Black Fathers: A Call for Healing

In this follow-up to Black Mothers: Songs of Praise and Celebration, journalist Taylor stresses the need for black fathers to become stronger, more positive paternal presences in their families. Acknowledging that her own voice""is that of a woman and a mother,"" Taylor says her father's""spirit"" and""grace"" have been with her throughout her life. She draws on the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., the poetry of Helen Steiner Rice, passages from the Bible, stories from her own past and anecdotes from friends and acquaintances to urge African-American dads to take a front and center position in their children's lives. The counsel ranges from the concrete (e.g., take a father/child walk; visit a child's teacher) to the vague (e.g.,""be there"" for children). Taylor's assessments may trouble some readers, especially her belief that""for too many black men, fatherhood has become optional."" But there's no arguing with Taylor's goal of better relationships between fathers and their children, and dads from all walks of life should find her advice useful.