Fatherlessness continues to beleaguer our nation. It’s especially pronounced in the African American community. For many years, it’s been a daunting challenge encouraging absentee fathers to be a greater presence in the lives of their children. In 2010, President Obama issued a nationwide challenge to fathers to step-it-up and embrace their responsibility. Famed actor Bill Cosby and a bevy of other celebrities and social activists have issued similar challenges.
Why have so many fathers shirk their responsibilities? The excuses are legion. But a host of efforts are underway to address this persisting problem. Grammy award winning Gospel star Fred Hammond has teamed with ESPN sports analyist Chris Broussard to eliminate fatherlessness and encourage men to become mentors. Hammond and Broussard have joined the efforts of Fathers Incorporated (FI), a New York based non-profit organization that has received support from the White House for their work in addressing fatherlessness. “I am excited to serve in this honorable capacity of saving our children,” said Hammond. “I’ve spent my life striving to be a responsible father and man, and I find it unacceptable what’s happening to our children because of the disengagement of fathers and able bodied men.”
