Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search

On Father’s Day, Let’s Show Black Men They Matter

EugeneKane-Edna'sDad
My dad, Eugene Albert Kane Sr.



The more I witness the vast gap between how some folks live in this country, the more I am grateful that I grew up in North Philadelphia with a strong father, mother and family.

I am grateful for the close-knit group of neighbors, and the values and strength of folks — like my parents — who stared down hard times. And yes, on Father’s Day, I am especially thankful for my dad, the late Eugene Albert Kane Sr., a construction worker who was a pillar of strength in our lives. We were poor but rich at the same time.

Visit AARP Black Community »

As I ponder Father’s Day and the importance of black fathers everywhere, I realize how much my own dad influenced me in so many ways. His love for reading certainly influenced my love for books. My father was also a race-conscious man who aggressively warned his children of the attitudes and prejudices that would confront us in life. Of course, Dad had experienced much worse than my three brothers and I would.

martinandbabygirl-185x185
Financial adviser Martin Smith of Bowie, Md., says fatherhood is among the greatest honors of his life. He and his wife, Walida, have seven children.



Yet, when I see the uphill struggle that black men face even now, I hope we all realize just how essential they are to our families and how hard it must be for them sometimes. I mean, imagine going through life almost always being viewed through the stereotypes, the profiles and the fears of others. Imagine having to constantly prove yourself against an invisible accuser who has labeled you as irresponsible, lazy and criminal. Yet, by the millions, they still get up every day, face the world and strive to do what’s right. Isn’t that sort of like a hero?

Honoring Fathers, what is the best trait you got from your father? »

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has debunked the myth of the absent black father. In a nutshell, it says black men, even those not living in the home, are spending valuable time with their kids. And the book All In, by journalist and fatherhood columnist Josh Levs, says, comparatively, black men are spending even more valuable time with their children than their white counterparts.

So, on this Father’s Day, June 21, let’s go out of our way to celebrate those black men who have affected our lives. Let’s applaud those fathers, grandfathers, brothers, sons, uncles, nephews, mentors and father figures who rarely get the credit they deserve. You matter, black man. Thank you for being our hero!

Get the latest tips on staying healthy — AARP Health Newsletter »

AARP helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for and equips Americans 50 and older to live their best lives. Discover all the ways AARP can help you, your family and your community at AARP Black Community, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos: Top right, courtesy of Edna Kane-Williams; bottom left, courtesy of Martin Smith.

Also of Interest

 

See the  AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more.

Search AARP Blogs

Related Posts
July 11, 2017 02:09 PM
Are you ready for a new job? Want to start a second career? Or, perhaps get a part-time gig? AARP’s Job Board may be the solution to that question. Earlier this year, AARP launched a tool that allows 50+ jobseekers to identify opportunities that fit their unique skills and experiences. The Job…
June 23, 2017 09:54 AM
Congratulations to the Finalists in AARP's 2nd Annual AAPI Hero Awards Contest! We wanted to hear about the hard-working staff and volunteers who bring their passion and energy to non-profit organizations that serve AAPIs who are 50-plus. We were looking for the people who are the heart and soul of…
June 19, 2017 03:53 PM
On the night of June 19, 1982, 27-year-old Vincent Chin was celebrating his bachelor party with friends in a Detroit strip club. He got into an altercation with two white men, and both groups were thrown out. The two men tracked down Chin with the help of a third man and brutally beat him with a…