Source: Black Celeb Kids

Reality personality and actress Tami Roman’s daughter Lyric recently graduated from high school last Friday, and her proud mother and sister, Jazz, were there to help commemorate the day. Lyric is doing big things, as she graduated as a National Honor Society member and will be attending Pepperdine University in the fall. Both of these young ladies (with their two-toned hair) look exactly like big momma Tam Tam. Don’t you agree?

Source: Black Celeb Kids

Another big event to celebrate, to enjoy Father’s Day celebrations last Sunday (the 17th that is), Andre Benjamin and Antwan Patton hung out with their sons in the ATL. Andre 3000 brought his son Seven (with Erykah Badu), and Big Boi kicked it with his sons Cross and Bamboo. Interesting names, mad cute kids. By the way, I love that I can see both Andre and Erykah in Seven immediately. He’s like the perfect fusion of both of them…

Source: Black Celeb Kids

Source: Black Celeb Kids

Usher also shared photos of his little men during his Father’s Day celebrations as they got all funky fresh dressed to impress and ready to party with pops. Absolutely digging the bow ties and those suspenders. Can you say adorable? Usher also shared photos of Navyid (on the left) and Usher Raymond V getting cute with their dad. It’s safe to say that he looks his hottest when in dad mode.

Source: Twitter

Source: Twitter

Source: Twitter

And last but not least, one of the crunkest cast members on “Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta,” Lil Scrappy sat down with Rolling Out magazine to talk about being a father to 7-year-old Emani. As he says, “[I just] want to let [Emani] know that a man is suppose to treat her with respect, like a queen. She needs to know God.” Ain’t that the truth! She is his daughter with Erica Dixon, his girlfriend on “Love & Hip-Hop.” Big LOL at his face next to her big smile.

Source: Black Celeb Kids

Big ups as usual to Black Celeb Kids, and we hope all these images brighten up your day *does a toothy smile*

More on Madame Noire!

• Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind The Making of School Daze
• They’ve Got a Story To Tell: Celebs Who Went From Top Ramen to Top Dollar
• If I Wanted to Deal With Kids, I’d Have My Own: A Letter to Parents Who Think Everyone Loves Their Kid as Much as They Do
• Let’s Talk, Ladies: Are You Afraid Of The “S” Word?
• My Story: For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide When the Law Couldn’t Protect Them From Incest
• Evening Eye Candy: NFL Baller Ray Edwards
• HALF ON A BABY: The Top 7 Ways You’ll Know He’s Ready For Kids

bossip.com

Let’s face it, the lure of marriage just isn’t what it used to be and while it remains a goal for many, for a growing number of women it isn’t as important as finding a strong partner and a great father.

Despite peer pressure, there’s nothing wrong with going half on a baby with the right guy. It’s easier than you think. The right guy is a ready guy.

Even if he did put a ring on it, that doesn’t mean he’s ready to be a dad yet, or ever. Hopefully you talked about that kinda stuff ahead of time, but when it comes to your kids, actions are always safer than words.

Here are a few ways to know when the guy in question is ready to go half on a baby….

