Decision delayed

The Respondent was late arriving for the hearing. A continuance was granted. A motion for continuance was granted. Bummer! I was ready!

Stand up for Your Rights!

On Tuesday, April 10, 2012 I am presenting my case before a family court magistrate regarding my rights as father of my 4 year-old son. I stand for the dignity of all of God's people!

Love

"Love is my religion."
-Bob Marley

Single fathers: don't waste your or your child's time hating your child's mother! Focus your love on your child(ren)! They are what matters! Keep the faith!

Next TVR: Trayvon Martin and the Burden of Our Black Boys

Join me Sunday, March 25, 2012 for: The Burden of Our Black Boys.
In the wake of Trayvon Martin's senseless killing, how do we protect our black boys from a society that despises them? Plus, will there be justice for Trayvon? We'll ask a panel of mentors and social justice advocates!
Next TVR! Dial 347.215.9517 at 5pm central to listen or comment.
Raising awareness. Inspiring change.

Our Black Boys

I teach a youth group at my local church. During a recent men's conference, I addressed young, black males twelve to seventeen years of age. We discussed what their conduct – including body language – should be if they were stopped by police officers. We talked about everything from where there hands should be to how they should address the officer(s). Although the assailant (Zimmerman) in the Trayvon Martin killing was not a police officer, I’m saddened by the fact that Trayvon Martin – according to the 911 tapes – did what he thought was right in attempting to avoid conflict with the assailant, (the tapes prove that he attempted to run but apparently was chased down) but still lost his life. What do we say to our black boys?

Post from my chapter in No Glory Without A Story

I became a father for the first time in 1985, amidst an era of great personal idealism and ambition. I arrived at that momentous intersection of fatherhood early and immature.

     About a year and a half after the birth of my first son, an opportunity arose for me to study at a prestigious college in Texas.  I went for it.  I was guided by a belief that I was going to make myself a better man, but there had not formed a connection to being a better father.  My son would visit me during summer and spring breaks and I would fly home to visit as often as I could.       

     I became a father for the second time in 2007, after a promising relationship with his mother came to an abrupt end. By then my idealism about the world and my place in it had reached its apex.

     If you are an active presence in the life of your child or children, I salute you and encourage you to keep the faith. Keep it up!  If you are not, my purpose is not to berate you nor condemn you.  Rather, my goal is to share lessons from my own experience and leave you some kernels of advice in hopes that you experience the greatest joy as a father. 

Regardless of the relationship context, fatherhood is one of the greatest joys that life can offer. Fatherhood is a tool, an art and a science that was divinely designed to bring purpose to the life of a child.

Show up!

If you wish to be a part of your child's life - even if you aren't with the mother - the absolute worst thing you can do when you receive a summons for child support is NOT to show.  It is one of the most dizzying and exasperating experiences you'll ever go through - but do it!  They'll love you for it. Remember, they're eyes are watching you!