Many people say love is an action, but here at Black Love, we know that the words matter, too. People want to see how you love and the capacity you have for love, but they also want to hear the words. 

Black Love’s “I Love You” digital video, available to watch on the Black Love YouTube channel, shows just how important those three little words mean, especially on Valentine’s Day. We asked several people to call someone at random, without any prior planning, and tell them the words we all want to hear: “I love you.” 

Some people chose to call their mothers, grandmothers, and aunts, while others chose to call a friend or significant other. There were a few laughs, some heartfelt moments, an overwhelming feeling of joy — and even a little bit of skepticism. 

“Hey ma, I just wanted to call and tell you I love you” one man says, to which his mother replies, “I love you too. What’s wrong?” before they both start laughing.

One woman chose to call her best friend and both ladies fought back tears as they shared their love for one another.

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“Hey girl! I just wanted to call and tell you that I love you so much,” the woman says, to which her friend responds, “Thank you, I needed that so much. I really did. You caught me at the best time possible.” 

After the call, each participant dived deep into why they chose to call that specific person and tell them that they love them. 

“The relationship between my mom and myself has actually grown deeper since I left her [at home] with such a far distance,” explains one man about why he called his mother. “At this point, we talk everyday and I think that’s something that’s — not stigmatized — but Black people don’t say it enough in their households, in terms of ‘I love you’ and giving hugs. So I’ve made an effort to tell her I love her more.” 

The woman who chose to call her bestie says she decided to pick her because “she has really modeled for me what all love should look like, but especially romantic love.” 

“That’s my best friend. She be taking me on dates, flying me out, taking such good care of me, complimenting me” the woman says as tears well up in her eyes. “So I never feel a lack of love in any way.”

February is a month all about love, so take a note from Black Love, check out the “I Love You” digital series, and call someone you love today.