“I thank God for the phenomenal young woman you are,” is what’s written on a thank you card I received from my father a week ago. He's also responsible for turning me into a bookworm from my childhood library visits. My grandfather (who taught me everything from how to play pool to how to organize a ledger) sent me money earlier in the year, and the card read, “Gal, do I need a reason other than I love you.” My godfather built my first car from scratch (a 1991 Plymouth Sundance) that I treated like it was a 2009 Mercedes Benz until it finally died on me after several years. He also trucked my novels around the airport when flying from Atlanta to Chicago like he’d won an Oscar. And although these cards and memories are fairly recent, I have countless memories of positive father figures in my family who have always had my back (and may have spoiled me rotten), including my older brother who was my personal bodyguard growing up. My grandfather, father, brother and godfather are all married, and I grew up in a two-parent household. According to the latest Census results, in single parent homes, the ratio of Black mothers to fathers in 2008 were 5.791 thousand to 376,000; and 6,247 thousand to 405 thousand for those who considered themselves multiracial (not just Black alone). And out of 11.342 thousand Black children, only 4.256 thousand are in two-parent homes. Although those numbers prove that there are a great deal of fathers missing from the picture, the ones who are present don’t get enough credit. I attended the Paramount Films/Nickelodeon Movie pre-screening for “Imagine That” on Thursday evening at AMC River East, hosted by Upscale Magazine and Soft Sheen Carson Magic Shave “to celebrate 20 years of editorial excellence.” Real Men Cook affiliates also showed up for the event, and I looked around to see fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other father figures with adolescent girls and grown women throughout the theater. Comedian Damon Williams, who joked about being ditched by his 16-year-old son, Damon, for the Kanye West event, stated, “The stereotypical image of Black men is they don't take care of their kids, they're baby daddies, and there are a lot of real fathers out here who are taking care of their kids regardless of some not being with their mother." He also said to give credit to father figures as well as biological fathers on Father’s Day and beyond. On his MySpace page, Williams has “good parents” listed as his heroes. "Even if good fathers are in the minority, they still deserve credit," he continued. "There are a lot of people in my age group who were raised in two-parent households and are actively involved in their children's lives." Williams' son, who appeared in the skating movie "Roll Bounce" as the leader of the water balloon throwers is also following in his father's footsteps in the media, but he is a beginning model and actor. Another well-known father in the theater that night was Colonel Eugene Scott, president of Chicago Defender Charities, relaxed in the theater next to his granddaughter, Courtney.
Dru Sidora, singer and actress on CW’s “The Game,” clutched her father’s arm before being introduced. Fathers of all ages were proud to have their offspring alongside them. And although I can’t say I particularly enjoyed the film “Imagine That,” I can appreciate real-life African-American father, actor and comedian, Eddie Murphy, playing the role of a father who understands just how much dads are needed. While I do want active fathers to enjoy the film, I also want absent fathers to check it out and rethink their actions. Although it may be difficult to get in good with a child who is not used to seeing her (or his) father, it’s never too late to try. And there are far too many young women losing their minds because they don’t have a father figure to keep them in line (or go bald trying to). Father’s Day is around the corner, and I’d strongly suggest for those who have fathers and positive male role models around to not just go for the practical gift of a tie, some socks or a gift card. Spend some time with the man who helped mold you into the person you are today. Ask him what he really wants to do on Father’s Day, not just what you want to do. Although I can’t speak from experience, I’m positive that parenthood is hard and even harder for a group that’s constantly being stereotyped as not present. So appreciate those who are fighting to erase the myths that Black father figures aren’t around. ______ In main photo: Colonel Scott (left) and Damon Williams (right) To see more photos from the pre-screenings throughout Atlanta, New York, Chicago and Detroit, click here. Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 
zoie5522
Message from Montie
