In Search of Books about African American Fathers: In Honor of Father's Day
The shortage/absence of literature about African American Fathers. The historical and sociological impact of slavery on Black family dynamics, including the father's presence in the home. The need for healing for Black fathers. About six years ago, during a guerilla-marketing effort, I would sell books with a fellow doll maker/artist in what I can only euphemistically describe as street-corner campaigns. On a weekly basis, here in Los Angeles, California, we would set up colorful tables with African print table cloths, flowers, baskets filled with my books, incense, ribbons and the other womans handmade dolls. That year, on Mothers Day, we sold out of our inventory and made a profit. However, a month later, on Fathers Day, it was a different story. In fact, many of the men (and women) who stopped by our fancy table just about gave us the old middle finger, told us where their fathers could go and what they could do when they got there. Wheww!!! Looking back, this is a sad indictme...