How do young black fathers relate to their children, as well as to their own fathers? How do they see — and play — their roles in both family and community? These are some of the big questions this timely, accessible book addresses. Written by both popular commentators and those who have experienced the issues firsthand, Be a Father to Your Child begins with a frank discussion of how family formation has changed since the 1960s, especially for communities of color. Individual selections then flesh out historical, sociological, and cultural contexts, examining the impact of welfare, child support, criminal justice, and employment policies on young men of color. In addition to this analytical material, the book presents more personal, anecdotal pieces — including poems and lyrics, short stories, and interviews — that form a powerful composite portrait of the challenges facing modern communities of color, and how to overcome them.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found the book "BE A FATHER TO YOUR CHILD BAF (REAL TALK FROM BLACK MEN ON FAMILY, LOVE, AND FATHERHOOD)" to be very intriguing & enlightening. It opened up alot of emotions within me about my own relationship with my father who became an absentee dad when I was a year old. Having that experience as a black female certainly allowed me to be able to relate to some of these gentlemen.
Some of the gentlemen addressed the issue even dating some viewpoints all the way back to slavery. I have asked myself what happened as well. I grew up in the 50's and then our black men were in the home in my community down South. Just like some of the accounts in the book, I recall that somewhere around the 70's or 80's things changed. Was it Women's Liberation, the hippy period - the age of Aquarius? I don't know that much about the HIP HOP era, but what I do know is that this book has changed my life.
It wasn't surprising for me to read in "BAF" that the men were angry and sometimes selfish & immature when not being raised by a father in the home. This book gives me a greater appreciation for any young black male who has & is being raised without their own father (or a good father figure)in the home. It must be exremely hard to not know how to grow up to be a man with everyone looking at you acting as if you should already know. Plus, this makes me realize that we black women should try to recognize some of these issues with our black men & try to help them, not degrade them because of it. That phrase "you're just like your father" is mainly a putdown not a compliment.
I feel that the author, April R. Silver & the gentlemen interviewed has served the African American culture well from the accounts documented in "BAF".... Read more ›
Some of the gentlemen addressed the issue even dating some viewpoints all the way back to slavery. I have asked myself what happened as well. I grew up in the 50's and then our black men were in the home in my community down South. Just like some of the accounts in the book, I recall that somewhere around the 70's or 80's things changed. Was it Women's Liberation, the hippy period - the age of Aquarius? I don't know that much about the HIP HOP era, but what I do know is that this book has changed my life.
It wasn't surprising for me to read in "BAF" that the men were angry and sometimes selfish & immature when not being raised by a father in the home. This book gives me a greater appreciation for any young black male who has & is being raised without their own father (or a good father figure)in the home. It must be exremely hard to not know how to grow up to be a man with everyone looking at you acting as if you should already know. Plus, this makes me realize that we black women should try to recognize some of these issues with our black men & try to help them, not degrade them because of it. That phrase "you're just like your father" is mainly a putdown not a compliment.
I feel that the author, April R. Silver & the gentlemen interviewed has served the African American culture well from the accounts documented in "BAF".... Read more ›
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Men have to be real fathers to their children. This book talks about ways to be a good father.
Recommended to all fathers.
Recommended to all fathers.
0 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Abraham
Format:Paperback
This book was not worth the paoer it is printed on. I truly regret buying it. There was little or no useful information in it whatsoever. And who is the real author of the book; it just lists the editor.? Please read this review before purchasing!
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