As the mother of a black son, I am particularly interested in the best way to steer him to success on all levels. In my reading, like in this article, there is one common denominator that guarantees success more often than not--their father living in the home.
The media is overflowing with stories about the plight of the black man. Matter of fact, as a test, I typed the words "The Black Male" into Google to see what would come up and this is the first item I got. If you were to come from another planet--or country for that matter--and just take the media's view of black men at face value this is what you would surmise about them:
Black boys stay in trouble.
Black young men are in jail.
Black daddies don't stick around.
I love black men/daddies—not just because I have one or because I’m married to one. I love them simply because they are like an enigma to society at large. Sure some black daddies don't stick around, but there are many who do. Where are the stories of those black men who are shouldering their responsibilities? I can name off more than a few. I’m surrounded by black daddies who are there every day—working, disciplining, wiping noses, giving baths, and tucking them in at night. Truth is, their stories are not heard or told enough. Right now I'm offering applause to all those daddies not representing the stereotype.
(Speaking of black daddies, head over to African American Dad, one my favorite new places to visit. Be sure to wish him a happy belated bday and read the antics of his three year old son! He also has a link to a cool site extoling the virtues of black men.)










