By Tom Beckwith

Another Father's Day is approaching, and I want to acknowledge all the men that have played a significant role in my life as a father figure. Even after my father suddenly died from cancer almost nine years ago, I still had men in my life that took the responsibility of making sure that I graduated from high school and went to college. These men treated me like their own son, and I am grateful each and everyday on how they impacted my life. They have constantly been there when many people had already given up on me in life.

 

These men saw potential in me that I was unable to recognize, and I became a part of there family. In particular, two of the men in my life went beyond there jobs as administrators to make sure I succeed in life. They did all the things a father should do for their children. They bought me clothes, fed me, gave fatherly advice, reviewed my report cards and several other things to make sure I succeed in life.
My friends' use to joke about me being a community child. Ironically people were always willing to help me in life and some things just don't change; people are still helping me. In my opinion, I was just another African American male struggling to persevere in life. I survived the temptations of selling drugs, being involved in neighborhood brawls, and receiving bad grades.

Having dependable cornerstones in my life was helpful, and I shared information with them that I didn't even tell my own mother. I have seen the good and bad times in life. One upon of time I was criticized as being one of the most intellectual people that didn't have any motivation or discipline, and currently people are praising my success in college. My growth as a young African American male is because of these men.

There presence in my life shows how a father figure can make a difference in life. These men have been known as my father, and I have thankful for there involvement in my life. They have seen me play sports, struggle with grades, received my high school diploma, struggle with the temptations of selling drugs, succeed as a student leadership, and once again these men will be sitting in the crowd when I graduate with my Bachelor's of Arts Degree in English next year.

Even though, I am a grown man there are times, I still need guidance in my life because I am human and make mistakes in life. My suffrage fathers are usually only a phone call away. There are many community fathers that are living within many different communities across the United States. These are teachers, administrators, mentors, coaches, etc. that have taken the time out to give much needed advice to young men, so they are able be successful in life. In appreciation of these men, I want to wish them a well deserved Happy Father's Day.