Black community reflects on fathers and the advice that shaped them

By Morgan Carpenter and Briannia Robinson, AFRO Interns   

mcarpenter@afro.com, brobinson@afro.com 

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and will be celebrated on June 21. With the holiday coming fast, members of the Black community took time to acknowledge the father figures in their lives. Take a look below at the wise words of wisdom passed down. 

Mikel Caldwell, 21

Atlanta, Ga.

Business Student 

Clark Atlanta University

“Wow, my dad dropped so many gems. He used to say, ‘Mikel, make sure you get the money and the honey,’ and that’s been my motto.”

Father’s name: Shannon Caldwell

Father’s occupation: Business Consultant 

Alfred Lewis II, 19

Bronx, N.Y.

Philosophy Student

George Washington University

“‘Everywhere you go, you take yourself with you.’ It is a reminder of the values he instilled in me such as integrity, honesty, empathy, kindness and prioritizing family. These values should never change when I’m in a new environment. No matter where I go, I’m going to always take those values along with me.”

Father’s name: Alfred Lewis

Father’s occupation: Youth Development Specialist

Montreal Ravenel, 46

Charleston, S.C.

Division Chief for Federal Government

“He really instilled in us values, self worth and confidence but his guidance and lifestyle and introducing us to Christ was the best thing he did. Our faith gave us something to believe in and have faith in. All of us are highly educated, all of us in ministry…and we are products of him.” 

Father’s name: Jerry W. Griffin

Father’s occupation: Truck Driver

Earl Brown, 75

Alexandria, Va.

Manager 

“He told me, get as much education as you can, but also learn to work with your hands. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty or work hard.”

Father’s name: Tom Brown

Father’s occupation: Engineer

Liz DuVall, 48

Washington, D.C.

Content Manager

“I didn’t have a father, but I had an older brother, and one of his pieces of advice that he gave me was ‘don’t change for anybody.’ Continue to be who you are, people will appreciate your authentic self and love you for who you are.”

Father figures’s name: Richard Pearson

Father figure’s occupation: Entrepreneur 

Nyla Hyman, 17

Suffolk, Va.

Student

Nansemond River High School

“He used to always tell me, ‘Anything worth having takes work, and if it was easy everybody would do it!’”

Father’s name: Eric Hyman

Father’s occupation: Crane Operator

Kevin Powe Jr. , 43

Baltimore, Md 

Producer / Audio Engineer 

“My father showed me how to be a gentleman and a musician. He directed me to a path that led me to where I am today as a musician, engineer and producer. He gave me an example of what a father that is a musician has to be. He pursued his dream of being a musician while also being a father and working a full-time job. At the age of four or five he started taking me to his gigs where I had the opportunity to see great venues such as Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. When I was about 13, I saw him play at Pier Six in Baltimore for the world famous organist, Jimmy Smith. He played on national stages, but still had love for the local Baltimore arts scene.

Father’s name: Kevin Powe Sr.

Father’s occupation: Musician