An African American father is in a position no other father on the planet resides in or could even understand. First, they have procreated and enhanced the African American population. Second, they have brought a new life into an extremely hostile environment.
How would a “conscious” African American father deal with this situation? How would this parent who loves their child deal with the fact that they have brought this innocent being into a war zone? How would this loving parent deal with the societal norms that exclude him, but may embrace their female offspring? How does this African American father explain to his son that everyone on the planet is against him? These are thoughts unique to the experience of being an African American father.
African American children are born into a society that was founded on their race’s exploitation. While the African American father is holding the newborn child for the first time, his mind is racing. How will I protect this child from being manipulated into hating themselves? How can I keep my child from the negativity that has become the norm for African American culture? Will I even be around to see this child graduate from middle school, much less high school? These are a few of the thoughts rolling through an African American father’s mind right after the child’s birth. Let me correct the previous statement. These are the thoughts going through a conscious African American father’s mind.
An African American father may be thinking about the future while watching his son take his first steps. If this African American male is wealthy, he has few concerns about means than a less fortunate African American father. Yet, both of these men will have questions about their child’s life in the USA. Money does not keep racism out of your life. These men will do all they can to raise their child to be a man yet walk the line in order to simply survive. These African American fathers know how it is to be hated because you exist. The men know how it is to be hounded or perceived as the enemy, even when they are wearing designer suits. These African American fathers will cherish the time their sons are toddlers because the racist dance will begin when they go to kindergarten.
An African American male loves his son, but there is a difference with his daughter. This does not mean African American males love their sons less, it is just what it is. An African American father’s love for his daughter is special. I am not talking about the African American male who is just a sperm donor, or ignorant savage. I am talking about an African American male who is alert and on point about the issues in the USA. How does this African American father deal with the fact that one day his little girl will be out in US society dealing with white males? How does he protect her from being exploited? This is not only a fear for the lower class African American father, but the wealthy one also. The fear of having their daughter become a success as an American, but total failure as an African American. This is the same fear that conscious African American mothers have pertaining to their sons and white women.
These are just a few things that African American fathers think about. The alternative lifestyle trend in the USA is another factor that African American fathers have to be on the alert for, no matter the sex of the child. The education system that programs African Americans against themselves is another major obstacle. The lowering of morals that has affected all races in the USA is an issue that will cause an African American father’s hair to grey.
When you see an African American father, remember this article. Now you know what may be going through that man’s head. Crazy, ain’t it?
Frank James IV © 2023
beingfrankwithfrank@gmail.com
The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the writer and not of the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper or HT Group, LLC, its staff or management. “Being Frank” is a bi-weekly column exclusive to the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper.