Category: Fatherhood

What Griff’s New Book Reveals About Mothers, Sons, and the Journey from Boyhood to Manhood

At the center of the book is a simple but provocative idea: Mothers can raise sons, but mothers are not men. That statement will make some readers uncomfortable, but Griff leans into the discomfort with humor, compassion, and honesty.

Instead of attacking mothers, Griff honors mothers. His book is a love letter to his own mother, a woman who raised him with toughness, wisdom, sarcasm, resilience, and survival instincts after navigating life without the protection of a present father herself.

Griff reminds readers that many mothers are not trying to replace fathers because they want to. Many are trying because they feel they have no other option.

Moynihan Institute Research Shows How Black Fathers Are Naturally Closing the Father–Daughter Divide

Father-daughter relationships can become strained or estranged more often than other parent-child bonds, and many adult daughters report discomfort in sharing personal issues with their fathers. It’s painful to read because it’s familiar. The daughter feels unseen. The father feels uninvited. Both are telling the truth, and the gap remains. 

But our research shows what Black fathers are already doing – quietly, intentionally, and often without applause. 

The Only Magic in This Atlanta Hawks–Magic City Collaboration Is the Disappearance of Morality

From a programmatic perspective at Fathers Incorporated, we spend our days encouraging fathers to model respect for women, to support mothers, and to raise children who understand the value of dignity and healthy relationships. 

This partnership pushes against that work, and the contradiction deserves to be named.

Dads, Let’s Hold the Line for Our Sons Until They Can Hold It for Themselves

One of the best gifts a father can give a son is a stable place to land. A place where the boy does not have to earn love with his stats. A place where he can be honest about fear and still feel respected. A place where he can hear, “I’m proud of your effort,” and also hear, “Now let’s get back to work.” These combinations are how boys learn that love is not fragile and standards are not cruel.

So what does encouragement look like in practice, beyond good intentions? Here’s what dads and others can do to instill belief and confidence in our boys.

Dads, Let’s Build Our Daughters’ Confidence Long Before They Call Her “Too Much”

The charge is clear. Guard her voice. Protect her becoming. Reinforce her identity. Challenge her without humiliating her. Love her without requiring perfection.

If we are not intentional, girls will edit themselves before anyone else has to, and culture is quick to condemn and confuse them. We tell girls to be confident, then critique how that looks. We tell them to lead, then call them bossy. We tell them to speak up, then call them loud. We tell them to be bold, then ask them to soften their tone.

But a different future is possible.

The Empty Chair: Incarcerated Fathers and the Holidays

The impact of incarceration during the holidays goes far beyond the prison walls. It touches the hearts of children, the strength of families, and the fabric of our communities. We cannot afford to let these families feel forgotten. Healing starts with recognition and compassion.

The Silent Struggle: Fathers Facing Stress, Depression, and Loneliness During the Holiday Season

For all its joy and celebration, the holiday season can be a lonely and challenging time for fathers separated from their children. Whether due to scheduling or the heartbreak of parental alienation, these fathers often navigate their pain in silence. By recognizing the reality of their struggles and taking steps to support them, we can bring light to a complex subject and promote healing for fathers, children, and families alike.

Nepotism and Black Fatherhood: Which Way You Want It — Dads In or Dads Out?

In the 2024 NBA Draft, the 55th pick was none other than Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James. Usher’s acceptance speech for the BET Lifetime Achievement Award offers a profound reflection on the complexities and importance of Black fatherhood.