Black Fatherhood:

Shem Hotep ("I go in peace").


Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. I believe in the brotherhood of man, all men, but I don’t believe in brotherhood with anybody who doesn’t want brotherhood with me. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering



Black Fatherhood:

Being a father is one of the most important roles & responsibilities in a man’s life. Being a positive influence to ones child’s life (lives) while instilling morals, self-esteem & the seeds for a successful life is one that is vital to the African-American child...male & female.

Over the years, African-American men have constantly been perpetrated as bed-hopping, good for nothing, irresponsible men who leave a trail of women & abandoned children in their wake. Much of these modes of thinking have been perpetuated by the media, society AND by African-American’s themselves. While there might be some bad apples in the barrel, the whole bunch didn't fall from the same tree.
Sadly, African-American families (including a mother & father that are married & live under the same roof) are the exception rather than the rule. Many in the community as well as various community leaders find this alarming & are urging for change.....for our children's sake.

"The Cosby Show" in the 80's & 90's let America know and "reminded" African-American's that we, too, can have thriving, happy, functional homes with attentive mothers & fathers working together to raise a family. The "player" mentality is one that has caused much harm to our families as of late. Granted...not everyone is living the "Cosby family" dream life (regardless of race) but the visual of such a utopian family existence is the one that even I still fantasize about. But is that such an unrealistic "reality"?

It has been debated for ages whether the enslavement of blacks in America have actually created & helped propel the breakup of the black family. In slavery, little regard was taken to the black slave family unit & owners sold off fathers, mothers & children when the occasion arose. The black man was stripped of his freedom, his manhood and his family. His self respect was taken and often his life....for being a Black man. The years of oppression just may be a contributing factor to black man's "fight or flight" reflex. But in recognition of the African-American fathers who do take care of their children & to the African-American men who take on a "father figure" role for children who have an absentee father, your efforts, patience & love does NOT go unnoticed. African-American children & this community as a whole can only benefit by such leaders. By seeing that "fathers don't leave", these examples of black men instills in children & again the community that in order for us to be a successful, prosperous & healthy people, we MUST start with the home....with a solid foundation. Otherwise, we are contributing to the detriment this community already endures from society and economical factors with the lack of emotional commitment for our families. Keep your head up, Black dads everywhere. You are loved, appreciated & respected. You are paving the way for our future generations. Thank you for your strength amidst adversity.




Daddy: Black Strong & Proud
My daddy
Black, strong & proud
Has a way of making everything right
He plays with me
He reads to me
He tucks me in & kisses me good night
He lets me ride on his back
Everything he does is with a smile
My daddy
Black, strong & proud
Has a way of showing his love
He kisses mommy
He cooks for mommy
He nurses mommy back to health when she’s sick
He tells mommy “I love you”
Everything he does is without haste
My daddy
Black, strong & proud
Has a way of doing what’s right
He doesn’t run when he’s scared
He doesn’t yell when he’s mad
He doesn’t regret his role as husband & father
everything he does is with respect
My daddy is a man I want to someday be.