Name: David Jackson | City: Portland, OR | Instagram: @djogone
What does being a father mean to you?
Fatherhood means the foundation of stability within a family unit. Fatherhood is the most precious and honorable privilege any man can be blessed with. Fatherhood sets the example to his sons on what accountability and responsibility is. Fatherhood Models the temperament and character in handling interpersonal relationships. Fatherhood represents the importance of being a good listener, but knowing when to speak for the purposes of integrity and uplift.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
I had no father around, but learned very early on in my life to make an intentional effort to connect with men within my communities and absorbed as much knowledge as possible.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
I definitely took away the drive to want to be present and accountable to my children, and to be a better father than mine was. I also realized that just because my father wasn’t present that didn’t excuse me from being accountable to mine. Fatherhood also opened my heart to forgive my father because I realized that there is no handbook to fatherhood and that most fathers are trying to do the best they can with the limited amount of knowledge and experience. So I’m more patient with myself, and have a huge amount of respect for women who’ve carried the full load.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.
The biggest obstacle was trying to stand firm and stable as a Black father, when a whole society projects you as being worthless and less valued as a father.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
It’s ok not to know everything, it doesn’t make you less of a man to ask questions, connect with other fathers who model the character and practices you value, and TIME!!!!! Your children value your time and presence more and anything… Make them a priority.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would it be?
Dear Father,
I love you, I know you did the best that you could with the knowledge and wisdom you had available to you,!so I hold no grudges and may you look down onto your son and be proud of the man I’ve become.
Name 5 fathers you cosign.
| 1 | @djmalski |
|---|---|
| 2 | @coolnutz |
| 3 | @damianlillard |
| 4 | @charlesw10 |
| 5 | @djdsharp |
