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The epidemic of absent black fathers in today’s society is vastly increasing and getting worst and worst. According to 2011 U.S. Census, over 24 million children live inside of a fatherless home. Now let’s break it down and divide the pie into the different races in America. 1 in 3 (34%) Hispanic children live in father-absent homes, and 1 in 4 (25%) white children also live in father-absent homes, while nearly 2 in 3 (64%) African American children live in father-absent homes. Anyone see anything wrong with those numbers?

According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children who live in a fatherless home are, on average, at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents.

ALSO CHECK OUT: An Ode To Mr. Mom: Why Single Fathers Deserve Praise On Mother’s Day [Original]

The harsh reality of the absent black father in majority of households in America maybe a tough pill to swallow for some, but it also shouldn’t allow us to enable our black youth to not want to strive for greatness and pursue their dreams. I myself stand on the outskirts of the statistics of having an absent father in my household, I am educated, never been to jail and have a very bright future ahead of me. I consider myself one of the “lucky ones”, because I was blessed with a beautiful, strong, black mother. Not to sound cliché but if I can overcome the statics of having an absent father in my life so can you!

Our black communities need to go back to the mentality of “it takes a village to raise a child”.  If the men won’t stand up and take care of their responsibilities then the community should step up and help raise our youth. Why do we allow this generational curse to continue? Why not want to make a difference and a change in your family and in your community?

Riddle me this: If you grew up without your father in your life, and have experienced the difficulties, why have your children suffer the same burdens you already had to carry?

words by: Nadaysha “Heartbreak” Screven

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