MORE THAN A FATHER

Nyoki Lewis-Hunt

June is the month that we celebrate fathers and it’s also the month ironically, that we celebrate Juneteenth if you are African-American. This year that hits so different for so many reasons! When you are the daughter, wife, and mother of an African-American man this month holds a different type of weight. Raised by the men we love we can’t help but get excited. But I want to take a moment to recognize the man who then stepped in and stepped up just as they would if they had been gifted with biological children. And not just the man in my life but the men in my family that give without pause and pray without ceasing over their kids. For me, the first men that come to mind would be my husband, my brother in law and one of my cousins; who is very much like a big brother. Why? Because they all raised children, loved them unconditionally, supported them, and administered tough love even when it hurt. They made and continue to make the conscious decision to step in and love them with every ounce of their being! Let’s not forget the fact that they have to deal with the complexities of being married to women that are mothers, Alpha females, and women who are not afraid to follow their dreams; even when our loved ones may not understand our vision. See this type of woman is not easy to love, according to their standards LOL! All jokes aside, we also can’t forget that this month makes you very cognizant of why it’s so important to celebrate them when we think about

all of the racial inequalities that happen against our black fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends! I remember at one time our family getting together every year on the Fourth of July because all we wanted to do was be together with the people we loved most, watch the men fire up the grill, set off fireworks, and make sure that there were plenty of activities for the kids. I am proud to say that we no longer celebrate the Fourth of July and haven’t for quite a few years now. We have made the conscious decision to celebrate Juneteenth because that is the holiday that represents who we are as a people! Between this pandemic and police brutality so, many of the black men in our lives have lost their lives, been treated less than human, and harassed daily; and not even just by police but the people in our communities, our grocery stores, at the car wash, etc. So remember to pray over your black husband every day, but don’t forget about your black father and your black son! Remember to celebrate those nephews, uncles cousins, and friends; because though we all face something on a day-to-day that we don’t speak of, they face something very different than society as a whole. And I honestly can’t complete this month’s contribution without also acknowledging the father of my children because without him I wouldn’t have them. Without him I wouldn’t be able to celebrate my husband every Father’s Day; may he rest in peace. To the Melanin’ King of my heart and home Gerald, Happy Father’s Day. Sending happy Father’s Day love all the way Puerto Rico to my Dad; along with my Brother-inLaw Terry and cousin Ronell; along with ALL OF the other men in my family, circle of friends.