Becoming Dad: Black Men and the Journey to Fatherhood - Softcover

Pitts Jr., Leonard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1932841172 ISBN 13: 9781932841176

Publisher: Agate Bolden, 2006

Synopsis

The fatherless black family is a problem that grows to bigger proportions every year as generations of black children grow up without an adult male in their homes. As this dire pattern grows worse, what can men do who hope to break it, when there are so few models and so little guidance in their own homes and communities? Where can they learn to become Dad?” When Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Pitts who himself grew up with an abusive father whose absences came as a relief interviewed dozens of men across the country, he found both discouragement and hope, as well as deep insights into his own roles as son and father. An unflinching investigation, both personal and journalistic, of black fatherhood in America, this is the best, most pivotal book on this profoundly important issue.

About this title

About the Author:

Leonard Pitts won the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for his bi-weekly syndicated column, which appeared in more than 200 newspapers, and has won numerous other journalism awards. Born and raised in Southern California, he now lives in suburban Washington, D.C., with his wife and children.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Syndicated Miami Herald columnist Pitts offers a thoroughly absorbing study of the African-American mans struggle to become a competent father in a society sorely lacking in role models. Detailing his personal efforts to bond with his children, the author also presents numerous case studies of black men facing similar difficulties. Sons of abusive or absent men, many members of the younger generation have to pave their way to productive fatherhood over rough terrain, while exorcising their progenitors ghosts. As Pitts details, with 64 percent of African-American children growing up in single-parent homes, often raised by poor mothers, black youth, especially males, are at greater risk for delinquency. Lacking male role models that provide love or discipline, insecure black youth often feel abandoned and adopt the tough bravado of street culture. Interviewing black males, Pitts encounters too many who have abdicated all the responsibilities of fatherhood; some arent even sure how many children they have. Blaming racism for their predicament, as valid as that may be, in Pittss view only perpetuates the cycle of black men who grew up without fathers begetting children who grow up in single-parent homes. Pitts offers helpful, sensible advice. He urges black men who have fathered children to locate them and establish a relationship with them and their mothers. Once they establish that relationship, he says, they should not try to buy kids love but instead create structure and stability while praising them, allowing the next generation to grow up confident. Fathers must also make the children understand the importance of education, says Pitts; this is especially important in a society ``that touts the notion that authentic blackness precludes academic excellence.'' A readable, well-balanced, impassioned account of a dilemma that touches not just the black family, but all who care about children. ($100,000 ad/promo; author tour) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Agate Bolden
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1932841172
• ISBN 13: 9781932841176
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 263