Name: Dequan Jones | City: Atlanta GA | IG: @dequanmjones
I’m a father to the beneficent Harper Gwendolyn Jones, husband to the beautiful and graceful Allison Jones. When those two ladies aren’t giving me the run-around, I play professional basketball. My family and I currently live in Trieste, Italy and I’ve also played in Japan, France, China, Israel, as well as a couple of teams in the United States. Before I began my professional career, I attended the University of Miami where I majored in Liberal Arts and Political Science. I have passion for philanthropy and love working with the youth. I definitely see myself as an agent of change and I see myself venturing into coaching post retirement.
What does being a father mean to you?
My daughter, Harper, was born on July 26, 2019 and no two days have been the same since her arrival. Prior to her, my life was a constant race towards goals and achievements. Due to my profession, I constantly felt like I was running on a hamster wheel. My daughter grounded me not only physically but spiritually. She taught me how to be still and the importance of being present in the moment because I don’t want to miss anything. She has also taught me how to be more patient, more attentive and humbled me with blowouts and spit up a time or three.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My mother and father separated when I was 5 years old, but he was very much present and influential in my life. We didn’t share a roof, but I grew up with a strong sense of confidence knowing that I had a father to depend on. He has exemplified nothing but strength and humility. I was taught at a young age how to work with my hands, tie a tie and change a tire. Having my father in my life has solidified my faith in manhood and was always my point of reference whenever I veered off the path.
Do you think becoming a father is something you can be prepared for or is it a learn as you go type of experience?
The biggest lesson that I’ve learned as it pertains to parenting is that there is not right or wrong way to do it. So many times, we feel pressured by older relatives to raise our children a certain way but just like life, it’s all a matter of perspective. We are now living in the technological age which means that the same rules that applied to me growing up are now outdated to some extent. Fatherhood is a matter of implementing your values and virtues to your current circumstances.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
Stay present in the moment and make decision based off of what’s best for your family. The way you are rewarded for that is gods decision.
If you wanted to write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father,
Thank you for being my foundation. Your presence gave me the strength to not only believe, but to be. Your lessons and legacy will forever live on through me and your grandchildren.