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Dear Papa,

First, let me say thank you. Thank you for being my first example of what it looks like when a man unconditionally loves a woman. Thank you for sticking around although society said it was okay to run. I know that you and mommy got married fairly young and now that I am of age I can only imagine that hardships that you two must’ve encountered being a young couple and new parents. According to society it is   almost a natural occurrence for young black males to succumb to the pressures of life and walk out on his family. You, however, proved society wrong because you stuck around. Good times, bad times, happy times, sad times, up times, down times you were there. Growing up I didn’t always understand your reasoning behind some of the things that you did, but even when I would loudly object deep down inside I knew that someway, somehow it was for my own good. I blindly felt my way through some of the life lessons that you taught me, some lessons that only a father could. I would grin widely during the times when I caught on to the lessons and pout sourly when I didn’t. Boy, did I know how to pout, especially when things didn’t go my way. I was never really fond of the word “no” but there was something about the way that you said no that used to shatter my little heart into a million pieces. I’d fold my arms, poke out my bottom lip, and storm away. I eventually graduated from pouting and folded arms to eye rolling and foot stomping, but through it all you never budged. Simply put, your yes meant YES and your no meant NO, there was no debate necessary. But, guess what Daddy?! I’m not mad anymore! No more pouting lips, folded arms, stopping feet or rolled eyes,I get it now. Thank you for not allowing me to self-destruct just to put a smile on my face. There was a method to your madness, an intended lesson that helped mold me into the young woman I am today. I now understand why you would not let me leave the pool until I jumped off of the diving board that day. You were teaching me to overcome my fears. Daddy, I get why you would put me back on that bike over and over again until I got it, no matter how many times I fell off and wanted to give up. You were teaching me perseverance. People thought you were crazy because by two years old you had taught me to sing “Say It Loud- I’m Black And I’m Proud” and although it was probably a hilarious sight to see, somewhere in there I learned to love and embrace my heritage, something that some adults still have a hard time doing. I understand why one day in the midst of one of our arguments you shouted at the top of your lungs “It’s my job to protect your virginity,” even though in that moment I rolled my eyes and walked away with my blood boiling, thinking that you were a total nutcase. But, I get it now, you weren’t crazy. You were just doing your job.

I now appreciate you telling me “absolutely not” when at 19 years old I called myself bringing home a 28 year old man to you and calling him my “boyfriend”. Between me and you Daddy, that was pretty outrageous. I could probably go on and on, we have stories for days, but the point of this letter is to say thank you for doing what you had to do. Thank you for those nights where you stayed up with me until the wee hours of the morning as I wrote my term papers. Thank you for staying up with me and nursing me back to health during those sleepless nights where I was plagued with those bad colds. Thank you for those nights where you would walk into my room just to make sure that I was breathing. Thank you for being the glue that pieced my broken heart back together.

I fondly look back on our memories together and I can’t help but smile. I look forward to making many more memories together. I look forward to you walking me down the isle on my wedding day. I look forward to seeing you bounce my first child on your knee. I look forward to the day that I can pay you and mommy back for all that you have invested and instilled in me. I know I can be an extreme drama queen, but you never gave up on me. It is my sincere prayer that one day when I have a little girl she is lucky enough to be blessed with a father as dedicated, attentive, and supportive as you.

Jazmine Denise is a New York City based Lifestyle&Relationship writer. Follow her on Twitter @jazminedenise.

theurbandaily.com

I remember the first time I was called a “Daddy’s Girl.” The person who gave me that title told me that any girl referred to as “Princess” – a name my dad always calls me – has to be spoiled, which he equated with being a daddy’s girl.

However, my definition of a daddy’s girl is a woman whose sense of self has been greatly influenced by her relationship with her father, which is not necessarily a bad thing if she is the apple of his eye. Being adored and cherished by her father usually sets the stage for how a woman wants to be treated in her relationships. While some women can be a bit spoiled or self-absorbed, being a daddy’s girl could simply mean that she demands the attention, affection or respect from men that she deserves, and she won’t settle for less. If you’re not sure if you’re dating a daddy’s girl, pay attention to see if she displays any of these characteristics…and then see if you stand a chance. Good luck with that!

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yahoo.com

Today is that extra special day that we give a shout out to all the fathers out there! While you celebrate the special men in your lives, here are just a few celebrity dads with their children!

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tvguide.com

The role of a father has always provided sitcoms with a special kind of dynamic. They often serve as the comedic relief, the teacher of life lessons, and the support that the family needs. They are also almost always found to be the sitcoms favorite character. In celebration of Father’s Day, we’ve decided to highlight some of our favorite sitcom dads, both past and present.

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http://naacp-ct.org/blacknews.htm

I love my Father. I feel so blessed to have landed such a great one. The best chef, a wizard with words and a craftsman who has built houses with his bare hands. I owe a lot to him. He prepared me for so much in life.

