Name: C.A Truthwell City: Chesapeake Virginia Instagram: @author_catruthwell
What does being a father mean to you?
Being a father means presence, not perfection. It’s about showing up with love, resilience, and guidance being the steady foundation that children can always count on. Fatherhood is the legacy we leave, shaping not only our children but the generations that follow.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
I grew up seeing both the strength and the absence in fatherhood stories. That contrast gave me clarity: fathers matter deeply. It drove me to reject the myths society places on Black fathers and to commit myself to showing up with consistency and love for my own family.
What things/tools/gems did you take from your experience growing up into your Fatherhood journey today?
Faith, discipline, and resilience. I learned that hard work and spiritual grounding carry you through challenges, and that even when resources are limited, love and presence create abundance for children.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.
Yes , one of the biggest obstacles has been navigating the narrative that society places on Black fathers. We are often misrepresented before we even speak. My journey has been about pushing past those labels, proving with my actions that the truth is different, and inspiring other fathers to reclaim their voice and presence.
What advice would you give other Fathers on their journey?
Don’t let the world define you. Your children need your love, not perfection. Be present, be consistent, and understand that your role is powerful beyond measure.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
I never knew you, and that absence has been one of the defining truths of my life. Though you were not there, your absence taught me the weight of presence. It showed me what I did not want my children to feel. In many ways, not knowing you gave me the determination to become the kind of father I wished I had, present, loving, and accountable. Your silence became my motivation to break the cycle and write a new story for my family.
