Let's Scream for Father Inclusion by Kenn L. Harris
Fatherhood
Let's Scream
Kenn L. Harris
28 January 2023
LET'S SCREAM FOR FATHER INCLUSION
KENN L. HARRIS
"I scream, you scream…we all scream, 'ice cream'" is a chant I remember growing up.
It is also a chant similar to what we've heard about including fathers in the work with families and communities. The challenge is that historically, this country has a de-valuing for fathers of color. In many policies in family services programs, you'll see that fathers of color have been rendered invisible, considered insignificant, and valueless in their families.
How do we address this issue in this country? Who will shift the mindset and shift the culture? The maternal and child health bureau was established over 130 years ago, and the focus on fatherhood is a mere 30 years. To say that we have to "catch up" is an understatement.
"We are seeing more fatherhood advocates in the 21st century than ever before, and we need to continue to make room for more! We have to encourage the father's inclusion in spaces where he has been left out."
Start in the Space You're In
Advocate for father inclusion from where you are. If you are part of a system serving mothers and children, you can ask, "Where are the fathers in my work, my workspace?". Is your workspace welcoming to dads? What can you do to change it if it's not? Including fathers in your work can be restorative for families and communities.
The change can begin with you. As we see the impact of fatherlessness, the urgency should be evident. We have to push for more father inclusion in policies and practices. Our children deserve more, and our communities deserve more.
Fatherhood is a Protective Factor
Growing research informs us about the value of including fathers, so why are we moving so slowly? Frederick Douglass said it is easier to build strong children than repair broken men, and I agree with that statement. But we need first to restore men. Restore fatherhood. The brokenness of men will never leave until we eradicate the brokenness in these fragmented systems in America. And the "strong children" Douglass is talking about are being targeted for incarceration in this country, so protecting the health and well-being of our boys is also part of our mandate in this movement.
We are in a movement for father inclusion. We sound the alarm! We do not have the luxury to "stroll" this thing, but we must run to accelerate the movement. And we continue to run with the mindset of winning this race towards fatherhood. If you're not running, we hope you're cheering!
Let's Scream For Children To Have The Best Opportunities To Thrive!
Kenn L. Harris
Vice President for Engagement & Community Partnerships
Director of Healthy Start TA & Support Center
National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ)
Join Mr. Harris as one of our featured speakers at the 24th Annual Families and Fathers National/International Conference
