Celebrating Father's Day: Encouraging Presence, Healing, and Partnership

Today is Father’s Day, and I want to take a moment to honor all the men who are showing up for their children—even when it’s hard, even when they didn’t have a blueprint, even when they’re learning as they go.

To the fathers who are present, who are trying, who are growing:

We see you. We appreciate you. We need you.

Encouraging Fathers to Be Involved

Whether or not you're currently in a relationship with your child’s father, I want to gently encourage you:

Support and encourage his presence in your child’s life.

When it’s safe and healthy to do so, children deserve to know and be loved by both parents. And many fathers today—especially in our community—are working hard to break generational cycles.

I’ve spoken with so many men who grew up without a father figure, and they’re determined to give their children what they never received:

• Daily presence

• Emotional support

• Affection and affirmation

• Guidance without fear

It isn’t easy. They’re navigating parenthood while healing deep father wounds of their own.

The Generational Weight Black Fathers Carry

For many Black men, the journey toward fatherhood comes with extra layers. They grew up in homes where their fathers were absent—and their mothers, though loving, were often overwhelmed, overworked, and emotionally unavailable.

Many were raised in environments where emotions were shut down. Where affection was rare. Where yelling was normal. Where love felt like pressure.

And now? These same men are trying to show up in healthy ways for their kids—without having ever experienced that kind of love themselves.

They’re healing their inner child as they parent their own children. That’s no small task. It’s brave, it’s hard, and it deserves support.

To the Mothers: Let’s Be Encouragers, Not Gatekeepers

We have so much influence. As mothers, we often set the tone for how fatherhood functions in our children’s lives.

Let’s use that influence to uplift and encourage. Let’s:

• Invite fathers in instead of shutting them out

• Allow them space to grow and figure it out, just like we did

• Communicate with grace, even when it’s hard

• Honor their efforts, even if they’re still learning

Your child’s father doesn’t have to parent exactly like you to still be a good father.

To My Own Partner: Happy Father’s Day

To my amazing husband—thank you. You make growing our two beautiful children so much easier.

Your presence, your wisdom, your patience, and your consistency mean everything. I love you. I appreciate you. And I hope you continue to be the incredible father and mentor that you are.

To My Father and Second Father: Thank You

To my dad—my safe space, the man who taught me what protection and provision truly look like. Your love, strength, and unwavering presence gave me a foundation to stand on. I love you deeply.

And to my second father—though we are not connected by blood, you’ve never made me feel anything less than your own. You’ve shown me love, wisdom, and support in ways that changed me. I love you, too.

Final Words to Every Father Out There

If no one told you today:

You’re doing better than you think.

You matter more than you know.

Your efforts are seen—even the small ones.

Keep going. Keep healing. Keep showing up.

Happy Father’s Day!