Name: Ramone Poole-Samuels | City: Washington DC| Instagram: @H00kah_jefe
What does being a father mean to you?
It means the world. I have 3 daughters. They are my world. Each of them excelled my life at the different times they were born. At times it was difficult to navigate through their moms personalities. But with patience and perseverance i didn’t give up. I see my kids get to love on them. Mold them. Show them a positive black father moving mountains to be apart of their life.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My father was amazing. He left the street life for the working world at 24 to raise me on his own. He was available. Attentive. Supportive. Providing. Loving.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
With all my girls having different moms. It was so hard. One of their moms disappeared. One of their moms didn’t everything to keep me from her. My youngest mom supported me and helped work out custody. Schedules and monetary plans.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
Yes. So many. I’ve been unemployed. I have trouble paying rent. Had a car repod. But i didn’t quit. I rode the bus. I rode the train. I walked in the rain. I worked 3 jobs. I lived on couches. With the only mindset to get my kids be in their life and never give up.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
Never give up. My kids are my world. They are all of the best things about me in human forms.
If you wanted to write a quick note to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would it be?
Dear father, thank you for never missing a game. Thank you for the roof over my head. The late nights with homework. Thanks for never talking down to me. Thank you for always saying you love me even as an adult. Always hugging me cheering on my big and small accomplishments. Thank you for sacrificing your youth to grow up before you had to and being a man.
