By D. Keviin McNeir
It’s no secret that Black men are often up against struggles— known and unknown— as they go through each stage of life.
Still, each day millions of Black men wake up determined to be better fathers, brothers, uncles, mentors and friends.
They seek ways to improve and increase their impact and if they’re lucky, they have organizations like 100 Fathers, Inc. to help.
The Washington, D.C.-based organization, has a mission of leading “fathers toward greater involvement with their children and families by promoting health and wellness, eliminating violence and inappropriate behavior in our youth, and by promoting values and character development.”
Recently, 100 Fathers, Inc., sponsored a conference aimed at developing a solutions-based blueprint which African Americans and other marginalized groups might utilize in their quest to achieve self-reliance and ensure a brighter future for their children.
Howard University served as the venue for the Second Annual Solutions to Heal and Restore the Soul of Our Community Conference, held on Saturday, May 31, which was the brainchild of 100 Fathers, Inc., led by CEO and founder, Dr. Franklyn Malone.
Malone said the conference, which attracted several hundred participants, broke new ground for DC given the diverse ages, backgrounds, interests and family histories of its attendees that will only lead to greater opportunities and positive outcomes in the future.
“Our goal was to bring all facets of the community to the table including academia, corporate sponsors, business professionals, activists, youth and grassroots leaders, working toward finding solutions to the problems that continue to plague the Black community,” Malone said. “We know the government doesn’t have a plan and it doesn’t seem like our city officials have one either. So, the answer rests with us.”
Malone said the event was purposely scheduled to take place close to Father’s Day because of the bad rap that fathers often receive in society despite there being so many who willingly share their time and talents on behalf of their children, families, and community.
“We invited youth to the conference so their voices could be heard – they are our future,” he said. “But this project is led by men and we’re calling on them to step up and accept their God-given responsibility to lead their homes and their communities. We can solve the problems that Blacks have faced but only if men and women, the elders and youth, cooperate, coordinate and collaborate.”
Howard University was represented by Dr. Robert Cosby, Assistant Dean of Administration and Director of Multidisciplinary Gerontology Center, School of Social Work, who gave a positive assessment of the conference.
“It was timely and sorely needed in the community, and it provided an opportunity for people to talk about the issues that are important to them,” Cosby said. “Most important, it exposed those unfamiliar with the level of academic professionalism to Howard University – more than just a football game or a homecoming party. It allowed real conversation on serious matters like gun violence, social isolation and economic challenges many Blacks face each day.
“We had the right kinds of people there – people who can take what they’ve heard and learned back to their various communities.”
Cosby said the next step involves replicating the information from the conference so it can be shared on a wider scale, preferably on a national level. But not before more work is done to address the questions and concerns raised by the participants.
“One youth asked, ‘how do you find a good mentor?’ he said. “Sounds simple— but it isn’t. Another asked what we mean when [we] talk about ‘financial wellness.’ These youth have questions, and they want answers. We’re going to give them the information they need.”
The keynote speaker for the conference, Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. MD, a board-certified forensic pathologist and Professor of Pathology at Howard University College of Medicine, immediately connected with the youth while sharing a recent experience about how people, including Blacks, often stereotype others.
“Our culture defines us, not the culture that enslaves us. Youth need to understand that they don’t have to change their identity to be who God called them to be. Just because we may have tattoos, sagging pants or du-rags, doesn’t mean we lack the ability to lead others in our community. But when we are led by society to make conclusions without any original thinking, that’s when we let them control us.”
Mitchell said Black people should consider returning to the strategies and beliefs that undergirded our community during Reconstruction.
“Many of the greatest advances made by Black people occurred during the short 12 to 20 years we refer to as ‘Reconstruction,’” he said. “Times were tough, yes, but we were successful because we depended on ourselves. Fathers were fathers to other children. Families helped other families in need. We supported our own businesses and institutions. There’s no more time to talk and plan – we’ve got to act; we’ve got to get busy.”
Tyrone Parker, former executive director and founding member of The Alliance of Concerned Men, said assembling the collective community is essential when serious problems are addressed.
“We had several grassroots organizations participate at the conference as well as individuals from varied backgrounds – some who had never been at such an event and several returning citizens,” he said. “The key is to be inclusive and allow everyone to share. I was also encouraged to see our youth step forward which was one of the goals of the elders. No child was left behind or ignored.”
Vera Fields, a divorced mother of three who lives in Bowie, Md., is the CEO of Sounds of My People Music and Arts Enterprises. She said it’s time to celebrate the unsung heroes of our community: the Black men who show up.
“There are so many men who quietly serve as positive role models for Black boys and girls – schoolteachers, principals, coaches – and they’re committed to being present, to being there for our kids,” she said. “And our children recognize and appreciate their efforts. What 100 Fathers does is critical to the growth of our children, especially those who lack a positive male role model in their homes.”