However, there’s one thing he never prepared me for. As I approach my late twenties I’m struggling with watching my Father age. It’s like it happened over night. My Father was in his early thirties when I was born and other than his weight fluctuating he hadn’t aged much once he hit 40 years old. Since I moved out at 18, I’ve seen my father in 3-6 months intervals ever since. But it’s been these last two years where each visit it’s like I’m seeing a new person. And I’m terrified. Every visit I’m being reminded that there will be a day when I have to say a final good bye, a day where I will miss him and I can’t hop on the train to see him or pick up the phone and call him. Just the thought brings me to tears and now I have a visual reminder that it is the reality of me getting older, my parents are too. However what separates my Mother from my Father in the aging process, are factors that affect most men, especially the Baby Boomers of color. Mental health.

The Black community has long skirted the issue of mental health, curtly brushing it under the rug. Smacking it down as some repugnant trait of those with less melanin. Even as we have watched some of our biggest celebrities grapple with the complexities of poor mental health, D’angelo, Junior Seau, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Our community has ignored the gravity that mental health has on our over well-being and quality of life. This is especially true for Black men who often are taught to define their masculinity by their ability to hold in their emotions. Never cry, never break down…you must always pick your self up and keep it moving. My Father has been threw two divorces, a failed engagement and a recession that wiped out his 401k and hopes of retiring anytime soon. He was trained to pick it up and keep it moving, never letting on to any emotional turmoil. He grinned and bared it all. My Mother was hit exceptionally hard just as my Father, with the ending of her marriage, another failed relationship, the complete burglary and then loss of her home. She too grinned and bared it, right to the therapist and gym. For women, though we still have a long way to go, the push towards understanding our mental health has been a lot more rampant and vocal. My Mother has had a chance to hear that discussion.

As a twenty something, watching the recession help make my college degree close to worthless, fighting to stay a float in the biggest rat race known as New York City and the myriad of other struggles that have left me not wanting to get out of bed, the biggest mental note savior has been that I can’t give up because I still have so much life to live. At 60 years old, the same mental note doesn’t carry much weight. The aging I’ve seen my Dad undergo, seems to be a clear sign of his beginning to give up. He’s going through the motions of life and it’s as if I’m watching him dig his own premature grave.

Father’s Day is Sunday, and the biggest gift you can give to your Father is that of happiness and health. There’s a myriad of statistics to back up my personal tale, even Soledad O’brien touched on it on Black in America. But it’s not numbers that need to move you. Rather your heart that makes you sit down and have that careful conversation with your father. No one wants to see their Dad die from a sudden heart attack, stroke or any other stress induced condition. We can’t ignore how our Father’s eating, sleeping and personal hygiene habits are indicative of their mental health. If any of those habits are faltering it is a clear connection to their mental health.

Put out some thoughtful suggestions even if he shoots them down, just ask that he think about them on his own. Then offer to do your part to help him get better. It can be as simple as calling every day to pray with him, offering to make his bed, buy him new pillows (good sleep is important!), whatever simple task cater it to your father’s needs and being.

I implore all of you for Father’s Day to make that start too. Find your angle and have that talk with your father.

I did and in one sentence I burst into tears and finished out an hour long conversation in between sobs.

Dad, I love you and I need you to live long(er)…

Jouelzy is a professional snarkist, with a heart, who occasionally offers cultural commentary on her blog LetMeTalkMyIsh*. You can also find her on Twitter.

Source: visualphotos.com

I remember the last Father’s Day that my dad was alive.

It was three years ago. I had just graduated from college and was visiting my mom in Atlanta for the week. Before I left, I had bought my dad two Father’s Day cards. I love cards and he did too so, every year, I would take a significant amount of time searching for a funny one and a serious one. That year was no different and I found two perfect cards. In the hustle of trying to get out of the house and drive down to Atlanta in time for the Atlanta Greek Picnic, I didn’t get a chance to give my dad the cards. That’s okay, I told myself, I’ll give them to him when I get back. And off I went down South. A few days later, on Father’s Day, I called my dad to wish him a great one and thank him for the emergency money he had wired me the day before. The next day, I thought to myself that I should call him but it was late, so I decided I’d call him tomorrow.

The next morning, he was killed in a murder-suicide.

In the hurricane of emotions and activity that followed, I kept thinking about those Father’s Day cards sitting on my dresser unsigned and never given to him.

