As we approach Fathers’ Day, it is important to lift up those Black American fathers who are doing what is right and good for their children, families, and communities. Too often when the issue of Black men is raised, it is done from a negative or pathological perspective.
The truth is, that today there are millions of Black American men who are strong providers, nurturers, and loving fathers working diligently to improve the quality of life for their families. It is unfortunate that most of the media attention appears to be predisposed only to focus on reporting the tragic dysfunctions of Black men and fathers.
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) offers more than just a counterbalance to the distorted and negative coverage by the so-called mainstream media in America. The NNPA’s member papers and Black Press USA are the consistent and balanced voices of Black America for news and analysis.
One of the fundamental human rights, is the right to self-determination. Black American-owned newspapers and other media companies are dedicated to give voice and visibility to support the overall progress of communities throughout the African Diaspora.
Thank you President Barack Obama for being both an effective president and a good father to your children and extended family.
President Obama’s example as a strong father is another significant antidote to the overplayed stereotype concerning the “absent” father figure in Black American families.
It is important to remember that earlier this year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics released a study on the vital role that fathers play in parenting. This study rebuked the misguided notion that Black American fathers were more delinquent than other fathers in the U.S. In fact, the CDC and the National Center for Health Statistics have now reported that Black American fathers were in many instances “more involved with their kids on a daily basis than fathers from other racial groups.”
Yes, there are serious internal and external challenges to our families and communities. The point here, is that in order to solve our problems, we have to have more accurate analysis and less finger pointing at one another. We all have to be responsible, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.
We also support President Obama’s new national initiative “My Bother’s Keeper” for young Black (and Latino) males, and the call by many to correspondingly include an initiative “My Sister’s Keeper.” In each of these initiatives, the roles of fathers will be key to success.
I highly recommend that we all read books by Roberta L. Coles, a professor of sociology at Marquette University and a leading scholar on the subject of Black American fathers. Recommended books include: “The Best Kept Secret: Single Black Fathers” and “The Myth of the Missing Black Father: The Persistence of Black Fatherhood in America.”
Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March in Washington, D.C.
For the last two decades, the trend of more responsible and accountable Black American fathers has been steadily growing. We should, therefore, salute and celebrate all fathers, but in particular, let’s stand to say “thank you” to all our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers who have given so much toward the advancement and empowerment of Black America.
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is president of Education Online Services Corporation and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and can be reached at: http://drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/drbfc
DISCLAIMER: The beliefs and viewpoints expressed in opinion pieces, letters to the editor, by columnists and/or contributing writers are not necessarily those of OurWeekly.
