The Root
7 Ways to be a Black Father
The Root writers on Usher's fatherhood lessons, coming to grips with a daughter's addiction, and re-writing what it means to be a daddy.
TheRoot.com
Updated: 4:28 PM ET Jun 11, 2008

HELENA ANDREWS

"What My Father Could Learn From Usher"

For millions of Americans, the TV version of fatherhood is all we have.

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JAM DONALDSON

"Picture Perfect"

My dad, artist Jeff Donaldson and me.

A daughter of the Black Arts Movement's journey into Hot Ghetto Mess.

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LISE FUNDERBURG

"The Subtle Sweetness of 'Pig Candy'"

An author's trip to Georgia, away from the familiarities of the North and closer to her father.

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KEITH REED

"Finding Fathers"

Over a casual lunch with an oldhead, a father learns what he's been missing.

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FELICIA PRIDE

"My Father, the Tragic Hero"

Me and my parents, circa 1984

How I beat my addiction to making my dad pay for his.

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SAMSON KAMBALU

"How My Father Taught Me to Talk Jive"

Studying Nietzsche from the toilet and other cold, hard truths.

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ABDUL ALI

"Re-Writing Fatherhood"

Young, broke, and unmarried; it was my daughter who helped me find my voice

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