As if I were not suffering enough, those cards tortured me. They served as a sobering reminder that tomorrow is not promised and if you have a silly card to give to someone, give it to them — even if it means missing a sorority stroll at a picnic. Of course, I realize they were just cards, but they represented everything I lost on that devastating morning. They represented the words never uttered, a thankful spirit never expressed and the fact that I would never have a father again.

I was a fortunate one, I guess, considering some of the stories I’ve heard about people not even knowing who their father is. Even though my parents divorced when I was ten, my dad was a big part of my life growing up. My mother and I moved to Atlanta while I was in high school, but I ended up moving back to my hometown and into his house during my Senior year. Then, I attended college about 90 minutes away, so I was home all the time. He was there to lecture me about finances, attend school events, financially support me, and keep me sufficiently nervous about my choices in men.

When he died, a friend reminded me that I was a “lucky one” to have had a true father in my life for 23 years, but still I was utterly devastated that he wouldn’t be there for the next 23 and the 23 after that. It’s still sad to think that he isn’t here today to see how I turned out (and am still turning out). It’s especially sad around Father’s Day.

It’s weird, because I swear this country has turned up the festivities on this Hallmark holiday like none other since he passed. I’m sure that’s not the case and it just seems like that because I’m on the other side. Still, I’ve determined that this year I will still celebrate Dad’s Day despite not having a dad. I will be glad for the memories I have and celebrate the dads who are still creating memories with their kids.

Fathers get a bad rap in this country because of the many who have abandoned their kids. That’s not every dad though. Sure the statistics are dismal, but even if 50 percent of kids are living without a dad present, there are still 50 percent who have their dad there in their lives every single day. Then there are other kids who have a stepfather, grandfather, cousin, uncle or brother who have selflessly stepped up to the plate and been a father to a child who otherwise wouldn’t have one. I was already an adult when I lost my dad, but I am still thankful for my stepdad, my father-in-law and my father God in heaven. All whom serve as a daily reminder that I am not “fatherless”. That’s definitely something to celebrate this weekend.

I may even buy someone a card.

Alissa Henry is a freelance writer living in Columbus, OH. Follow her on Twitter @AlissaInPink or check out her blog: This Cannot Be My Life 

More on Madame Noire!

• Can We Stop the Black Male Bashing…At Least on Father’s Day?
• Being Selfish or Being Sensible? What’s So Wrong With Not Wanting To Have Children?
• Looking Within: Am I A Match For The Ideal Man I Am Praying For?
• OOoo Girl, No! 6 Hair Mistakes You Need Not Make
• Don’t Be His Fool, or His Doormat: Excuses Women Need to Stop Making For Men
• In Summer Fashion, White Is The New Black: 6 White Pieces for Your Wardrobe
• You Could’ve Kept That: 9 Movie Remakes and Sequels That Shouldn’t Have Seen the Light of Day

Source: posh24.com

There’s not much more Will Smith could make us do to love him more as an actor, husband, or father, but we don’t mind being reminded every now and then of all the reasons why he’s so great.

Jada Pinkett Smith recently talked to Essence about her husband of 14 years while on her media circuit for the upcoming film, “Madagascar 3,” and she told the site what she loves and appreciates most about Will is how he goes above and beyond as a parent and a spouse.

“There are some men who feel like, ‘Listen, I take care of the house and the home. That’s all I need to do,’” she said. “What makes Will the best father in the world to me is that he’s there, not just there in a way that’s traditional. The emotional support he offers his children is immeasurable.”

On the eve of Father’s Day, Jada wasn’t hesitant to boast about Will’s strong points. She also mentioned that she’s particularly proud of the relationship Willow has with her dad, considering she was raised by a single mother.

“It’s a very interesting relationship to watch and to see how her confidence is really steeped in the idea that she’s got this beautiful, strong man as her father is beautiful.

“In [Willow's] eyes, it’s like the world is at my fingertips because I’ve got daddy,” she added. “For a little girl to be in partnership with her father in that way brings tears to my eyes every time because I feel like every little girl in the world deserves that.”

