Commitment

by Patterson, Carole; Strickland, Arvarh E.; Patterson, Carole; Morrison, Minion K. C.; Barboza, Anthony; Ruffin, Clyde

• ISBN13: 9780826211576
• ISBN10: 0826211577
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-06-01
• Publisher: Univ of Missouri Pr

Summary

Offering an eloquent combination of fifty beautiful black-and-white photographs and poignant quotations from the fathers and children portrayed,Commitmentprovides a powerful rendition of fatherhood in black America. The father is often perceived as someone absent from the African American family, though the reasons for this perception vary. This book shows another side to that image, a positive one depicting black men who are supportive and nurturing parents. To reveal and celebrate this less often recognized parent, Carole Patterson has spent several years crossing the continent to interview and photograph responsible black fathers. Photographer Anthonoy Barboza has also contributed imagery. These portraits-young fathers, older fathers, a great-grandfather, fathers on different levels of the economic ladder-provide valuable insight into American culture. And because of their humanitarian scope, they deliver an important message to everyone, especially young people, about parenthood and the obligations and responsibilities attached to it. In his introduction, Arvarh E. Strickland surveys the history of the African American family, beginning with the separation inherent in slavery. Then, Minion KC Morrison offers a more personal view of image making and the creation of identity. Understanding both the racial history and how a father's image plays a role in our lives enhances the viewer's experience of the photos in this collection, which are also part of an exhibition.Commitmentis a moving testimonial to fathers and their families everywhere.

Table of Contents

Editor's Acknowledgments	ix	(2)
Photographer's Acknowledgments	xi
Learning through History	1	(4)
Arvarh E. Strickland
Learning through Memory	5	(7)
Minion KC Morrison
John Henry Moore	12	(14)
Gerald Russell	26	(10)
William E. Hickman	36	(12)
Tom Henry and the Responsive Father's Program	48	(10)
Travis Christian	58	(4)
Roy Cooper Jr.	62	(12)
Timothy Edward Record	74	(8)
Timothy Pinkney	82	(10)
Thurmon Stubblefield	92	(8)
Clyde Ruffin	100	(13)
About the Contributors	113