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| Pictured: FAMU alum Jerry L. Manuel, founder of the luxury clothing brand Fear of God |
These are trying and difficult times in our country, the climate is tense as we are beginning to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen an old enemy, an old foe, an old demon once again raise its ugly head, and inject itself in our lives.
Racism has decided to avoid all the usual subtleties it normally displays. It has stepped front and center that we might once again be reminded of its manipulative strength and its disruptive power.
Police officers and racism have forced Black fathers to have an added responsibility to their parenting. Black fathers must have a conversation with their children about how to survive when encountering a racist civilian or police officer.
Infamous incidents such as George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Philando Castile are just a few examples in which their deaths resulted from a deadly encounter with racism. Former officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all three charges against him in the killing of George Floyd. However, police officers who conduct similar controversial actions do not always get the appropriate justice.
Even then, Black parents across America now have a responsibility to try to teach their children how to avoid such encounters in the first place if at all possible. In that regard, on this Father’s Day, Black fathers are having to double down on teaching their kids how to stay alive in a racist atmosphere; especially since their killers may not always receive justice. The lessons being taught are universal.
Black fathers must teach their kids that though we live in a society rich with opportunity only limited by ones imagination, there are segments who aim to promote discourse and destruction through the advancement of division in people.
And, given this we they must continue to seek out the good in people, educate the uninformed, and never allow themselves to be silenced through any form of oppression from anyone!
No doubt, fatherhood is among the most difficult and rewarding jobs a man can have. It demands constant attention, frequent sacrifice, and a healthy dose of patience.
On Father's Day, we show our gratitude to the men who show us how to learn, grow, and live. For fathers, the day is an opportunity to reflect on their kids, and the kind of people they've raised them to be.