Black men are about this love thing.
With Valentine’s Day approaching this weekend, the holiday has traditionally been viewed from the perspective of women. However, 2026 marks a novel shift toward a more reciprocal celebration of partnership centered on love and romance. Black men should embrace February 14th with as much enthusiasm as women, not as a day of “obligation,” but as a rare opportunity to be on the receiving finish of intentional romance and appreciation.
Without question, Black men are redefining romance not with a cookie-cutter approach but as a multifaceted experience. Whether it’s through home-cooked meals that honor culinary heritage or weekend staycations, one thing is crystal clear: showing love by ensuring their partners sense seen, respected and loved.
Last year, several athletes got engaged to the partner of their dreams. These stories can show the power of loving out loud and how Valentine’s Day can be a launching pad to capture a relationship to the next level. For those still looking for a significant other, these athletes can inspire both in their field of play and in the love department.
Recent engagements among Black athletes are changing the game.
To make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable, here’s what Black male athletes are teaching us about love, commitment, and romance.
Donovan Mitchell Found A ‘Blessing’ In Coco Jones
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell and Grammy-winning singer-actress Coco Jones announced their engagement on July 11, 2025. Following the conclusion of Mitchell’s NBA season and after Jones’ dropped her debut album, Why Not More?, Mitchell proposed during their vacation at a tropical seaside resort. After she said “Yes”, he posted on social media with a video of himself dropping to one knee and then Jones showed her diamond engagement ring in a photo of the couple kissing at sunset.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Mitchell described his engagement as a “blessing.” “She’s amazing. She’s an amazing human being. She brings me peace,” Mitchell said. “She’s a special human. And you see it in her work, and to be able to call her my fiancée, my wife, is a blessing. So, I’m grateful.”
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods’ New York Love Story
After five years of dating, New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods shared their engagement on Christmas Day 2025. The proposal took place on the rooftop of Overstory, a cocktail bar in New York City. The couple shared the news through an Instagram post captioned, “Marry Christmas,” with photos of Towns proposing with an emerald-cut diamond ring. Towns told Heavy Sports that Wood’s intellectual curiosity is one of her best features.
“I definitely like stimulating conversation; that’s always been my thing. That’s what me and Jordyn have always had. And that’s what’s kept us always on our toes,” Towns said.
Kyle Kuzma And Winnie Harlow Are The ‘Model’ Couple
Following their five-year courtship, NBA star Kyle Kuzma and supermodel Winnie Harlow got engaged on February 13, 2025. Although traveling on a private jet toward Turks and Caicos, Kuzma proposed with a poem, surrounded by their families at a beachside dinner and fireworks. Harlow was presented with a custom 8.5-carat oval-cut diamond engagement ring. In his newsletter, Kuzma wrote about how Harlow completes him as a man.
“Basketball has taken me all over, but through it all, having that special person by my side has made all the difference,” Kuzma said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this shift in focus toward Black men and Valentine’s Day?
The article states that 2026 marks a new shift toward a more reciprocal celebration of partnership centered on love and romance, moving away from a traditionally female-focused perspective on the holiday.
What did Donovan Mitchell say about his engagement?
Mitchell described his engagement to Coco Jones as a “blessing” and expressed gratitude for her presence in his life, stating she brings him peace.
Where did Karl-Anthony Towns propose to Jordyn Woods?
Karl-Anthony Towns proposed to Jordyn Woods on the rooftop of Overstory, a cocktail bar in New York City, on Christmas Day 2025.
What does a meaningful expression of love glance like to you?
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