As I reflect on Father's Day, I came to a realization. The realization is that so many times in relationships or marriages instead of men being viewed as partners or priorities, they are merely viewed as accessories. While he might not be craving the attention openly (because men aren't raised that way), it doesn't mean he doesn't desire acknowledgement and appreciation. Here … [Read more...]
5 Lessons in Fatherhood from President Obama
[tps_header] Even though, President Obama didn’t grow up with his father…he turned out to be a good father. And I think he is a great example of fathers that break the cycle of abandoning their children. The thing is, it’s easy to forget that President Obama experienced the pain of not knowing his dad when we see him being the leader of the free world. In his book, Dreams … [Read more...]
This Mom Pens a Tough Open Letter to Her Child’s Father Behind Bars
Dear T, This is undoubtedly one of the hardest pieces I've ever written. Here I am, pen in hand, scribing a letter to you. Longing to see your eyes fill with tears receiving the gifts our daughter so thoughtfully made for you. She's grown so much. I vividly remember the day she was born. Thursday, January 27, 2011 is the first and only time I recall viewing life through … [Read more...]
A Few Good Men: Our Adorable Gallery of Celebrity Dads and Their Kids
[tps_header]We wanted to highlight the celebrity dads who rep fatherhood well. These 15 celebrity dads—and granddads—are inspirations in their professions but are even bigger idols to the children who call them dad. 15 Celebrity Dads Who Are Never Too Busy to Show Their Fatherly Love [/tps_header] Funny man Kevin Hart poses for the 'Gram with daughter Heaven and son … [Read more...]
5 Ways Being a Father Has Blessed Me Even Though I Didn’t Have One
Becoming a father was one of the most important moments of my life. I didn’t have an active father in my own life, so I didn’t have a full scope of the impact fatherhood would have on my life. But now I can see how fatherhood has blessed my life immeasurably. I can honestly say that when a baby is born, a father is born, and there’s nothing like the unconditional love that a … [Read more...]
The Real MVPs; 9 Reasons Why We Love Our Dads
[tps_header] Life as a black man in America isn’t easy. Time and time again, history has shown us that our men are devalued, disrespected and stigmatized in the most damaging ways. As a woman who didn’t grow up having a good relationship with her father, some would expect me to have harsh words for the man that gave me life. I don’t. I’m not mad at him or what … [Read more...]
Join us for the #ThanksBaby Father’s Day Twitter Party: Monday June 13th
This is part of a sponsored campaign with P&G Pampers. All opinions are my own. On Monday, June 13, 2016 we are partnering with Pampers to honor dads for just being dads. We want to thank them for all of the amazing things, big and small, they do to help little ones have a better, loving, more fulfilled life. And we're also going to be encouraging all dads to take a … [Read more...]
“Happy Father’s Day…Mom!” Should Single Mothers be Honored on Father’s Day?
One Father’s Day morning, Lil’ Joe gave me a Father’s Day card at church. I was so thankful! He was 10 years old back then. And when Jasmyn was 20, she gave me this beautifully hand-written Father’s Day card. I was so humbled. But I couldn’t help but wonder if Lil’ Joe also gave a card to Big Joe, his father. And if Jasmyn wrote her father a nice Father’s Day card … [Read more...]
My Father Taught Me How to Recognize a Good Man, And This is How He Did It
When I was growing up, my father rarely set me down to explain "what a good man is." He taught me through his actions. And when I started dating boys, he also told me things like, "Ronnie, a boy should come to the door when he's picking you from the house..." Or, " A young man shouldn't ever treat you that way." My father's example of manhood was so strong that it is … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Flood Social Media with Positive Images of Amazing Black Dads this Father’s Day
Will you join me in spreading an essential message this Father’s Day? One that clearly demonstrates phenomenal black fathers do exist. Do you happen to be married to an amazing man who also happens to be an excellent father? Or were you raised by a dynamic dad who ensured you felt loved, protected and supported? If so, those men deserve some serious acknowledgement and … [Read more...]
Spoil Your Man on Father’s Day By Giving Him What He Really Wants…Nothing
This is part of a sponsored campaign with Johnsonville. All opinions are my own. If you are like me, you will ask your man what he wants on Father’s Day. And if your man is anything like my man, then he’ll probably say: “Nothing.” Occasionally, he may request some type of recently released technical gadget or an item that he needs but has not purchased for himself. But … [Read more...]
Erica and Warryn Campbell Share Why It’s So Important to Celebrate Our Black Men this Father’s Day
We are so happy to have an opportunity to talk to the Award-winning producer, Warryn Campbell and his wife, Erica Campbell (Grammy winning Gospel artist.) We talked to Erica and Warryn about Father’s Day and the importance of celebrating men, and in particular, the black man on this day. They both are in agreement that fathers are not getting the same type of love and … [Read more...]
3 Lessons My Father Taught Me about Love, Even Though He Wasn’t Perfect
In honor of Father's Day this year, I'd like to share a few things I've learned over time through the relationship with my dad. Having a father figure in your life is very important and shouldn't be overlooked. I've learned some valuable lessons through the good, bad and ugly times. The ways about love that, through reflection and spiritual growth, have impacted how I approach … [Read more...]
5 Things Every Father Should Share with His Sons
As we approach Father’s Day, we are often thinking about the gifts we can give our Fathers. I’m led to reflect on the gifts my father, grandfather and other father figures in my life gave to me. It’s important as a man for me to realize where my foundation comes from. In my case, it comes from those life lessons from my Dad and Grandfather. Respect My grandfather was a … [Read more...]
How to Separate GREAT Fathers from Weak Links
The time of year where American children have the opportunity to collectively celebrate fathers is nearly here. Father’s Day, the third Sunday in June, is the National Holiday that commemorates fathers. More than celebrating fathers, Father’s Day is a referendum on the paternal unions existing between fathers and children and the societal influence fathers have on their … [Read more...]