morehouse celebrates fatherhood

KHALID WHITE, PH.D. ‘02
Fremont, ca

What does 'Fatherhood' mean to you?:
Being present and accountable for my kids’ well being.

What's been the biggest challenge in your Fatherhood journey?:
I have two children at two completely different ages and stages. They have different personalities and different needs. So it’s a challenge to give them both what they need simultaneously. But I love a good challenge.

What's been the most rewarding portion of your Fatherhood journey?:
The relationships, the connections with my girls. To see them growing up and be there to witness it every step of the way... there’s noting more rewarding.

General Fatherhood advice?:
Presence is more important than presents.

Do you have anything else you'd like to share about Fatherhood?:
I wrote a book & film on the subject. Black Fatherhood: Trials & Tribulations. Both won awards and were very well received by the community. Black dads defy a lot of the stereotypes. Visit www.Blkmpwr.com for details.

jordan johnson ‘10
Atlanta, ga

What does 'Fatherhood' mean to you?:
Fatherhood means the world to me. To be a part of creating such a beautiful soul is by far my greatest accomplishment. My little boy is my heart beating outside my chest!

What's been the biggest challenge in your Fatherhood journey?:
Less of a challenge and more of an internal struggle. I always worry about setting the right examples and providing the proper guidance. I want to be a parent while also making sure to leave Jaxon space to be whoever he wants to be as an individual. As a parent, there is nothing worse than living your life through your children. Allow your children space to live their own lives.

What's been the most rewarding portion of your Fatherhood journey?:
It has been so gratifying to watch Jax blossom into the little boy he is today. He’s smart, has a huge personality, and he’s so curious about the world around him. I am always in awe that he is mine and I am his.

General Fatherhood advice?:
You won’t always get it right. There will be amazing days as a father and there will be rough days. What is important is that you show up. Be present. Because that little one is always watching. How daddy responds to them, how he responds to challenges in life, how he displays affection. They mean the world to us and daddy means the world to them.

Do you have anything else you'd like to share about Fatherhood?:
Fatherhood is absolutely priceless. Cherish it with all your heart.

GLENN FORBES ‘82
FORT WORTH, TX

What does 'Fatherhood' mean to you?:
Providing strength and commitment while demonstrating leadership, love and support during good and challenging times. Doing so while not compromising being a trusted Father rather than willing Friend.

What's been the biggest challenge in your Fatherhood journey?:
Lost my first spouse 20 years ago due to medical complications after 16 years of marriage (she was only 38, I was 40) then having to dual parenting to a college freshman, high school freshman and middle schooler. Several years later after remarrying and having another child unfortunately a divorce resulted in a now co-parenting role. I then remarried to my current spouse (10 years coming) who was a single mother due to losing a spouse early to medical complications (she was 37 he was 42) the eldest was six and daughter new born. On top just prior to proposal my spouse learned of having breast cancer, though now free and surviving! We are all one successful loving family.

What's been the most rewarding portion of your Fatherhood journey?:
Maintaining my character and respect among family and friends through all the challenging times. Moreover the love of my family!

General Fatherhood advice?:
Once you’ve decided no matter what, “You must Commit and cannot Quit”

Do you have anything else you'd like to share about Fatherhood?:
Too often we are especially Black Men not perceived as willing to stay and strengthen the family unit when troubled times arise. Though we’ve been through challenging times, now having watched five of six earn college degrees and find peace among one another and society, the role of a Father is rewarding and memorable. It’s absolutely a beautiful thing!