Breaking myths about black fatherhood (it’s about time)
The Myth
On Jan. 15, 2018, I attended an Illinois gubernatorial candidate forum here in Chicago. Seven candidates were present, Democratic and Republican, answering questions about their potential futures in office. While the event featured several key moments, one of the most alarming statements came from former state Rep. Jeanne Ives in her response to the source of violence in Chicago.
“The problem is the gun violence in this city of Chicago, predominantly. And you know how you’re going to solve it? Fathers in the home,” she stated. “Fathers in the home,” she repeated, as the majority of the crowd erupted into audible disagreement.
Ives, however, was not alone. A small, but noticeable, number of attendees agreed with her comments. In fact, a significant number of people beyond the walls of the assembly also agreed with her words. As later remarked by her spokesperson, similar statements were shared by former President Barack Obama during his famous 2008 Father’s Day sermon at Apostolic Church of God. Too many sermons on Father’s Day seem to focus on the black father’s need to engage his children because he’s shirked responsibility.
This viewpoint about black fatherhood is a well-established structure of thought, with a host of supporting beliefs that reinforce it…
