THE PROBLEM?

It is Not an Event…

It is a state of Life!

The Welfare System Has not created the “Great Society”

What are the effects?

Many different factors contribute … Here are several : Employment issues Dysfunctional relationship with the child’s mother Addiction Welfare policies No commitment to marriage Life frustration Generational patterns (my dad left me, so I left my

children) Selfishness Divorce … and the list goes on (Strong 2012).

The Cycle Perpetuates Itself

Males express: Frustration Feeling Powerless Being Moneyless

Children express: Emptiness Loss “father hunger”

Western “Ideal” vs. Black Culture

Western “Ideal” Father Black Culture / Reality

1. Provider / Material Sustenance

1. Quality Time with Children

2. Legal and Genetic Endowment 2. Giving Emotional Support

3. Protection, Concern for Well-being of children

3. Providing Discipline

4. Formation to child’s character and personality

4. Role Model for Work Ethic, Respect

5. Caregiving (in a Paternal manner) 5. Teach: Boys -> Men Teach: Girls -> Ladies

6. Encourage Economic Support (usually provided by others)

Solutions FocusEmpowerment Strategies - Enable Black Fathers to perceive themselves as: Competent Valuable and Valued Worthwhile members of group

Programs that increase: Power Self-sufficiency Unity

To BREAK the cycle of absentee and uninvolved

Compelling the Christian to Act…

http://youtu.be/v4X4OfU2eds

You can Make a DifferenceDiscussion: