Father's Day
Father and son. Photo courtesy Dubova/shutterstock.com
For as long as I can remember, Father’s Day has been a challenge for me. You see, like many other children I know, I have deep painful scars when it comes to the topic of fatherhood. My dad really hurt me the day he left — which, quite frankly, was one of the lesser hurts he caused to my mom, in my opinion. Physical abuse, infidelity, gambling away our meals: the list goes on and on. I put this out there not because these things in my life are unresolved or unforgiven, but to open up a conversation.
Unfortunately my story is way too common these days, and I am a bit tired of its demon-like possession of black children and families.
Happy Father's Day Weekend! Here's a few tips from children on how to be a good dad. Plus... "That's my dad" hash tags with Jimmy Fallon –emergency dance technician storms New York City –TastemakerX is a stock market for up-and-coming musicians – Burger King's bacon sundae = calorie overload – Saved By the Bell's bathroom products –new music from David Byrne and St. Vincent. See these and more in today's Links of Awesomeness...
Erika with her father, Carl Stokes.
Growing up I shadowed my father to a great deal of community and board meetings, public hearings, and church events. By the time I was 2 years old, my father had already been elected to represent a working-class district of East Baltimore City. The example of public service and the principles of stewardship and goodwill that my father carries became some of the most important things that contributed to the way I view our world and the way I treat our people.
Photo by Tom Wang / Shutterstock.
Looking for a last-minute gift for Fathers Day or a graduate?
How about doing something for someone else in honor of your loved one?
Give a gift that helps the poorest of the poor feed their families, earn a living, protect themselves from disease or educate their children.
Inside the blog, find several suggestions of unique gifts that keep on giving.