Did you see where Barack Obama was named 'Father of the Year' by the Fatherhood Educational Institute (FEI)? FEI educates the public on the importance of patriarchal involvement in children's lives.
The group is based in Chicago. They have some strong programs to help fathers that are poor or incarcerated.
Barack Obama said, "I think we got to do a real good job trying to reintroduce males who have been involved in the criminal justice system as ex-offenders -- giving them the opportunity so that they are able to support their families, find work, get on the right path -- but ultimately there's a lot of personal responsibility that's involved in this. And one of the things I want to do as president is to use the bully pulpit to say to men, You have to get involved in your child's life. It will make a difference not only in their lives but in yours."
Fatherhood issues need to be addressed by all races and cultures. However, there is no question that Obama serves as a powerful role model for African American fathers. At the end of the day it is up to each of us to take personal responsibility to do the right thing. It will be nice to see a positive and powerful Blackman who does right by his children.