Father’s Day is right around the corner. For our May/June edition, we interviewed some prominent men like Joel Austin, Manuel M. Smith, Abdul Sulayman on their views on fatherhood. Here are some excerpt of their views.

What does being a father mean to you? 

Joel Austin-Founder, President and CEO of Daddy University, Inc.

 Fatherhood is one of the greatest things in the world. To some, it’s close to being their reason for living. To some, it’s their purpose. To some, it’s something they’ve felt ordained to do. To me, it’s all three.

What does fatherhood mean to you?

Manuel McDonnell Smith-Assignment Editor, NBC10, Philadelphia’s NBC Affiliate. 

To me, being a father means being a rock of stability to your children. Be it going to sporting events that they’re participating in, to hanging out with your little girl, you want to be there for them. And it’s not just the big things. Its little things like braiding your daughter’s hair or changing your baby’s diaper. One of the things in the back of your mind is anticipation. You’re always trying to think ahead. And they make you face your fears. You always want to be a hero to your kids.

What advice would you give a first-time father? 

Abdul Sulayman-Photographer, Philadelphia Tribune. 

I’d say, find out what you don’t know. Look at people who have been successful fathers because those skills have to be taught. You have to have some financial literacy because you have to provide for your family, save for college and make sure that is taken care of. But you also must have emotional literacy to be able to support your children. That comes from knowing yourself and who you are.

If you would like to learn more about other influential Black Men.

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