UPTOWNflavor

With Memorial Day now behind us, we turn our attention to the next holiday on our calendar: Father’s Day. For people like me, who grew up without a male figure in the home, Father’s Day is one of those awkward holidays. My father died suddenly back in March of this year, and for the life of me I can not remember having spent a single Father’s Day with him. That’s where organizations like Real Dads comes in.

The Real Dads Network is an organization that is committed to helping bridge the gap between people like me, who grew up without a father figure, and the men who can make a difference in reshaping the lives of youth who are seeking the benefits of male guidance.

Here is the mission of the organization:

The Real Dads Network is an organization of dads, father figures, male role models and others committed to strengthening the institution of Black Fatherhood by connecting men with resources designed to empower them to be “Real Dads:” present, providers, protectors and peacemakers.

Our mission is to encourage fathers to be fully involved in the well-being of their child’s life. In addition, we want to promote and celebrate those fathers who are actively involved.

The Real Dads Network engages in and sponsors a variety of activities-skill-building workshops, informational seminars, male mentoring, networking, community and school based partnerships, advocacy, etc-designed to educate and encourage men to embrace their roles as dads, husbands and leaders in the context of family and community life.

The Real Dads News is a free monthly newsletter. Real Dads News is an opportunity to present and promote positive stories and images of Black fathers and men. It offers men a platform to express themselves, share their experiences and dialogue with one another.

Their website features informative articles, a list of resources, a calendar of events, and a monthly newsletter. Some of the events taking place uptown include:

• May 29 – Fatherhood Comedy Night @ The Dugout Comedy Club (880 D 161st St. and River Ave., Bronx, NY) with Host Talent from 98.7 Kiss FM

• May 30 – Black Artists’ Expressions of Father Exhibit@Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery (The Bradhurst at Striver’s Row 2611 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Studio 2N NYC) Note: Opening Night Reception (5-8 p.m.)! Exhibit will run through June 21, 2008.

• May 31 – Fatherhood Workshops & Panel Discussion from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. @PS 242 (134 West 122nd St., Harlem, NY)

• June 1 – Real Dads Awards Banquet@Alhambra Ballroom (2116 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., Harlem, NY)

So, if you’re a father who for whatever reason hasn’t been as involved in your children’s lives as you would like to be, take the initiative to get involved with other dads who also want to make an impact on our future. For more information about the Real Dads Network, visit their website at www.realdadsnetwork.com.