Happy Father’s Day Brothers,
As we approach Father’s Day, I ask that you all continue to be the strong Head of the Household and be a great role model for your children. I’m greatly concerned that too many of the younger generation are “caught in the fell clutch of circumstance” due to our current climate in society. We as Black Men, continue to suffer disproportionately from health issues, violence, racism, and injustice. Because of our “trials & tribulations”, our rightful roles as parents, protectors, and providers are heavily affected.
It’s important to not confuse our children’s ability to survive in your absence with their need to thrive in your presence. You must reject the commonly accepted notion that while motherhood is necessary, fatherhood is optional, superfluous; a luxury reserved only for a fortunate few children. My task to my Brothers is to continue to “Show UP and Show Owt!”
After all, time is rare and the demands on your agenda and attention can seem never-ending. When all is said and done, neither you nor your children will remember that big business deal you closed. What they will remember is whether you showed love and appreciation for them and made the sacrifices to be involved in their lives, both for special occasions and on a day-to-day basis. It’s about you being present. Love is all about showing up.
In June of 2009, President Barack H. Obama held a Fatherhood Town Hall meeting in the White House to address his Administration’s concerns and commitment towards the crisis on fatherhood and mentoring responsibilities plaguing the country. Omega Man, Brother Thabiti Boone, as a result of being a part of that town hall meeting, brought the idea of to the fraternity to support and partner with the President’s administration concerning the fatherhood and mentoring initiatives. Ultimately, this became an initiative Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated charged each of its chapters to enact on a local level. We must not forget our commitment and stay determined that this mission would be to strengthen the effectiveness of fathers in the fraternity and community by providing enrichment programs and opportunities that increase the quality and quantity of time invested in our roles as fathers, mentors and facilitators.
I would like to say Happy Father’s Day to my dad Mr. Robert C. Morgan, United States Navy Retired. He served three tours in Vietnam on gunboats.
Please enjoy your Father’s Day!
My Brothers, we celebrate you. Not just on Father’s Day, but every day. I remind you of our mission, our call, OUR GOAL!
In Friendship,
Bro. Conrado Morgan
30th District Representative
(e-mail) 3rdDistrictDR@OPPF.Org
