Fathers Make A Difference

Photo of David Miller

To build a community, men and fathers must serve as the building block, the foundation and the base. If the base or foundation of a towering skyscraper is weak, the skyscraper will collapse and shatter into fragments of confusion and bedlam. At present, the African American community is weak and on the verge of collapse because the foundation is weak. In any highly functioning community, the foundation must be made up of caring and committed fathers who are connected to family life.

Without positive and supportive men and fathers, communities do not exist. Presently, Black communities, as we once knew them, do not exist. Instead, we have clusters of chaos, and our inability to protect ourselves has resulted in our inability to protect our women and our children. Unfortunately, Black women have tried to do what Black men have failed to do; that is, to provide for and protect the family. It is an awesome responsibility that should not be placed solely on the backs and shoulders of our women.

In the midst of this turmoil and the multiple challenges that confront the African American community, many are clear that the deterioration of the Black family still remains one of the single greatest challenges. The absent of Black fathers in far too many homes has contribute significantly to the deterioration of both family and community life.

Fatherlessness has reached epidemic proportions in the African American community. Moreover, according to numerous studies and reports, the impact of "fatherlessness" on the lives of children (both boys and girls) can be both psychologically and emotionally devastating. Furthermore, according to economist, William Julius Wilson, the absence of a male role model and additional breadwinner has created significant social and economic problems for Black families and communities.

Enough is enough! Fathers make a difference. Countless studies conclude, and our own personal experiences offer clear evidence that fathers in the lives of children can help deter them from crime, pre-marital sex, substance abuse and the plethora of destructive behaviors that can placed them at high risk that often lead to personal failure. In addition, fathers in the lives of children can improve children's perceptions of family life and relationships, provide additional levels of emotional support and provide positive examples of manhood and womanhood.

In this premier issue of "BLACK FATHERHOOD," we will explore the challenges that confront African American fathers and offer hope and solutions to those fathers who are trying to make a difference - despite the odds. Finally, this bold new magazine will endeavor to identify excellent Black men and fathers, blueprint the best of them for others and offer models for duplicating exceptional manhood/fatherhood character traits. We will make every attempt to promote the highest levels of fatherhood functioning, and in doing so, we will be able to rebuild our communities and restore the essence and strength of Black family and community life.

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