I have proudly worn the label “Daddy’s Girl” since I was a little girl. My poor father probably wishes I’d leave him alone sometimes, but he’s always been there for me.
The world often misses out on the image of the Black father who raised me. That ever-present, lunch-making, lawn-mowing down-to-earth Dad who took me on bike rides and taught me to drive.
When I talk about my over-present Dad, I get mixed reactions. In my life, this was the norm. Fathers in my life, whether they were part of a “traditional” relationship with their child’s mother or not, were always there.
These folks met a high bar.
I had uncles who deftly braided their daughters’ hair, like magicians. Others who cooked elaborate meals at every dinner and were always ready to welcome friends. Still others who travelled with their kids anywhere and everywhere – operating like codependent side-kicks. They showed up everywhere, all the time – and taught me everything from Dominoes to bike riding.
Yeah, the myth of the absent Black father missed me entirely.
Books that honour dads who as everyday heroes
This is why I am excited to have found so many books that highlight the beauty and strength of Black fatherhood every day. These books capture the essence of what it means to be a Black father or father figure.
Written by Black authors these books shed a positive light on the complexities of Black fatherhood. Absent of the common stereotypes, these books read like a love letter to Black fatherhood. From the single Dad who juggles work and home life to the uncle who imparts wisdom and guidance, the unconditional love of a father figure is centred as the most important thing in the lives of our children.
If the father in your life would appreciate an uplifting read, these great books celebrate the everyday dads who inspire the children in their lives.
As the proud President of the Daddy’s Girl Club, I wholeheartedly support this celebration of fatherhood.
10 Books that Celebrate Black Fatherhood Every Day
Why Fathers Cry at Night
: A Memoir in Love Poems, Letters, Recipes, and Remembrances, by Kwame Alexander
Why Fathers Cry at Night by author Kwame Alexander is an unconventional memoir that offers a glimpse into a man’s journey of learning how to love.
The book explores the complexities of love, fatherhood and the profound bond he shares with his daughters. Filled with essays, poems, family recipes and personal letters takes readers through the highs and lows of love.
My Fighting Family
: Borders and Bloodlines and the Battles That Made Us, by Morgan Campbell
My Fighting Family delves into family dynamics and heritage. Focusing on Campbell’s maternal grandfather, Claude Jones, the book explores the impact of fatherhood across generations.
I took from it the ways in which parental decisions shape the paths of their descendants. Additionally, Campbell’s own journey highlights the influence of father figures on individual growth and identity.
Ultimately, this book gave me a nuanced reflection on fatherhood’s role in shaping family dynamics, identity, and resilience.
I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You: A Letter to My Daughter, by David Chariandy
In I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You David Chariandy shares a heartfelt letter to his thirteen-year-old daughter about race and identity.
Drawing from his own experiences as a Black man with South Asian roots, he explores the challenges of growing up. Chariandy aims to instill in his daughter a sense of identity and responsibility, navigating painful truths while embracing hopeful possibilities for the future.
This read offers Black fathers an important reflection on parenting in today’s world.
The Best Kept Secret: Single Black Fathers, by Roberta L. Coles
In The Best Kept Secret: Single Black Fathers, Roberta L. Coles explores diverse experiences of fatherhood that are often overlooked.
Through interviews, extensive research and personal stories, Coles explores the experiences of single black fathers. Each story reveals not only challenges but triumphs, and the unique bond many share with their children.
My Seven Black Fathers:
A Memoir of Race, Family, and the Mentors Who Made Me Whole, by Will Jawando
Growing up as Yemi outside DC was tough for Will. Despite challenges with identity and family as a young boy, he found consistent support and guidance from seven remarkable mentors.
This young activist’s memoir contributes to a new conversation about Black fatherhood that centres the power of mentors. From teachers who bolstered his self-esteem to President Barack Obama, who invited him to play basketball at the White House, mentors played a vital role in shaping his life.
My Seven Black Fathers celebrates the how love of a great father figure – biological father or not – can have on Black boys and all children. And the transformative way this can shape the next generation and build Black community.
Dear Black Dads:
Wisdom for Your Journey to Fatherhood, by Jamal J. Myrick
Clint Smith’s vibrant and compelling new collection delves into the vast emotional landscape of fatherhood. The book is a celebration of how becoming a parent has reshaped his perception of the world.
This book celebrates the joy of experiencing the world anew through the eyes of his children. But is not afraid to reflect on the challenges of raising a family amidst social and political upheaval.
Through his poetry, Smith examines the ways in which personal legacies and historical forces shape our lives.
Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court, by Chris Paul
In “Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court” by Chris Paul, the NBA star shares a deeply personal journey influenced by his late grandfather, Nathaniel ‘Papa’ Jones.
After a heartbreaking loss, Chris pays tribute to Papa’s memory by scoring 61 points in a high school basketball game, symbolizing each year of his grandfather’s life. Through heartfelt reflections, Chris reveals how his formative relationship with Papa impacted him as a little boy and shaped him into the man and father he is today.
The book celebrates the profound impact of father figures and underscores the importance of being a positive influence for future generations.
Above Ground, by Clint Smith
Clint Smith’s collection of poems takes readers through the emotional terrain of fatherhood. The book explores how becoming a parent has reshaped his view of the world.
Smith shares the awe and wonder of seeing the world through the eyes of his children, while also reflecting on the challenges of raising a family in a world marked by social and political upheaval.
I Wish My Dad
: The Power of Vulnerable Conversations between Fathers and Sons, by Romal Tune, Jordan Tune
“I Wish My Dad” by social entrepreneur Romal Tune and his son, Jordan, explores healing and reconciliation between fathers and sons. Tune, raised mostly without a father, delves into father-son relationships through firsthand perspectives and revelatory conversations with seventeen men from diverse backgrounds.
The book offers strategies for initiating similar conversations, drawing from his own experiences. This book provides a roadmap for moving beyond the past and fostering deep connections in the present, offering valuable lessons for strengthening relationships between fathers and sons.
Cry Like a Man
: Fighting for Freedom from Emotional Incarceration, by Jason Wilson
In “Cry Like a Man,” Jason Wilson redefines masculinity by advocating for emotional vulnerability and authenticity. Drawing from his personal experiences, including childhood trauma, the death of his beloved mother and societal pressures, Wilson challenges traditional notions of manhood.
As a leader in youth development, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing and compassion in shaping healthy relationships. Through his work, Wilson encourages Black men to break free from emotional constraints and embrace their true selves.
10 Books that make perfect gifts for Fathers any Day
If you are looking for more ways to celebrate Black fatherhood, whether it’s for Father’s Day or a birthday gift, be sure to check out our list of Unique Gifts for Black Fathers for ideas and inspiration. Our curated selection includes thoughtful options for every occasion. And if the Dad in your life is a soon-to-be or new father, or has young children – explore our gift list featuring Books that welcome Black Dads into the ‘New Dad’ club. This list of children’s books is specifically designed to welcome new dads into their new role.
Join this Daddy’s Girl in celebrating Black fatherhood every day.
