Black Fathers are by far the most important piece to the puzzle of any black family. They protect the family from harm, they naturally bring identity to the family, they bring guidance, they give security, and so much more.
But for many years, many black fathers have been absent from the family as a whole. An article published at fatherhood.org speaks upon the many issues children face when the father is not present in the household.
It’s mind blowing to know that the absence of a father household can literally change the dynamic of the families future. According to the fatherhood.org website the absence of the father has lead to higher poverty rates, teen pregnancies, behavioral problems, child abuse, infant mortality, the use of drugs and alcohol, obesity, high school drop outs, and committing crimes—ending up in prison. This shows us just how important fathers are.
Daddy sets the tone of the home. However, black fathers always get the short end of the stick. Since the beginning of America, black men have been under attack in many ways. They haven’t been able to live the lovely lifestyle of freedom. Black men are targeted everyday.
They aren’t paid enough at work let alone hired for jobs in power. They don’t get enough recognition when they deserve it. They can barely walk past the cops without fearing for their lives. Black men often times battle with their true identity because of their upbringing without the father.
Because of these issues and many others, the black man has barely had a chance to be that black man he was destined to be. Because of welfare, many women felt extra money was a trade off for men.
Well, today the proof is in the pudding. Black women are working so hard today, the kids are barely taken care of properly. Mom is always working—making discipline a tough task without Dad.
I can relate for I grew up with my mother while my dad lived in another state. Granted I saw my Dad every summer; that just wasn’t enough. Even as a 30 woman I still wonder just how different my life would have been if I had my Dad growing up. I wonder if I would have went through so much pain. I wonder would we have had to struggle so much. I wonder how much different my decision making would be or how my judgement would be.
Looking around at the many young boys without fathers immediately makes me wonder how great they believe they are. I wonder if they know how much their worth. I wonder if they’ll know the role they’re to play with their future kids.
Black fathers are everything. Black father figures are more than necessary. Their role is critical. They set the tone and the standards for the black home. They show the little girl how beautiful she is. They show the boys how to be men.
There’s nothing better than seeing black fathers stepping to the plate as a black man. Black Fathers Matter.
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