Panther Den  

Show Notes

• Archived Blog Post

  Date / Time: 9/14/2009 9:49 PM UTC

  Black fathers - present and accounted for!
  

   

  My father died when I was just 12.  In fact, it was two days before my 13th birthday.  It was an aweful time for my family.  We persevered through the teen years me, my brother and sister experienced and all went to college.  By all accounts, we are all doing well.  Our father  left an indelible mark on our lives.  He'd put some things in place that remained in place even after his death.  Things like be home before the street lights come on; do well in school and respect your elders came naturally after all his years of indoctrination.
  
  My father set the tone for our home. He was a swift and severe disciplinarian who was just as quick at smiling, laughing, hugging, picking up, playing with and encouraging us.  I can still see him throwing my baby brother around to my mother's horror, the baby's glee and our amazement. He always worked multiple jobs to take care of us. He helped me see what I did and didn't want in a husband for me and a father for my children.
  
  There are millions of Black men out there today who are doing the same thing.  Unfortunately, it's the deadbeats who get most of the media play.  Until President OBama came along, the media had the world thinking that good fathers do not exist in the Black community.  In fact, they now have portrayed him as an anomaly as opposed to one of millions.  Black men everywhere are acting daddies to the children they have fathered.  These men have partnered with the mothers of their children and are making co-parenting and blended families work.  They are present and available, addressing the needs of their children and sometimes even addressing the needs of the mothers.
  
  I thank God for my father's impression on me that has remained in tact for over 30 years.  I thank God for the millions of Black fathers everywhere who are teaching their sons to be men and their daughters what to accept from men.  President Obama is not an anomaly.  He is one in an army of millions.
  
  Peace,
  The Diva
  

  • Tags:
  • Black fathers family
  • Permalink

Comments

Firestartercougar 9/15/2009 3:31 PM UTC I am in total agreement. Children don't remember the check, they remember...the memories. It's important to make the children the focus. If we could all do that, we would not have the situations that we have with children feeling abandon because either the mother is harboring anger or the father(in many cases) can't seperate his feelings for the mother from his responsibilities to his children. They cycle becomes vicious and ugly when one or more of the parties focus and goal is not on the healthy raising of their children. Communication is so important. If they listen closely enough, you can hear the children crying out. Firestarter

You are not logged in. Please log in to write a comment.