There's just something about dad: in praise and celebration of Black Fathers

Good fathers are like strong teeth--often taken for they are here, but, oh, how they are missed when they're gone!

In recognition of Father's Day, Ebony is saluting the fathers who stayed and prayed and made a difference in their families. This group ranges from first-time fathers with infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers to veteran dads with adult children. They include entrepreneur, hip-hop mogul and author Russell Simmons; Melvin and Mario Van Peebles, father and son actors, authors, filmmakers and playwrights; father and son actors David Reivers and Corbin Bleu; National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial; and gospel sensation Tye Tribbett.

Russell Simmons

Entrepreneur, hip-hop mogul, author and father of Ming Lee, 7, and Aoki Lee, 4

"Children give you a greater purpose. I spent almost 40 years alone. Our job is to help them find their own purpose. You want to provide them with the freedom that you lack. Free from the noise, the weight you carry, the noise in your head that separates you from God. You can help make it easier for them to be close to God."

David Reivers

Actor and father of Corbin Bleu, 18, and daughters Hunter, 14, Phoenix, 5, and Jag, 3

"I get to work with one of the most professional teenagers in the business, and he's my son. It's just a dream come true. I never had a dad growing up, so it's really important to be there for my kids. They come first--no matter what."--David

"My Dad told me to work hard and to stay close to your family. He told me that God always has things work out well in the end."-Corbin

Melvin & Mario Van Peebles

Actors, authors, filmmakers and playwrights Mario is the father of Maya, 14 Makaylo, 13, Mandela, 13, Morgana, 9, and Marley, 8.

Melvin: "We show kids our victories, but we don't let them see our failures, our hard times. That's an error. You make them a part of the whole situation. You'll be surprised at how they want to help."

Mario: "A lot of what my father gave me was basic Van Peebles survival lessons. First, you have to learn to read; but second, you have to read to learn. The thing that I've learned as a father is the importance of education and travel. Take your kids traveling.

Tye Tribbett

Gospel singer, songwriter, choir director and father of Austyn Tayler, 4, and Lyncoln Victoria, 1

"Fatherhood definitely matured me. It made me more compassionate and patient. At home, we try to keep it fun, exciting, musical and most important--keep God at the forefront. Everything else outside the house is going to lead them away from that. Daughters especially need examples of men in their homes. They need that type of security. That's why it is important to lead correctly. This is my church right here in my house, and I'm making sure that we're all going to get to heaven."

Marc H. Morial

National Urban League President and CEO, and father of Kemah, 25, Mason, 5, and Margeaux, 17 months

"Fatherhood is joyous and rewarding. To be able to watch them grow up, influence them and instill values--it's really the toughest job I have. It's a Continuous magnetic pull on you--a positive magnetic pull. It makes me clearly have so much respect for people raising children alone, when they are very young and/or have limited resources. Nobody can be a perfect father; you can only try to do the best you can."

COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning