I had a really encouraging meeting at Oakland housing authority. They are doing very innovative things, including job training and placement.

I was involved because they are creating a networking group for fathers and are having an event the week before fathers day.  My guess is that it will mainly be young fathers. It is going to be very nice and interactive event. The purpose is to let the fathers know that they are not alone, and that there are many people going through similar experiences.

Our planning meeting reminded me why I started photographing fathers in the first place.  I had really hoped that I would be able to be part of community events like this.

I am going to photograph the event, also display some of my photos, as well as talk about how I started the Fathers of Color project.

1)    Tell your kids you love them every single day

Love not only makes the world go round, but every person needs to feel loved in order to have the balance necessary to be truly successful.  If you love your kids, don’t just show it with your actions, say it with words.  It will keep them from seeking love in all the wrong places.

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Okay, so you’re not the biggest fan of hugs and kisses, but you know your kids need affection. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with great tips and ideas for showing affection to your kids.

Be unique. Physical affection doesn’t just have to be a hug or kiss. Yes, those are both important, but you can also get creative and find new ways to show your affection. Create a special, secret handshake with your daughter, something only the two of you know. Or, have a “wrestling match” with your sons on the living room floor!

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I had this recurring experience when my daughter was less than a year old.  I was working part time and we spent a lot of time going to the park, running errands, or whatever. I remember one time crossing the street by Lake Merritt.  I think that my daughter was in her stroller.  I was kind of struggling to get over the curb or something.  Some car stopped to let us cross.  I looked up to acknowledge the kind gesture.  It was a slightly older brother who was just beaming from ear to ear and waving happily at us.  He was proud to see me doing what I was supposed to be doing.

Another time, I was carrying her down the sidewalk of a main street.  I got just big deep smiles from so many different people.  Whenever we would go places, I got the same reaction.  Babies do that to people.

It really should be no big deal, but from my perspective as an African American male — it was very difficult from the typical purse clutching, avoiding eye contact, and crossing street interaction that made up my previous existence.  It really did change my life.