families – A Father Heard

During Black History Month, I participated as a panelist in the 2021 Winter’s Black History Month Celebration. Many myths and stereotypes would lead the general population to believe Black Fathers neglect our families and diminish our value. During this panel discussion, we dispel those Black Father myths and stereotypes.

Each of us on the panel took the time to share our heart, and the true character and identity of the Black Father.

I’m sure there’s a lot more that I can write about who we are. However, I’ll let our voices speak to the importance of The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.

Before you listen, take a moment to read and reflect on my haiku called “Black Fatherhood” that I wrote for you.

“Black Fatherhood” by Marcus Griggs

Black Fatherhood

Beautiful, Melinated

Irreplaceable!

Below is the recording of the panel, originally, recorded on February 25, 2021 and posted at Texas HHSC’s YouTube page.

If you’ll recall from a previous article, I co-founded the Mastering Manhood Conference with two of my buddies, through the Man in Me. As we were in early in preparation for planning the conference, the pandemic hit. With the uncertainty of 2020, we reluctantly decided to cancel what would have been our 4th Annual Mastering Manhood Conference.

With that decision to wait until 2021, there were numerous request to have an event. In this pandemic; despite Zoom fatigue, people are in need of connection. Our Founder and President, Isaac Rowe embarked on pulling off the organizations first summit. On Saturday, August 15th, The Man Me Virtual Summit consisted of two tracks running simultaneously for our participants to engage in personal and professional development.

Here are the recordings of the event:

Hosted by Joshua Banks
– Opening Remarks: Isaac Rowe
-Session 1A: Time 10:10–11:10 Crissy Butts – “Creating a Fun Happy Cave with your Kids”
-Session 2A: Time 11:15 –12:15 Leah Leone, J.D. – “Successful Co-Parenting is for Grown Folks”
-Session 3A: Time 12:20 – 1:35 2020 & Man! (Panel) Bavu Blakes – Moderator Teddy Jones – Panelist Brandon Woodson – Panelist Ceasar F. Barajas – Panelist Darryl Thomas Jr. – Panelist
-BONUS Session 4A & 4B: Time 1:40 – 2:15 “Work Life – Balance: Building Business & Community with the Family” Amber Rowe Isaac Rowe

Hosted by Alonzo Blankenship
– Opening Remarks: Isaac Rowe
-Session 1B: Time 10:10–11:10 Mayor Larry Wallace PhD – “Courageous Leadership”
-Session 2B: Time 11:15 –12:15 Corey Jones – “How Childhood Trauma Affects Manhood”
-Session 3B: Time 12:20 – 1:35 Morgan Susan Taylor, MA – “The Sex Talk Café Live!”
-BONUS Session 4A & 4B: Time 1:40 – 2:15 “Work – Life – Balance: Building Business & Community with the Family” Amber Rowe Isaac Rowe

If we had allowed the pandemic to dictate life for us, this event never makes it off of the ground. The purpose and passion for serving the community is and was the driving force for making it happen for the men and women, who attended this incredible event. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

Question: What things have you started or produced during the pandemic?

Tag: families

Black Fathers Speak on Black Family: Representation, Identity, & Diversity

2020 Man In Me Virtual Summit