Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold & Beautiful

Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful! " Is simply a magnificent compilation of some of the most absorbing and readable stories of Black fathers on the planet... (Richard A. Rowe, President and founder of the African-American Male Leadership Institute) Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful! is a compelling 363 page anthology heralding the true lives and legacies of patriarchs of African descent that screams out...'Read me, and hear this truth: Loving, caring Black fathers have been present since the advent of time!' Created by Joslyn Gaines Vanderpool and Anita Royston, Our Black Fathers inspires and impacts everyone regardless of race, nationality, marital status or social station. It touches readers who root for the unfairly disenfranchised, disrespected, disregarded and marginalized.

Sixty-one positive and empowering stories and poems by amazing contributors throughout the United States and Africa chronicle the triumphant march of Black fathers despite racial oppression, human frailties, hardships and setbacks. No other book of this scope and magnitude documents the positive influence of Black fatherhood, and refutes the false stereotype assigned to Black fathers as absent and unaccountable. Our Black Fathers also explodes such hackneyed myths in page after page of simple, powerful, poignant, raw and real truths that humanize Black patriarchs and salutes their love. This book is an inside look at a reality long neglected and a 'must read' for families, students, social scientists and all interested in a balanced understanding of the incalculable positive contributions Black fathers provide to their children and their communities.

"Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful is simply a magnificent compilation of some of the most absorbing and readable stories of Black fathers on the planet."

—Richard Rowe, President and Founder African American Male Leadership Institute

WHY THIS BOOK IS UNIQUE: Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful! screams out... read me! Hear my truth! The positive legacy of Black fathers has been dormant and unknown to the general population, and even within some sectors of the African American community. Like a slumbering giant, the sagas of powerful patriarchs of African descent are so compelling that they will inspire and enlighten. Rich, and captivating, Our Black Fathers differs from the common negative depiction of Black men that has been widely illuminated for centuries as their absolute truth.

This book is destined to sell. With the stories and our resource section, what lies within the pages of this anthology is golden, and can help any man, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, who has faltered as a father, if he is truly committed to renewing and improving his role and legacy in the life of his child.

WHY THE BOOK IS IMPORTANT: This demographic group (Black men) which Ralph Ellison wrote about more than 50 years ago, are still invisible and have rarely been portrayed in a positive or multi-dimensional way. Their stories are largely untold, but are none-the-less impacting due to their station in society, and the myriad of obstacles they have encountered. Written by a host of contributors throughout the United States, and two from Africa, sixty-one stories of Black men living and deceased are laid out eloquently, bluntly, poignantly and simply for the readers to absorb.

WHY THE BOOK WILL RESONATE WITH READERS: The lives of ordinary men, surviving virtually unnoticed under extraordinary circumstances of racial oppression, discrimination and basic life struggles, bring a more balanced perspective of Black fatherhood (something that the Black community craves to see, hear and read about and others will be intrigued by.) Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful! will warm the heart, bring forth deep introspection and stir emotions because of what these fathers endured, particularly in cases where there were few, if any opportunities to exist; yet somehow they did and beautifully raised children in the process.

Our Black Fathers has already powerfully resonated with those who know that the stories needed to be told, as witnessed by the reviews received and the elation and quiet appreciation of those who continue to thank us for introducing these powerful patriarchs for the world to see. These men seek no accolades only acknowledgement that they exist.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: Several Black men of all ages who were handed information about the book and told it would be a positive portrayal, expressed comments such as, "Something positive about Black men? Now that's a first." Or "Thank God!" or "It's about time!!!" One reader was so empowered by the stories he read that he questioned his own legacy as a father, and was determined to make changes to improve his relationship with his own children. Others who have seen the book ans didn't want to put it down. Many who have touched and seen the book, immediately have offered to pay for it on the spot.