Where are all the stay-at-home African American dads?
Posted by bmb2025fatherhood on May 19, 2008
Why do we do a double-take when we see a Black father pushing a baby stroller? Or carry his daughter on his shoulders at a park? Even though these dads are not really doing anything exceptional, the absence of Black fathers in many families has left a void so permanent, that these everyday activities are now seen in a totally different light.
However, there are millions of loving Black dads out there. New fathers and fathers-to-be who welcome their rites of fatherhood with pure joy. Fathers like the one profiled in our featured content from the documentary “I am a Man.” Check it out here: www.2025bmb.org
Do you think more images and stories of Black fatherhood in today’s media – from rap lyrics to romantic comedies – would have an effect on the real social situations we are confronted with? Can art make a difference where policy fails?
Andrea said
I’m very curious about this, too. I’m an aerospace engineer and yeah, I’m a sista. My fiance, Paul, and I are expecting Olivia in July 2008. He’s actually excited about being a stay at home dad, and quite frankly, he’s going to do GREAT!! I’m so dismayed that there aren’t more brothas that can get together and say “yes, I’m a stay at home dad”. He’s not a housewife, you know. I’m the momma, he’s the daddy and Olivia will know this when she comes. Paul is a wonderful man and I’m blessed to have him in my life sharing the experience of both of us being first time parents (and older ones at that!).