The job of a father is one of the most important roles one can assume in his child’s life. Moreover, the relationship that a Black father creates with his daughter can be one of the most influential factors on her childhood development and social life.
The world was at a standstill following the tragic loss of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant and his beloved daughter, Gianna Bryant in January of 2020.
The public’s celebration of their bond influenced millions of dads around the world to acknowledge the crucial bond they hold with their own daughters.
Nonetheless, numerous stereotypes continue to attempt to suppress the efforts and engagement of the Black father in his daughter’s life.
However, according to a 2020 study by Give Legacy, the presence of Black men in their children’s lives is actually more evident than their white and Hispanic counterparts.
Jeremiah Ball, 22, says being a father of a little girl has changed his life for the better and has given him the necessary push to pursue the next stage of his life.
He explains that being a father while also being a member of a generation living in the height social media has made it even more important to shape her confidence at a very young age.
“I want her to grow up loving herself and not trying to be someone she sees on social media. I am teaching her certain values that will allow herself with God,” said Ball.
Ball says that as a Black father, more emphasis is put on the role he plays and will continue to play throughout his daughter’s life.
“It was something I didn’t have growing up nor seen around me. So, all my time and effort is going into being the best father to my daughter as possible. She deserves that and the world,” said Ball.
According to a 2020 article by the Institute for Family Studies, “promoting responsible fatherhood is more important now than ever. The world is demanding positive change, and Black fathers need to be at the helm,” Braswell, 2020.
Researchers have found that the media plays one of the key roles in the perception that society places among Black men and their presence in their children’s life.
“Society doesn’t want me to be a good father, all of the odds are against me and I cannot be a part of the stigma, I have to be the change,” said Ball.
Ball says that despite the negative portrayals of society, being a girl dad is something he looks forward to everyday. He says witnessing the beautiful smile of his daughter every day and watching her grow and develop before his eyes has been the most rewarding part of fatherhood.
“The biggest piece of advice I would give to any dad would be that you are not alone. Reach out to other dads to get advice and stay strong in your faith in every state of fatherhood,” said Ball.
