By: D.C. Black History Celebration Committee
Beyond the traditional image of a provider, today’s father embodies guidance, emotional strength, and a steadfast presence that fosters security and growth within the family.
Dedicated activist, Southwest resident, and founder of the D.C. Black History Celebration Committee Chuck Hicks says Black fathers and men are paramount to the Black community but aren’t celebrated as much as they should be.
Fathers help children learn to make thoughtful decisions, take responsibility, and move forward with confidence.
Hicks highlights the pivotal role of his father’s guidance, structure and development to the neighborhood:
“My dad cut everyone’s hair, taught the other children how to play ball and tie a tie. My family was a family that the neighborhood looked up to and turned to whenever they had challenges and my dad and mom tried to have solutions to help out.”
In a time when families face increasing demands and pressures, the stability a father provides is more important than ever. Structure within a family lays the groundwork for stability and success. A father’s commitment to family rules, daily schedules, and mutual respect teaches children how to operate within a healthy framework, both emotionally and socially.
Research consistently shows that children with involved fathers are more likely to succeed academically, show emotional intelligence, and have stronger social relationships. The presence of a nurturing and dependable father figure fosters a balanced and thriving family environment.
Hicks also added that everybody can make a difference, big or small. Often it can be the little things, like saying “thank you” to someone, that can make a world of difference to a person.
It’s important to remember that fatherhood is not defined solely by biology. Grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers, mentors, and other male role models often step into fathering roles with profound impact. Celebrating fathers is about acknowledging those who choose to lead, love, and guide, regardless of their title.
Hicks said, “It’s important for us to acknowledge that the road is not always easy but if we persevere things will improve. Fathers could share more of a spiritual leadership role for their families. Be prayerful, honest, have a good heart, try to do the right thing and things will change.”
Celebrating fathers means recognizing their invaluable role as providers of guidance, builders of structure, and architects of family development. Let us take the time to honor fathers and father figures — not just for what they do, but for who they are: steadfast, compassionate, and irreplaceable pillars in the foundation of our families.