Fathers in the Black Community

America's inner-city communities suffer from the absence of fathers.  The black community has it worst with 70% of the children growing up without fathers.

A child has the best chance of becoming an independent and successful person, and future quality parent, if he or she is raised in a two-parent household.  Race, income, gender, location are all trivial to this proven rule.

The damage is so extensive that it will take generations to fix.  If it can be fixed.

Step one is to talk.  To scold.  To educate.  To criticize.  In the open.  In the hood.  Public.  Loud.  Repeat.

Some, like Larry Elder and David Carroll and Elmer Thomas Williams Jr.  are leading speakers in this movement.  There are many more.  But these are mostly conservative men.  Fatherhood is non-partisan.  We need others to join this effort.  And maybe we have them.

I am ENCOURAGED by the responses to the recent Memphis Kroger mob attacks.  Please join me in congratulating these folks in saying what needs to be said.

Pat Dollard (with video):

Memphis Police Department Director Toney Armstrong released the following statement:

“We are fully aware of the last night’s incidents. It is extremely troubling to see how many young people were involved, especially on the heels of last week’s youth forum. A lot of our citizens are working to provide safe and productive alternatives for our youth. For those that choose not to take advantage of these opportunities, we will work tirelessly to identify, locate and hold you accountable. Last night’s events clearly demonstrates a lack of parental controls and if warranted these parents will also be held accountable.”

Weasel Zippers reports that one of the thug's grandmother turned him in.  The grandmother is quoted:

“His daddy is not a male role model, that’s my son and he’s not,” said the grandmother, “I hope he looks at this news thing and sees me saying this since he never wants to listen to me, he needs to be more involved in his child’s life.”

From afar these look like mild statements.  I submit they are huge when heard from within the Memphis black community.  I hope this continues.