All Articles Tagged "African American fathers"
Unemployed Dads Go to Work as Primary Caretakers
(TheLoop21) — With the recession raging on, black men are fighting higher-than-ever unemployment rates. The latest unemployment rates recorded in August 2011 found that unemployment among black males reached 18%, the highest in more than 25 years. But as the ax comes down at work and new opportunities dry up, many black fathers are easing into a new role: stay-at-home dad. Mohammed Wright, a new stay-at-home dad living in Southern California, was laid off two years ago. His original plan was to hit the pavement, network like mad, and land a new and better-paying job within a few months. But “a few months” turned into several months, and then a year with no good prospects in sight.
Bachelor Takes in 5 Siblings, Cousin
(Chicago Sun Times) – In early 2009, LeVan Williams was living the bachelor’s dream. He was a young, successful, pharmaceutical salesman, making a good salary and living in his posh Bronzeville condo. He holds several degrees, including biochemistry, technology and a master’s degree in business administration — he was even accepted to medical school. Life was good, but he felt something was missing. He knew he wanted to help his community. Why not adopt a kid in need? That was Williams’ plan — to take in a young boy who needed positive leadership; someone he could mold and give a good life to, the way he had a good life. He got more than he bargained for — six children. Starting out Williams, 39, was inspired while campaigning for Barack Obama. He remembered some powerful words from Obama: How are you going to help your community? Taking that question to heart, in early 2009, he made his decision to adopt. Williams knew he wanted a little boy. He completed his classwork to qualify him as a parent, and soon after, he got a call from the agency.
Churches Team Up With Million Father March to Usher in School Year
(Chicago Tribune) — After the organ and tambourines died down inside the packed Bright Star Church of God in Christ, Pastor Chris Harris led the hundreds among his flock north on East 44th Street to the Woodson Middle School campus. Harris and his parishioners ringed the school, raised their palms and prayed for safety and scholastic excellence when classes start for most Chicago students on Tuesday. The act is to be replicated by dozens of other faith leaders and congregations this week at schools across the city, Harris said.
Million Father March Asks Dads to Take Kids to School
(Palm Beach Post) — A simple thing like taking your child to school can be a jumping-off point in becoming more active in a student’s education, said Ron Leonard, president of the Black Educators Caucus of Palm Beach County. That’s why, when school starts Monday, he’s hoping to see a lot of fathers queuing up in front of the entrance to schools across the county. The caucus has signed Palm Beach County on to participate in the Million Father March, a national initiative that urges fathers, grandfathers and other male role models to take their kids to the first day of school.
Obama Administration Deals With Daddy Issues
(The Root) — It sometimes rubs people the wrong way. But President Obama has a tendency to talk about parental responsibility, especially as it pertains to absentee dads, when addressing African-American audiences. “Michelle and I happen to be black parents, so I may add a little ‘umph’ to it when I’m talking to black parents,” he joked to the National Urban League last summer by way of explanation. Of course, fatherlessness is hardly an issue specific to black families. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million children in America – one out of three – live in biological father-absent homes. However, the figure rises to nearly two in three among African-American children in particular, and, according to the National Fatherhood Initiative, young people without dads around are more likely to drop out of school, use drugs, engage in criminal behavior, and become young parents themselves.
Every Step Of The Way: One Dad’s Journey
Dad Victor Freeman on a trip to Disney with his son and daughter
Not all men are afraid of being a Dad. We know one who embraced the role…after a few lessons.
