The fatherless black family is a problem that grows to bigger proportions every year as generations of black children grow up without an adult male in their homes. Even the minority of black men who do live with their children often struggle with the role. As this dire pattern grows worse, what can men do who hope to break it, when there are so few models and so little guidance in their own homes and communities? Where can they learn to "become Dad?"When Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Pitts-who himself grew up with an abusive father whose absences came as a relief-interviewed dozens of men…
In the parlance of social psychology, social work, and urban social scientists, African American fathers have often been described as "absent," "missing," "non-residential," "non-custodial," "unavailable," "non-married," "irresponsible," and "immature." It is wondered why it is/was so difficult to find literature, research, and comments regarding positive attributes of African American families in general and African American fathers in particular. This book fills a void in attempting to offer a broader picture regarding the status of African American males in a father role. The purpose is to…
This book offers 50 clear points on what you need to do to be an effective father in today's demanding world. This book gives practical advice on: How to make life decisions that will help your children; How to understand the real responsibilities of fatherhood; How to be proactive to make sure your children get the education they need; Realistic ways to face the challenges of being black in today's society for your children and yourself. (Author abstract)
This chapter reviews literature related to the roles of Black fathers in rearing their children, examines some of the recent trends in father-child research, and assesses the implications of this research in constructing a framework for understanding the roles of Black fathers in rearing their children. The impact of father involvement is explored, as well as the various roles of the father in the family, father parenting style, and father influence on child-rearing and nurturing. 67 references. (Author abstract modified)
