Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18th and there is a definite need to celebrate our Black Father‘s, not only this year, but each day. In an op-ed for Parents.com, the Black Love documentary co-creator Tommy Oliver, tells us all why.
In his op-ed, Oliver says that he “wanted to be the father I never had growing up.” He said that he wanted to “be the best dad ever.”
Yet, what does that mean when many Black fathers are given a bad rap and painted with broad strokes of stereotypes, misinformation, and statistically considered “not present.” (According to Fatherhood.gov, statistics show that close to 70 percent of all births to black mothers are nonmarital, giving rise to the stereotype that black fathers are largely absent).
Well, for Oliver, being “the best dad ever” means…
…being the kind of person my kids can look up to, the kind of person who models a healthy, loving, respectful relationship with their mother, the kind of person who will fly from New York City to Los Angeles and back to New York City in one day just because I can’t bear the thought of being away from them. It also means paying attention to the details, being present, and consistently showing love and affection. Yes, I kiss my boys on their cheeks, foreheads, or the crowns of their heads daily—and they love their Daddy’s kisses.
So, just what can we do to celebrate Black father’s this weekend? Here are a few suggestions!
1. Have an indoor picnic
Picnics don’t have to always be outside, especially if the weather is not cooperative. You can rearrange the furniture in your living room, put down a blanket in the middle of the floor, make all of dad’s favorite goodies, and have a great time.
2. Breakfast in bed
We do it for mom, why not do it for dad? Again, make some of dad’s favorite breakfast foods and surprise him in bed with his breakfast treats.
3. Movie-marathon
Pop some popcorn and gather the entire family to sit back, relax, and take in some of dad’s favorite movies. Whether it is the complete Fast & Furious series or something different, let dad have control of the remote and let the marathon begin.
4. Hit the road and take in the sites in your own community
There is nothing more fun than a road trip in your own community. Take in the sites of your area, visit a museum, go for a hike, or maybe even pay a visit to friends and family that dad hasn’t seen for awhile. Communities change right under our noses. Go out with dad and rediscover yours!
5. Fire up the grill
What dad doesn’t think that he is the ultimate grill master? Well, if that sounds like your dad, you all can fire up the grill and let him go to his happy place. You can even encourage him to try different BBQ rubs or help him to create his very own signature rub!
Didn’t find something that you’d like to do to celebrate Black father’s this weekend on our list? Well, click here for more ideas. Happy Father’s Day!
Photo Credit(s)/Featured Image: pexels.com; Tommy Oliver Instagram
