Black Male of the Month:
Albert D. Williams, Jr.

My best friend, Albert D. Williams, 39 yrs. old should be the Black Male of the Month. This is a man of few means with a heart as precious as diamonds and warm as the sun. I have seen this man sacrifice his entire personal life to be a hard working man and single father. Al works three rotating shifts plus overtime. When his shift permits he takes his son and daughter and other children in his neighborhood to school each day and picks them up after school. Attends school events, parent teacher conferences and school plays, basketball practice and basketball games.

Never once complaining about his lack of proper rest. Al has total custody of his only son, he is four years old, Al has a total of four children. His four children love this man in a way that can only be seen with the naked eye, the relationship they have cannot be described by words alone. He encourages his children in whatever they want to do, and will help then emotionally and financially in anyway he can. Not to mention Al sends his son and youngest daughter to private school to ensure them of a proper education.

Al started a college course several years ago and never continued due to the demands in his life, his work schedule changing and being the unselfish person that he is. His desire of opening his own business has been put on hold for sometime now. He says he wants to return to school to complete the 6 months he has left to obtain his degree, but obstacles seems to always surface to prevent him from doing so. But with his determination I know that day will eventually come.

It seems there is always some issue that comes up or a favor he promised to do for someone or something else, no or I cannot is not in his vocabulary. Al will help a stranger on the street without having to think twice about it. He never looks for a thank-you, gifts or monetary rewards for doing something for someone. In fact on Christmas he never wants anyone to buy him anything, just seeing everyone else happy is enough for him.

I tell him that certain people will take ones kindness for a weakness and will use you, but he will still do a favor for that person anyway. When his shift permits, Al drives his mom to and from work each day, even if he just left work at 11:00 p.m. arrived at home by 1:00 a.m. and will take her to work at 4:00 a.m., he also takes her to the grocery store, doctor appointments, hair appointments, or wherever, she needs to go even if that means driving her to and from Pittsburgh to comfort and nurse her terminally ill brother.

I guess love has no price tag or limitations, because this man is living proof of that, he adores his mom, they have a bond that only a mother and son can define. I respect him beyond words for the relationship he has with her. It is a rare gem.

Last year, it was nothing for him to take a leave of absence from work without pay when his father had a stroke, so he would be by his side consulting with the doctors and helping to care for him upon his release. Just having time for himself, to see a movie or attend a concert or sporting event is a hard task because family comes first.

Al never complains about the many hats that he has to wear. He wears them proudly. His needs and wants come last in his life but, eventually the children will be grown and not dependent upon him. His dream will come true and his life will begin. . Until then, I just want him to know that I totally love and respect him. Sacrifice is one of Al's strong attributes he is truly a great black father and truly a great black man that deserves only the best life can bring, and I want everyone else that reads this to know it too.

If Al somehow ever found out that I sent this recognition in he would say he doesn't deserve it. So if no one has ever told Al that he was special or that they appreciate him and respect him, I will because he his all that.

I have two sons of my own, my youngest son who is four has an absent father, but he adores and loves Al like he is his father. I truly appreciate the love and attention he shows my son. I hope when my two sons have grown-up they have as much courage and determination knowing that family comes first in your life.

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