Name: Malcolm Griggs | City: Birmingham AL | Instagram: @_mack_g

What does being a father mean to you?

To me, being a father means a number of things. Being present is what come to mind immediately. No matter the time, the day, nor circumstance. It also means being a life long teacher and learner. Being present to teach your children by example while simultaneously learning from them in the process because we are not perfect. Believe it or not, being a father is also being a nurturer. Being present to kiss not only the physical boo boos, but the emotional wounds as well. To be a father is to be selfless. Placing your child or families needs before your own without thought.

Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.

My experience with my father growing up taught me a lot about him, myself, and what it meant to be a man. I grew up the youngest of four and I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything. My father was present in good and bad. When I wet the bed, needed help with my homework, wanted to act, got stung by bees, wanted to play sports, or got sick, he was there. Before I was born, my parents were travelers. He taught me the world was bigger than our block. He also taught me the importance of buying the block. He made sure we were exposed and were in position to receive the best education we could. He taught me to enjoy life! He was also a father to many in our neighborhood that didn’t have one. He’d probably tell you that he taught me about fashion, but he actually learned style from me. I mentioned all of this because I see a lot of him in me. Don’t get me wrong, we are different, but his presence and lessons made me the man I am today. We are blessed to still have him!

What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?

Enjoy every minute. Learn from your mistakes. Be present. Be selfless.

If you wanted to write a quick note to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would it be?

Thank you. Thank you for being present through and through. Thank you for the lessons learned, and those I’m still learning. Thanks for being my first example. Love you, father! Lol

Name 5 fathers you cosign.