Lloyd Wilks: Being a Black man is hard. Being a Black father is even harder

CounselQuest CEO Lloyd Wilks, right, and his father, Clovis Earl Wilks of Pickering, Ont., pose for a photograph on July 13, 2019, on their way to the Calgary Stampede. LLOYD WILKS

Lloyd Wilks is an executive director of CounselQuest Inc., a leader in litigation and corporate investigations support, an active member of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and co-founder of Malachy Soiree, an annual fundraiser dedicated to transforming the Neonatal Intensive. Care Unit at St. Michael Hospital in Toronto.

Lloyd Wilks, who is a black man, writes and affirms how difficult it is to be. Plus, he says being a black parent is even more difficult.

Clearly, it cannot be denied that within the black community, women often bear the unequal burden of raising their children, their grandchildren, children of extended families, without parents. Likewise, much has been said and written about black families, such as absent fathers, mothers who take on the role of father to their children, children who become fathers of sisters, brothers, and cousins, men and women young people growing up without a male model at home. The epidemic of black children learning the important lessons of life with little or no contact with their parents. Unfortunately, much of this is true, however, it is not the whole truth.

Undeniable challenges

Certainly, there are people who offer opportunities and help regardless of their skin color. However, there is no doubt that, unfortunately, these people are often greatly outnumbered by those who flatly refuse to accept black people.

It is true that many men rise up to be great black men, who are loving parents and role models for boys, girls, and families. They are also business leaders, teachers, pastors, professionals, workers, who work hard for their families as parents of all stripes, religions, and communities.

However, it cannot be denied that even the most capable black fathers face unique challenges for black men, and for some they are insurmountable.

Likewise, there is a special focus on black fathers and black men that is possibly unique to the black community. In fact, it is an approach that generates, cultivates, and increases the spread of suspicion and suggestion of negative innuendo about black fathers and black men. The energy that powers this bulb must end, and being black shouldn’t be more difficult.

Source: National Post