Father Figure
The benefit of diversity has been overlooked and a shadow has skewed the beauty of all people groups of Earth. Historical society has attempted to erase what is unique and honorable. Unfortunately, skin color has become a filter predisposing the masses to expect negative behavior or unhealthy atmosphere to manifest when in the company of descendance of slaves who cry out, “black lives matter.” (No association with the organization). Yes, slaves: forced laborers robbed of education, culture, and civil liberties who were labeled three fifths (3/5) human and objectified as property. This is an egregious word when speaking of our great nation’s history, but it is a section of U.S History. This information remains pertinent because, as a nation, we finally celebrate Juneteenth for those called African American – Or should we say Native Black Americans?
Over my years as a young man, I continue to think hard on social issues and identity as I explore my history and heritage. Frustratingly, my journey has left me unsettled. There has been no resolve because a blended nation that manifested from years of immigration has left me with one simple yet profound fact. An African American is simply someone who is a national of the Continent of Africa and is now a citizen of the United States of America. A person born in Africa who immigrated to the United States is an African American no matter what the pigment of their skin is. Are they to be ceremoniously celebrated as well, or is February set aside for those whose ancestors’ endured slavery, Jim Crow, prejudice, hate crimes, and civil rights issues here in the United States of America? What do you think of when you here Juneteenth; moreover, what do you think when celebrating History during February? Or do you celebrate black history at all?
I come from a disorganized lineage; however, the generation that preceded me had made the conscious choice to revitalize the focus on family. A complete family has always been something prevalent in society, but scorned individuals and media have chosen to depict a period when it was common for a father to be vacant from the family. Painting a picture that has deceived the masses convinced the nation that an absent father is normal in our community. This period that tore into my parents’ phycological upbringing has been used to blanket an entire people group. However, in truth, a complete family in black American communities was commonplace prior to the 80’s and 90’s.
Today, restoration of the father figure has become widespread in our communities. Men are staying in the home and taking care of responsibilities as husbands and fathers, but the hurt, ignorance, and suffering has caused other injury to the native black American family. To combat this, my brothers and myself have dedicated our lives to promote complete and positive families and with great success. My twin has a dual doctorate in nursing and leads a hospital, my oldest brother is a Pastor who has changed the lives of many and has shown broken people hope, my cousin, that lived with us growing up, has become a doctor, and I have become a published Author, serve in a managerial capacity for the U.S government, and coordinate Resiliency Programs for the southern California border. We are the limited example of what is manifesting from our people group. Many are inspired by Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Thurgood Marshall, Claud Anderson, James Baldwin, W.E.B Du Bois, Daisy Bates, Barack Obama, and William S. Reeves (the Lone Ranger) to name a few. But in the end, it was God and family that inspired us most.
The family unit is under attack, so we need to learn to heal from our pain and suffering as a people. Hurt people seeking understanding in all the wrong places has caused identity crisis and is tearing apart the family unit, leading to lifelong negative impacts to the next generation. We must end this vicious cycle and explore the truth claims of God and use these truths to build a better tomorrow because without the family, the is no community. If there is no community, there is no America.
I state, my family has a love that surpasses human understanding, a unity that breaks molds, and an identity that has persevered through the rigors and judgment of History. We are unique and wonderfully made, overcoming stereotypes. The diversity of our family encompasses all nations; however, this family, my family are honored and proud to be Americans of the United States.
Tomorrow is not promised so let’s rise together; don’t be left behind.
