Congratulations to the Winners of the Black Fathers Hall of Fame Father's Day Essay Contest!

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Grand Prize Winner: Keith Belvin

Your Name: Keith Belvin
Father's Name: Eiljah Causey
City, State: Jamaica, NY
Relation to Father (son, daughter, etc.): Son

My father and I didn't know each other until I was 39 years old. We reconnected after all that time due to me searching for him. He was a young man who didn't know what being a father was supposed to be. He created many lives he couldn't take care of. Well, it turned out I was the same way. In finding my faith and learning to forgive, I searched him out and we finally met. I listened and learned his story to find out that he was worried if I had been told the truth about him. He also had changed his ways and found his faith. Here we were trying to be better men to our families not knowing we were praying to the same God and wanting to see each other because of what our faith taught us. He should be in the Hall of Fame because he was able to humble himself and meet me after 39 years and say he was sorry and that he was ready to be my friend if I would allow him. We have been friends ever since. It was truly an honor to see my father had changed as I had. Our families are healing because of our reconnection. We have begun to break the chains that bind many families of color. In the picture you'll see both my father and my brother meeting our father for the first time. Two weeks later he honored my request and came to my wedding. It was a great gift.

Second Prize Winner: Prikenya Revis

Your Name: Prikenya S.. Revis
Father's Name: Anthony Revis
City, State: Freeland MI
Relation to Father (son, daughter, etc.): daughter

My father is one of the most hard working and giving dads I know. He is the middle child of 7 kids. My dad comes from a small town in Georgia. But he never let that stop him from going after his dreams in life. He wanted to be drum major in high school and he accomplished that. He then went on to Albany State College where he finished second in his class. He went on to Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa to get his PHD in organic chemistry. He then went to work with a company and started his journey. Along this journey he was called into ministry. He is a pastor of a church, so that meant he had to teach people and be away sometimes. But even though he had  two jobs and worked hard he never forgot about us kids. He always had time for doctor's appointments, school activities, homework, and the time to play. When we went to bed at night that's when he would do his work and things he had to get done or meet with people. He always believed in family. He taught us to always love each other and look out for each other no matter what. He never would give up on us. He believed we could be and do anything we wanted to be in life. He always worked hard so we could have just like every other kid in the community and church. We never saw him want to give up in doing what he had to do as a father. I am sure there were days, but he never showed that side to us. He helped us make the right choice in decided what we wanted out of life. He helped us out wherever he could. He never said he couldn't help, even if it was a long trip to get there. He always saw the good in people. He would help anyone that asked and looked like they needed help. I have never known him not to come through for his kids or as a matter fact to anyone else. He loved to teach us things he learned. He wanted us and others to be better than he was, so he would always teach us about life and things to get through life. He has over 60 patients in organic Chemistry. He is the author of 6 Christian books and lots of other publications. He has another PHD in Pastoral Studies. I don't know how he does all of what he does and still have the time for his family, work, ministry, and to help people, but he does. I think he is the best giving and hard working  dad I know, that why I think he should be in the hall of fame for fathers.

Third Prize Winner: Bre'Anna Smith

Your Name: Bre'Anna Smith
Father's Name: Tino Smith
City, State: Westfield, IN
Relation to Father (son, daughter, etc.): daughter

Tino W. Smith surpassed the title "father" and is the epitome of "daddy" and then some.  Webster's Dictionary describes dad as, "an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk." When I think about my daddy, calling him daddy is an insult. It's hard for me to believe that this the best definition Webster could think of. My brother and I are both extremely active. I am a varsity cross country and track runner and my brother, Tino W. Smith II, is a varsity basketball, football, and track athlete. We both are involved in numerous clubs and events. It takes a real man to father us. Ever since I can remember my father has always provided us with the best. When I did ballet, tap, violin, and played the piano, he was always there and supportive. He has taken me to all my doctors' appointments, dentist appointments, driver's classes, etc. Anything I think of, he was there while maintaining to be the best husband, pastor, son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend. Yes, I am a daddy's girl. Society finds it tremendously strange for a sixteen year old girl to still kiss her father's cheek to say goodbye. It's considered weird to call your father for help instead of a friend or boyfriend. I am the outcast because of the relationship I have with my father. Yet whatever this world throws his way, he's always here. When my parents had me they put their life on hold and I thank them. My dad has missed out on great opportunities just to attend a recital. He always says, "Bre, there is no man that can treat you like your father; I'm your first dance and the first to say I love you.... and no man can give you the moon, but God."

Visit:

www.BlackFathersHallofFame.com 

www.BlackFatherhoodFoundation.org 

www.BlackFatherhoodToday.com