Jada also obviously knows how rare of a find that truly is, which is why she made this last statement about the man she’ll soon celebrate a 15-year wedding anniversary with.

“You can find a man that loves you, but if you can find a man that loves you and is a great father, you couldn’t hit a bigger jackpot than that.”

Home girl has definitely hit the lotto from our view.

What makes your dad the best father in the world?

More on Madame Noire!

• Can We Stop the Black Male Bashing…At Least on Father’s Day?
• Being Selfish or Being Sensible? What’s So Wrong With Not Wanting To Have Children?
• Looking Within: Am I A Match For The Ideal Man I Am Praying For?
• OOoo Girl, No! 6 Hair Mistakes You Need Not Make
• Don’t Be His Fool, or His Doormat: Excuses Women Need to Stop Making For Men
• In Summer Fashion, White Is The New Black: 6 White Pieces for Your Wardrobe
• You Could’ve Kept That: 9 Movie Remakes and Sequels That Shouldn’t Have Seen the Light of Day

Father’s Day is Sunday and if you’re in search for a last minute Father’s Day gift,we have some splendiferous (no, that’s not a real word) options for you, and they’re all in the beauty category. Who says dad doesn’t need to take care of himself and try some pampering? Without much frill, here are four awesome gifts that will show the great man in your life some appreciation.

Shea Moisture Shave Collection for Men

1. Shave Kits

This may seem passé, but shaving for men isn’t as simple as it looks, even if they do it every day. This is especially true for men of color who deal with coarser, curlier hair textures that are prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps (and those little bumps are not cute). Gifting dad a quality shaving kit will go a long way with keeping his skin smooth and moisturized. You can keep it all natural with Shea Moisture’s Men’s Shave Collection, which is easy to find at any Target or Walmart. Or go luxurious with the Art of Shaving’s Professional Shave Bundle, available at Macy’s and Sephora.

Source: polyvore

2. Skincare

Yes, skincare is different from the shaving kits. In between shaves dad still needs to take care of his face, even the low-maintenance Dial soap man. Carol’s Daughter Acai Hydrating Face Butter is a quality addition to a gift bundle for dad. It’s a great moisturizer (I’m a big fan) that doesn’t leave the face shiny. Dad can simply apply it to any dry patches on his face and keep his face manly and moisturized without the shine.

Source: cumidanciki.com

3. Body Care

Never underestimate the care your father puts into his personal hygiene. We may think our father’s are simple men, but if you place something in their life they may use it and add it to their daily regimen. Men tend to be hard on their feet and every man doesn’t feel comfortable going to get that regular pedicure. So slide dad some foot powder or lotion, such as the soothing Carol’s Daughter Peppermint Foot Lotion. Sending that his way with a fresh pack of socks (and even some nail clippers) is a cute gift that will help the simple man take a step into better foot care. Kiehl’s Cross Terrain collection is another fab option that includes a dry foot cream along with a face cream and body wash, available at Nordstrom.

Source: netikka.net

4. Hair Care

Dad’s hair line and hair health is just as important as our hair. Long before natural hair was the trend, our fathers were the natural trendsetters. So if you are super stuck for a gift just look at your own inventory of hair products, especially if you and your father have a similar simple hair texture. Dad still needs to keep his hair and scalp moisturized so customize a gift bundle including your favorite moisturizing product along with personal sentimental items (a book he use to read to you, music he likes, etc.,). The best gifts are ones that require some thought, and we’re sure he’ll appreciate it.

More on Madame Noire!

• Can We Stop the Black Male Bashing…At Least on Father’s Day?
• Being Selfish or Being Sensible? What’s So Wrong With Not Wanting To Have Children?
• Looking Within: Am I A Match For The Ideal Man I Am Praying For?
• OOoo Girl, No! 6 Hair Mistakes You Need Not Make
• Don’t Be His Fool, or His Doormat: Excuses Women Need to Stop Making For Men
• In Summer Fashion, White Is The New Black: 6 White Pieces for Your Wardrobe
• You Could’ve Kept That: 9 Movie Remakes and Sequels That Shouldn’t Have Seen the Light of Day