FAMILY MATTERS
FAMILY MATTERS
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By: Ashley Arrington
Dear Father,
T
hank you for pushing me throughout my years of living. You have always pushed me to be a better version of myself. No matter how much the world beats you down, you still find the strength to lift me up. You shield the pain, hurt, and tiredness with a smile. Why? You have never failed to amaze me; you have had so many obstacles against you, but you still beat the odds - the odds of the world, the odds of being black and the odds of being a black man in America raising 5 young daughters. You have always given us advice, but now it is my turn to give the advice. Don't let your challenges limit you. As a man that was the youngest of 14 children, with no college education and a criminal record, you have removed the labels the world has placed on you. Sometimes, when I look at you, I just want to burst with rage and not because of you, but because of the positions in which life has placed you. Black males are at most risk to stay in poverty, but you beat the standard. Black males make up most of the jail population, but you beat the standard. Black males have the highest percentage of being absent in their children's lives, but you beat the standards. The challenges of being a black man in America tend to be overbearing but not impossible. Daddy, I'm sorry you have to go through this. I'm sorry you constantly have a target on your back, and I'm sorry you can never put your guard down while you never seek sympathy from anyone, nor do you want it. The problem that the black man has as he attempts to define himself is this. Daddy, I don't want you to be identified by what society paints you to be nor be limited by its portrait, but I want you to embrace it all and not to shy away from reality. Love your babygirl, Ashley SUMMER 2O24 EDITION
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