Co-author, The Heart of a Black Man

Share the title of your chapter and a brief synopsis

The Unwed Father

Being a single father causes many men to be showered with respect but leaving many to privately hide their pain. This chapter gives insight on how to rediscover their compassion, romance, or trust after becoming unwed.

As a Black man who has had lots of good experiences, as well as bad, or has overcome life challenges, what keeps you motivated to keep going?

The thing that keeps me going is the opportunity to remain an influencer and role model in my son’s life. As a Black man, I continue to push forward in hopes of demonstrating to my son that failures, challenges, and difficulties are a part of living. However, your outcome is not dictated by those problems.

Briefly, share one of the most significant experiences you’ve had as a Black man that impacted your life and

why.

The most recent significant experience that I had was with my battle with Covid and cancer. Through these experiences, I realized the incomplete areas of my life. These experiences gave me an opportunity to assess the things I had in place for my son after death. Therefore, I became intentional about what legacy I was leaving for my son.

What encouraging words do you have for the younger generation of Black men?

For the generation to come, do not allow culture to determine your fortitude. Become accountable to someone and become a man of integrity. Be a man of your word.

If you were given the opportunity to speak from your heart before a worldwide audience of leaders, politicians, women, children, and everyday people, what statement, quote, or solutions would you offer or say in regard to the plight of the Black man?

Being a Black man in the 21st century is threatening to anyone who is threatened by our potential. However, we are lacking Black leadership in the 21st century. Leadership in Afro-Centric communities should not be highlighted because of a person’s financial position or popularity only. From the days of Frederick Douglass through the Civil Rights movement, Black men were known for acknowledging injustice, dehumanizing situations, and inequality. Therefore, Black men would speak up and create resistance when it was necessary. The 21st century Afro-Centric American man cannot afford to remain silent in exchange for popularity. Our women and children are waiting for us to lead and be vigilant; while demonstrating fortitude, prudence, and justice for those lacking courage and who are voiceless.

What’s next for you?

I am currently working on a new book called Stand Out. This is the era of cultural diversity. However, regardless of a person’s ethnic background, there remains a challenge to “stand out” among peers. Every career path has built-in norms and expectations that could present challenges for a person to become a leader of change in diversity. This book will provoke people to become leaders who execute change by demonstrating courage, inclusiveness, and charisma.

How can readers connect with you?

www.reliveglobalcorp.com

Roosevelt Ethridge