Falsely stereotyped messages from mass media influence global views on Black parenthood. Such messages inform our perspectives and shape the foundation of American society. Research and policy are often informed by inaccurate assumptions that have proven to be detrimental to the image of the Black father.
There is a general notion that Black fathers are absent from the home and negligent to their children’s needs. This notion is deeply rooted in an oppressive ideology that most significantly impacts those on the margin, namely Black fathers from low-income, low-educated, urban backgrounds. Further, a lack of critical thinking and reflection blinds us to the pervasive implications of poverty, institutionalized racism, and other forms of oppression that shape the experiences of many.
Black fathers are present, and they have qualitatively different experiences that are valuable and provide great insight into the strengths of the Black family. When considering the complex needs of children with disabilities, including Black fathers in the conversation recognizes their parenting value. Recent research highlights the contributions Black fathers make to provide unique social, financial, and emotional support that further encourages their child to receive necessary services and resources (Bignall, Bignall, Vaughn, &Unaka, 2018; Evans, Feit, & Trent, 2016). It is time to re-form the narrative and highlight the strength and success of Black fathers. Both resident and non-custodial Black fathers are involved in their children’s lives, and their experiences are worthy of further consideration.
Brandie Bentley, MSW
School of Social Work
University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
References
Bignall, O. N. R., Bignall, W. J. R., Vaughn, L. M., & Unaka, N. I. (2018). Fathers Know Best: Inner-City African American Fathers’ Perceptions Regarding Their Involvement in the Pediatric Medical Home. Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities, 5(3), 617-622.
Evans, D. L., Feit, M. D., & Trent, T. (2016). African American parents and attitudes about child disability and early intervention services. Journal of Social Service Research, 42(1), 96-112.
