On June 18, 2017, we will celebrate Father’s Day. As a man, a son and a father, this day serves as a reminder of my priorities and responsibilities.
Throughout time, Fathers have been revered as the bread-winner, the disciplinary, the repairman, the person who takes care of the yard, the expert grill master, the sports enthusiast and the decision-maker. But, we all know that the role of fatherhood has transformed over the years and some of the norms of fatherhood are not the norm in every hood.
I love my father and realize how fortunate I am to have him in my life to this day. He taught me to be proud of my race, my heritage, my family and most of all myself. He told me I can do anything I set my mind to as long as I study, work hard and aim high because you’ll never know what will happen unless you try. His straight forward sense of reality helped to shape me into the man I am today, a proud father and thankful son.
Becoming a father was the best thing that ever happened to me. The day I became a parent, my priorities and responsibilities were made clear. To be a father is more than just living with your child. You have to love your child, provide for your child, educate your child and prepare your child for them to put their best foot forward at all times because you want them to be a success and to live the best life possible. This is what my Dad wanted for his kids and what I want for mine.
There are so many negative images of men, particularly Black men. We are deemed absent, uncaring and deadbeats but that is not true for all. There are many Black men, and I know a lot of them, who are outstanding fathers that work hard to provide for their children and go out of their way to spend quality time with them. So, I would like to give a special shout-out to my brothers who are doing their best to make sure the next generation has a strong foundation to build upon. It is essential to be a father to your child, a parent that cares.
When we lack a support system, we tend to stand on shaky ground. Even if you don’t have any kids, please take one under your wings. The care and support provided to a child in need of guidance goes a long way and can only change their lives for the better.
-Senator Douglas McCrory
