By: Malik Pollard

Tyler Perry’s Zatima is now in its second season currently streaming on BET+ and it is surely going to spark plenty of conversation that all started in the cliffhanger from Season 1. Questions such as:

• How in the world are Bryce and Zac going to maintain a professional relationship after that attempted kiss?
• What is Angela going to do now that she has confirmation that Bryce might be Bi?
• What secrets are Zatima holding on to and are her own demons affecting her relationship with Zac?

Probably the most important takeaway from that is the state of “Black Love.”

BLACK LOVE! A term we often hear today…Black Love. Well, I’ll tell you what I think of when I hear the term being used. I feel that we use this term as a reminder that Black men and women can and do have healthy relationships despite what the media and unfortunately ourselves like to portray.

It is a reminder that we all didn’t grow up in broken homes with “Baby Mama Drama” and absentee “Dead Beat Dads” and toxic relationships. It’s true that poverty and drugs played a major role in the dismantling of many Black Families across the United States, and our glorified gangster shows continue to show the toxicity of the Black Family.

However, there are shows like Zatima that are being bold in showing how childhood trauma shows up in relationships (not just intimate ones), and how we must deal with it to build healthy relationships with men, women, and with each other in general. Also, this season stresses communication, transparency, and a true definition that what we all seek is a life partner. As life partners, you define what is acceptable in your relationship. What is acceptable should be between the two of you, the heck what your friends say, and you shouldn’t let the opinion of society dictate either.

So, is “Love Worth Fighting For?” That is the million-dollar question that Zac and Fatima may have to face this season. Zac has two baby mothers, Fatima has a secret that I’m sure Zac will receive an uppercut to the gut that he’s not prepared for. Deja is still being messy and trying to get some of the “Zac Attack”. Angela ghosting Bryce as opposed to being a grown woman and addressing the situation, which is kind of messed up considering women hate when men do the same thing. However, I digress.

There are so many plot twists and funny antics in this season that will keep you watching week to week (By the way BET+, why are you making us wait a week to week anyways [mad emoji face]). One thing we know for sure is that Zatima will give us a display of “Black Love” in its purest and unapologetic form. Who are we to judge any form of love representative of Black, white, gay, straight, poly, or otherwise? Mind your business and let love live. Just remember the most important thing is transparency and communication. Do Zac and Fatima have that? We will have to see.