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The viral interview with August Alsina and Angela Yee, set into motion a series of events that no one could have expected, even with the hot mess of a year we all know as 2020. Last week, August sat down with Angela Yee to discuss his newest album (Product III: StateofEMERGEncy), along with addressing what he’s been up to during his time away from the spotlight.
Within the interview, he confirmed his relationship with Jada Pinkett-Smith and even stated that he had Will’s “blessing”. After several days of rumblings and Black Twitter trying to get to the bottom of it; Will and Jada elected to sit down at Jada’s “Red Table Talk” show to discuss this rumored romance. To follow, are 3 key lessons I received from watching these interviews and how we can take an introspective glimpse into our own relationships.
- Accountability – I think it’s important to understand what true accountability looks like. Accountability is defined as taking responsibility as part of an obligation to a specific role, job, or out of legal obligation. Jada is obligated to her family and Will, to tell the truth of her actions. They both confirmed that none of the previous statements provided were their own surrounding this situation. Neither Will nor Jada are necessarily obligated to share such personal details regarding their marriage. However, with Jada building an entire show on healing and transparency, she felt it her duty to show this part of her journey as well. Although she (unwillingly) confirmed there was an “entanglement” (a complicated or compromising relationship or situation), she didn’t really take responsibility for the pain she caused for both men on her way to “self-healing”. Even if she apologized privately, it would have been more impactful for her to at least acknowledge this aspect of the journey. Within our own journey’s in marriage and other intimate relationships, it’s important that we show up and continue to hold ourselves accountable.
- Healing – To heal means to make healthy, whole or sound; restore to health, or free from ailment. During this candid conversation, Jada mentions this several times. When Will asked, “What were you looking for?” and she responded with “wanting to feel good” like Halle in Monster Ball, I think we all winced a bit. The realization that she was searching outside of herself for happiness came at a price. The Red Table literally revolves around healing, but with Jada considering herself already at a place of peace, this shows that she is human. When you are at a true place of peace and helping other, it’s important to at least acknowledge your shortcomings. Humility is such a key component of healing individually and while assisting others throughout their journey.
- Communication – This is by far the most important lesson throughout this entire situation. We hear Will say he was “Done,” however he also says they just separated. His body language after saying he was “Done,” indicates that he still wasn’t sure. Although Jada corrects him and says “no, we were done”, I think this reflects miscommunication. His words may have said one thing out of anger, but Jada took this as absolute causing an entire entanglement. However, I can say that the transparency and willingness for both of them to be able to have an open and honest conversation with each other is such a crucial aspect of any relationship, but especially within marriage. It is within these open, honest and vulnerable conversations, no matter how uncomfortable, that lead to a higher level of intimacy and closeness that many strive for.
While the entire world seems to be divided on their various opinions of the Smith’s, and many even cancelling them as #relationshipgoals, it is important to note that within marriage we make a covenant with God. For better or for worse, and this was their worse. What’s yours? No one marriage will look the same and I commend them for being able to show the less glamourous side of marriage.
