From A Father's Perspective

Fatherhood & Faith: Leading Your Home With Purpose By Antonio Harvey When I look at the role of a father, I don’t see a job. I see a calling. God didn’t make fathers to be background figures. He made us to be anchors, guides, and spiritual thermostats in our homes. And in a world full of noise, confusion, and broken examples, our children are desperate for one thing: a father who leads with faith. Not perfection. Not popularity. Faith. Because when a father is grounded, the family can grow. The Father Sets the Temperature In every home, somebody sets the climate. And whether we realize it or not, fathers carry that weight. When Dad is calm, the house is calm. When Dad is consistent, the family feels safe. When Dad is rooted in faith, the whole home stands stronger. Spiritual leadership isn’t about preaching. It’s about living what we believe. Children don’t need a loud father. They need a grounded one.  Faith Is Something Our Kids Watch, Not Just Hear I tell fathers...

In family law, the debate over child custody arrangements has long been a contentious issue. Historically, courts have leaned toward awarding primary custody to mothers, often relegating fathers to secondary roles in their children’s lives. However, we are creating a growing movement, supported by groups like FathersFirst Memphis, who are pushing for presumptive 50/50 custody where both parents are assumed to share equal parenting time and responsibility unless evidence suggests otherwise. Fathers, in particular, have a critical role in advocating for this shift, not just for their own rights but for the well-being of their children and society as a whole. My story as a school administrator in Memphis, illustrates the urgency of this cause. Here’s why this matters and how me and  FathersFirst Memphis is leading the charge. 1. Children Thrive with Both Parents Involved Research consistently shows that children benefit from meaningful relationships with both parents after...

The Importance of Preserving a Father’s Legacy: Why Shared Parenting Matters In today’s world, the relationship dynamics between men and women often take center stage when discussing parenting and family life. However, one pressing issue that deserves more attention is the role of fathers in their children’s lives and the critical need for shared parenting. Too often, societal narratives and systemic structures can inadvertently lead to situations where a father’s legacy—his influence, values, and connection with his children—is diminished or controlled. This is a disservice not only to the father but also to the children and their overall development. Fathers as Pillars of a Child’s Identity A father’s role extends far beyond financial support or discipline. Fathers provide guidance, mentorship, and a sense of security, shaping a child’s emotional and mental development. A father’s legacy often comes through in the values he instills, the life lessons he teaches, and the u...

 Breaking Generational Cycles: Healing from Trauma as a Black Father in Memphis Roots of Resilience: A Memphis Story In the heart of Memphis, where the Mississippi River winds and the echoes of Civil Rights history resonate, Black fathers carry a legacy of extraordinary resilience. This city—a place of profound struggle and unbreakable spirit—provides a powerful backdrop for our journey of healing and transformation. Memphis: A Landscape of Historical Trauma and Hope Memphis is not just a city; it's a testament to Black endurance. From the sanitation workers' strike of 1968, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood in solidarity, to the rich musical heritage that emerged from pain and creativity, Memphis embodies the complex narrative of Black survival and excellence.  Understanding Generational Trauma in the 901 For Black fathers in Memphis, generational trauma is deeply intertwined with the city's complex racial history. We've inherited stories of: - The brutal legacy o...