Larenz Tate Says Black Men Shouldn't Take Black Women's 'loyalty' For Granted, And Teaches His Sons The Same (exclusive)

The 'Michael' star and new Bevel skincare ambassador opens up about his 18-year marriage and the recent online discourse around fidelity, dating and relationships

NEED TO KNOW

• Larenz Tate opens up about his wife of 18 years, Tomasina
• The Michael star shares his thoughts on the beauty of Black relationships
• Tate, the new face of Bevel body cream, reveals the love advice he gives his four sons

When it comes to love and relationships, Larenz Tate can speak from experience.

"We're coming up on 19 years. Next year will be our 20th," the Michael star and new face of Bevel body cream says of his anniversary with wife Tomasina.

"I feel like when it comes to relationships, everything has to be what you want it to be. I can't have the same marriage or relationship that you might have," he continued. "It has to be unique to myself and my wife because I'm not married to the rest of the world. I'm married to Tomasina and we do what we do, how we do it."

When the pair first met in their 20s, "I didn't realize that this would be my wife, that's for sure," says the 50-year-old perennial heartthrob. "But I'm happy that I called her and she picked up the phone and the rest is history."

Their bond grew due to a shared outlook. "It goes back to compatibility, friendship, having similar goals and alignment," he shares. "You've got to share upfront the kind of things you want and be open to growth."

Another key to their relationship is having "common ground," something that he says came easily due to their shared Black culture. "Black love is unconditional," says Tate. "The support of Black women is so special because of their loyalty."

And that "loyalty," the Love Jones star adds, "is something Black men should never take for granted. The love is unwavering."

The star's reflections come in the wake of increased online discourse surrounding dating and fidelity following Megan Thee Stallion's contentious split from NBA star Klay Thompson.

Regarding the ongoing hot-button conversation around relationship woes within the Black community, Tate says, "I always say this to our people when I talk to Black men and Black women: I feel like certainly there's a healing that we need to have in general."

"A lot of times, we've heard so many different things. 'You can't trust this, you can't trust that with a Black man or a Black woman,' " he says. "And we are here to dispel all that. Black love is love that is unconditional, love that is meaningful and love that is real."

It's a message he says he passes on to his four sons, Myles, Xander, Zion and another little one he shares with Tomasina.

"You can love whoever you want. I tell my boys the same way: love whoever, but always give Black women a chance and allow Black women to give you a chance. Experience it and see what it is. Give it an opportunity." Adds Tate, "And so far, so good."

The star says that he and their mom Tomasina are happy to be an example.

"She's our she-ro," he says of his wife. "She reminds me a lot of my mother, who raised three sons. And my parents are still together. They've been together since high school. People always say, 'You're like a repeat of your parents.' To see their longevity has been an inspiration and motivation to us."