The Certainty of Fatherhood

This holiday usually conjures up negative energies from my Black and Latino brethren. Stories of misplaced fathers, dual-role mothers, and accidental pregnancy loom in the periphery of our society’s ills. Today, however, I chose to remember those who we consider the exceptions when other cultures may consider them the norm. This is for the fathers who work ’til their limbs give out just to keep the lights on in the apartment. This is for the fathers who barely see their offspring not because they chose to leave but because they’re trying to find their way back home. This is for the fathers who take care of children that aren’t even theirs, but they inherited via occupation or circumstance. This is for the fathers who have no children, but provide inspiration to youth all across the nation. This is for the fathers who left their children too soon from passing onto another life but still look upon their children longing to reunite once more. This is for the fathers who understand the stereotype of father absenteeism, but scoff at the notion of leaving any child behind. In that sense, we have fathers in abundance.

And this is for the sons and daughters who, after truly knowing their fathers whether present or not, find it in their hearts to forgive and find love for their place in bringing you to this Earth. And because, as much as we try, we find a piece of our father’s within ourselves constantly …

Jose, who has tried to communicate with every father he knows, especially his own …

Share this:

Related

Comments 8

I’d like to add but you’ve pretty much said it all. I lost my dad at 9 years of age (I’m 34 now) and never have I ever felt I grew up with out him. He has guide me life in every way possible, with out being physically present. Also to those without their own children yet inspire and encourage children to be their best, you are worthy of this day!

The Hottest Posts Of The Week

Follow Me

About Me

José Luis Vilson is a math educator, blogger, speaker, and activist in New York City, NY. He has written and spoken about education, math, and race for a number of organizations and publications, including The New York Times, Education Week, The Guardian, Al Jazeera America, Huffington Post, Edutopia, GOOD, and El Diario / La Prensa, NY. For more, click here.

More About Me

José Luis Vilson is a math educator, blogger, speaker, activist, and author of This Is Not A Test: A New Narrative on Race, Class, and Education. He has written and spoken about education, math, and race for a number of organizations and publications, including The New York Times, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, CNN, Edutopia, and others.

This Is Not A Test

One of the most critically acclaimed education books of 2014 is now available via Haymarket Books or wherever books are sold. Go get yours today!

Sign Up

Join the hundreds who get the freshest content from TheJoseVilson.com right to your inbox right on time. Without worrying if your school district blocked my site. Sign up now.