Unmasking the Ghost of the Black Father: Dissolution of an Illusion

   As a father of seven beautiful children I’m reminded everyday on the importance of my role in my children’s lives. Yet, somehow mainstream media would lead you to believe that I and millions of other Black fathers are nothing more than a ghost; absent and unavailable as pillars in our homes. Although truly a scary story, who is the real ghost with regards to the Black father?

Contradictory Data

   77% of Black children live with a biological or adoptive father (Pew Research Center, 2021). This statistic directly contradicts the common portrayal of Black fathers as largely absent by mainstream media. Additionally, Black fathers spend an average of 27 hours per week on childcare activities like helping with homework, bathing and clothing, etc… exceeding the national average of 17 hours according to a study by Fatherhood Initiative in 2020.

   This, and other supporting data clearly show that not only are Black fathers present, but highly active.
   The stark differences between this data and the narrative pushed by mainstream media is no coincidence. It portrays the Black father as a ghost in his own home.

   The “absent black father” stereotype has deep roots that reach back to slavery and Jim Crow policies. The media perpetuates this stereotype through dangerous tropes and underrepresentation of positive portrayals of Black men and Black fathers. In this article we will unmask the real ghost on the subject of Black fatherhood.

Through Adversity

   Black fathers show up for their children at a high level despite the adversity they face. But, what about those who don’t? Well, a large number of absent Black fathers are victims to America’s biased and unbalanced Justice System. Black fathers are incarcerated at a 6 times higher rate as their white counterparts, and their absence due to incarceration is a significant but often overlooked factor in the conversation of Black fatherhood (Sentencing Project, 2023).

  Black fathers overcome all types of adversity in the name of showing up for their children. It’s often a daily unspoken battle to simply be the father they want to be in today’s society. Nevertheless, they show up and take on the responsibility of fatherhood at higher rates than other ethnic groups. This resilience forms deeper connections with their children, helping to form stronger family foundations.

The Real Spook

So, if the Black father is not a ghost, as he is so described in the mainstream narrative, who is? Well, that would be the mainstream itself. Mainstream news outlets who focus on highlighting the negative in Black communities. Mainstream movies and television that continue to portray Black men through harmful tropes and stereotypes. Mainstream music which often glorifies the worst of some of our behaviors as examples for our youth.

This ghost haunts the Black community, threatening to deteriorate the bonds that build strong Black families. The families necessary to cultivate Black Power into the mainstream narrative. Elevating and empowering Black men instead of emasculating and humiliating.

Solutions

Black fathers must continue to show up as exceptional examples in our communities. In today’s age of internet and social media we have been squandering the opportunity to control our own narrative.

Mainstream media is well aware that they lost the battle for our time and attention long ago. It’s the people’s turn to create a more worthy narrative. We must construct a new agenda built on The Black Man’s Purpose and driven by a righteous moral compass.

The Black Community is not in need of leaders, it is in need of examples.

Author: Dawud (Truth) Shabazz