About The Diary of Black Men

The phenomenon known as “The Diary of Black Men” is an exciting and tantalizing theatrical production that has played to sold-out audiences in the U. S. and United Kingdom for nearly a quarter of a century. Written by Houstonian Thomas Meloncon, this choreopoem has stood the test of time and is the longest touring and most successful stage play in Black theatre history.

“They were spellbound in New York. emotions ran high in Chicago, the audience begged for more in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. The acting is raw and powerful! There will be tears, laughter, anger, and joy. – KMJQ radio Houston 

The play’s subtitle “How Do You Love A Black Woman?” provokes thoughts of a historical nature and magnitude. Originally penned in the late 70’s, this newly updated version addresses the issues of love, trust and black family values that have long been discussed by economists, politicians, theologians, social scientists, etc., thus making the black man, in the words of Mr. Meloncon, “…the most talked about animal in America.” This observation could very well be the catalyst that has consistently packed venues in every corner of this country and abroad. The play attempts to address that statement and the aforementioned question of black love through a series of vignettes and scenarios examining the relationships between Black men and women using six male stereotypes: The Player, The Blue Collar Worker, The Militant, The Intellectual, The Black Muslim, and The Pimp. 

“I’m the most talked about animal in America…the black man. Haunted and backed up against the wall by researchers and writers…” - Excerpts from “The Diary of Black Men” 

The show is a remarkable presentation that passionately combines prose, poetry and dance that complements each other in a highly dramatic style. It has always been a revolutionary piece that delivers art and social commentary creating an emotional response from its audience. It opens with the men perched upon pedestals in tableau. Being true to their stereotype and character, each male offer their pitch to impress the lone female character in the play. The Muslim for instance, offers protection, but with it goes submission. “Come my sister; learn your place as my wife.” The Player, a glib smooth operator claims, “I am all man, from head to toe.” The Working Man boasts that he “always supports his family.” The Militant says he’s “not the problem but he is the solution.” The Intellectual claims to possess “The three main ingredients any Black woman seeks in a Black man: education, intelligence, and a solid bank account.”  Slick, a new-age pimp, promises a better way of life brimmed with excitement and romance. The play’s one female character is an exceptional dancer, represents Black women but has no speaking part in the production. 

“The Diary of Black Men” is a justly redeeming morality play laced with comedy and drama, revealing, tantalizing and provocative talk about Black men and their voice in the Human conversation.