Mr. Obama and Mr. Holder, Enough With the Black Father and Black Men Lectures
by Phillip DavisFebruary 2, 2010
Click here to read previous articles by Phillip Davis
I'll get right to the point, the bottom line is this, "Put your money where your mouth is." Fatherlessness and the tragic consequences of fatherlessness are not issues exclusively owned by Black men and Black fathers. To continuously point to the Black father and/or the lack thereof and the lack of Black men caring for their children, as the cause for the decline in the Black family, as though you are telling us something new, is no more than telling a person who knows that they are sick, that you have a made great discovery, they're sick.
Statistic and common sense observation tells us where the problem lies in the African-American community. Bill Cosby and others have spoken about the issue of fatherlessness. I along with others have written about the issue.
Mr. President and Mr. Holder, we know the problem. You, making speeches to Black fathers who are good fathers and men who are committed to being better fathers, does nothing to make the situation better.
Here is what I would offer as a start on the long journey to solve some of the social ills in the African-American community, steaming from the issue of fatherlessness and broken families:
1. Let's officially declare "Fatherlessness" a national crisis and treat it like it is, putting some of the billions of bail out dollars behind the problem. Why not put establish the Office of Fatherhood and place a Fatherhood Czar over it?
2. Since the federal government is able to exert its influence over banks; car manufacturers and other industries...let's have the federal government do the same when it comes to major construction companies and build a workforce of Black men to rebuild the infrastructures of our cities.
3. Let's reverse your position on same-sex marriage; gay-rights and partner benefits and use some of the money set aside for the promotion and protection of those choices individuals are making, which essentially tear down the moral fabric of the family and let's use those funds to support programs and projects in the private sector and in the faith-based community, which would build the family structure and encourage the Black father to be responsible.
I have many more specific suggestions, however my point is this, with all due respect, the lectures are getting old. It about time for you to put your money where your mouth is!
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Dr. Davis I appreciate your weighing in on this topic. You took the time to articulate how many people feel.
Again thank you
Capturing the Spirit of Fatherhood.
Cheryll A. Bellamy, Attorney and Pastor
With all due respect, let us make one thing clear, the president and government are limited when it comes to men in general taking up the mantle of fatherhood.
The conversation remains ongoing as long as there is a problem. I thank God that fatherhood is spoken about by President Barack Obama and Attorney General, Eric Holder. It tells the average American that there is a fatherhood deficit within the Black community. If President Barack Obama kept silent about this issue, it is people like you who will be writing another book of why this President is insensitive to the moral and cultural issues.
Job creation for Black men and other Americans is important. However, there is a critical need to educate this young generation and expose them to the opportunities that are available to them. The job gains and available government programs are not a guarantee on the "remaking of fatherhood." It takes more.
Rather than amplifying on the evils of gay marriage, let us focus on how we can abide by the marriage covenant as God intended from the time of creation and beyond. Divorce among Christians according to The Barna Research Group is 33%. George Barna, who directed the study, noted that Americans have grown comfortable with divorce as a natural part of life. This begs the question of confronting our own responsibility. Do self-proclaim Christians play a hand in"Tearing down the moral fabric of the family" when we look at the marriage statistics within the Christian community?
George Barna further stated the following:
"There no longer seems to be much of a stigma attached to divorce; it is now seen as an unavoidable rite of passage," the researcher indicated. "Interviews with young adults suggest that they want their initial marriage to last, but are not particularly optimistic about that possibility. There is also evidence that many young people are moving toward embracing the idea of serial marriage, in which a person gets married two or three times, seeking a different partner for each phase of their adult life."
Fatherhood in of itself is colorless, but there are cultural and social variables that play into tearing down the notion of fatherhood.
Yes, we know the problem. But what is your real point? Many African American children and others suffer from the lack of a fathers across this nation. I hope that conversation continues whether it is from President Barack Obama or from other influential figures particularly from the religious forum. It is not an one-time conversation only on Father's Day. It is everyday.
Jesus has already shown us the essence of fatherhood. His Heart grieves to see men shirking their responsibilities on their role as fathers. He knew what was forthcoming in the 21 century. Now it is up to the church to be that leading force to demonstrate the true covenant of family. This is the kingdom work that Christ demands from us. Stop blaming President Barack Obama for what we ourselves can fix.
Presdient Obama lives what he is speaking. He is a great father. Maybe it is important to him because he was a fatherless son. If he did not say anything you would be calling him out for that. I say keep talking President Obama until things change.