DAVID C. MILLER, M.ED: A "VILLAGE DAD" WITH POWERFUL LIFE LESSONS
By: Diane A. Sears
 There have always been Men in our communities and in our society who are or have become -- to use a term coined by Mr. Bandele Adeyami, Executive Director of Men On The Move -- "Village Dads." "Village Dads" are Men who not only mentor, inspire, chastise and create opportunities and provide resources for their own children, but also mentor, inspire, chastise and create opportunities and provide resources for the children in their neighborhoods and communities. In some instances, many "Village Dads" are filling a void. In the eyes of "Village Dads" our children represent our future. There are many "Village Dads" in neighborhoods and communities throughout our global village who are creating opportunities and resources, "filling voids" for our children and providing them with powerful life lessons. David C. Miller, M.Ed. is such a man - a "Village Dad."
Miller is a thirty-something, educator, social entrepreneur and community activist. He has written and developed life-transforming programs for young and adolescent African American males which help them, among other things, to redefine manhood, challenge current myths and stereotypes about masculinity, and positively channel anger and negative energy into positive energy. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of The Urban Leadership Institute, LLC in Towson, Maryland and the author of an inspiring and boundary-transcending work, "Lessons I Learned From My Father: A Collection Of Quotes From Men Of African Descent."
Mr. Miller moderates through "Lessons I Learned From My Father: A Collection Of Quotes From Men Of African Descent," an intimately profound discussion on courage, marriage, sex, fatherlessness, character, love, anger, justice, advice, manhood, raising boys, making mistakes, friends, work ethic, life, death, our mothers and money among Men from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. And Mr. Miller has something to say about these issues as well. On the issue of "love," Miller, in his book, makes the following poignant observation:
"One of the most important yet undervalued human emotions is love. Throughout time love has repaired relationships, ended family disputes and helped parents get through hard times. Love always will be the universal emotion that we all seek regardless of color, class or demographics. When we begin to explore the notion of a father's love, this becomes an important emotion that must be factored into raising healthy boys. The love between a father and a son can be priceless! In many respects the power of love can be witnessed when you see a father helping his son complete a task for the first time; get his first 'A' on a spelling test; ride a bike; and make his first shot on the basketball court. In many instances, we underestimate the power of a loving father through the media's negative portrayals we tend to regard the role of fathers as merely breadwinners. This portrayal minimizes fathers to a paycheck versus human beings capable of showing love toward other males. Love is the fundamental emotion that we need to reduce the likelihood that our sons will fill jail cells, recovery houses and cemeteries!"
"Lessons I Learned From My Father: A Collection Of Quotes From Men Of
African Descent" is an empowering and soulful work that humanizes Men and Fathers.
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