationships.

Black Love is now a global cultural movement, embodying love as a source of joy, strength, and inspiration in all its forms, whether romantic, platonic, familial, or self-love.

1. The Role of Commitment and Sacrifice in Marriage: Traditional marriages often emphasize commitment through thick and thin. Explore how couples can prioritize long-term partnership over momentary challenges, highlighting the significance of patience, sacrifice, and enduring love.
2. Traditional Gender Roles vs. Modern Adaptations: Discuss how traditional gender roles within marriage, such as breadwinner and homemaker dynamics, have evolved. Address how couples can balance tradition with modern expectations and redefine roles in a way that works for their relationship.
3. Marriage as a Foundation for Family and Stability: In many cultures, traditional marriage serves as a pillar for building a stable family life. Examine the importance of marriage in raising children, creating a legacy, and fostering community connections.
4. Communication and Conflict Resolution in Long-Term Partnerships: Traditional marriages rely heavily on strong communication and conflict resolution skills to last. Discuss practical approaches for navigating disagreements and maintaining harmony over time.
5. The Significance of Cultural and Religious Traditions in Marriage: For many, traditional marriage is deeply rooted in cultural or religious practices. Explore how couples can honor these traditions while also embracing personal growth and autonomy within the relationship.