The Unmistakable Connection Between Fatherlessness And Violence: Solutions Yet To Be Implemented

By Franklyn M. Malone, CEO and Founder, 100 Fathers Inc.

As one looks out at the community’s safety issues that have recently proliferated in the DMV, there is much concern for personal safety. There are over 200 violent murders and uptick in car jackings, robberies and violent crimes. We all know that when you have need for relief from something that could claim your life such as a disease you would seek out a doctor who could evaluate the symptoms and give you a proper diagnosis. With the diagnosis you could then focus your resources where it could best bring you relief. As a National Fatherhood Master Trainer, it is obvious that this diagnosis today is Reactionary Masculinity Syndrome (RMS) as defined by Dr. Amos Wilson, noted Black psychologist and author of Black On Black Crime. Dr. Wilson defines RMS as a Black male’s futile attempt to assert his manhood and regain some kind of power and respect by actively or passively rebelling against racial oppression and white authority; but in a way that is harmful to himself, his family and his community; yet beneficial to his white oppressor.

Our problem became crystal clear long before this crises arose when the DC Fatherhood Coalition led by 100 Fathers Inc. asked former mayor then councilmember Hon. Marion Barry, Jr. to press forward with legislation that would enact the D.C. Commission for Fathers, Men and Boys. The Commission which was made law thanks to Council Member Kenyan McDuffie who pressed forward and enacted this legislative victory to finally focus resources, services and opportunities to save a generation by seeking ways to enhance the lives of fathers, men and boys. This dream however has been temporarily put on hold and pushed to the back of the bus of justice for our young men in D.C. who lack the opportunities that can give them hope, help and a hand up. The question is why? We sincerely believe this commission should be fully funded and given top priority as a tool to relieve the pressure and find solutions given the situation that we find ourselves in today. It must be more of community connected commission than a political payoff commission and should be grounded in connection to the community then connection to the appointers.

Now for those political and community leaders who are unfamiliar with the devastating effects of the “disease of fatherlessness” lets look at the prima facia evidence which cannot be refuted. Research from The National Fatherhood Initiative, American Psychological Association, et al. documents that it is the cause of academic failure, inappropriate behavior in youth, emotional problems, low self-esteem, suicide, unlawful behavior ( over 69% of incarcerated males, over 70% detained youth). If there is a hole in the heart full of anger, we believe nothing can cure it without skilled men and women trained with love, connection, engagement, enlightenment which yields empowerment.

And so all of this begs the question: What do these errant law breaking youth need? Many will say lock them up and throw away the key. But we say there must be consequences, yes. But there must be assets of in place such as support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time. This all must come from the community and the family.

100 Fathers Inc. has a history as Certified Fatherhood Master Trainers where we transformed young men at Woodson High School in Ward 7, Phelps Academic Campus in Ward 5, then we were invited to Ballou High School in Ward 8 where we walked past police cars and fights every week and engaged with and crossed over 23 young men into our Rites of Passage program. But somehow [the organization] lost the funding because boys were not deemed a priority by some others. But if you would ask Mr. Robinson (the teacher whose room we operated our program in), or Principal Dr. Willie Jackson; or even Mr. Deandre Sellars, who left our Rites of Passage program, graduated from South Carolina State University, then returned to assist 100 Fathers Inc. with other youth across the city, you would be astonished and amazed.

The answer to crime and violence starts with prevention, intervention and innovation. Put people to work, engage and connect with these youth who feel crime is the enterprise they have chosen because it is easy. Find a way to bring programs, services, careers, and supports through trained members of this community whom they trust. Use all resources at our disposal from every private, government, the police chief and his community division, faith-based and educational institutions to change the paradigm from domestic community violence to effective community peace. But most of all recognize this is the “disease of fatherlessness,” and requires recognition of powerful fathers, coaches, community leaders, faith leaders and men in our community. This includes our Muslim brothers from Man the Block, Cure the Streets, the incredible Messengers, Alliance of Concerned Men; the fraternities Alphas, Omegas, and Kappas; all of the Divine Nine; and all fathers to unravel the hurt, harm, danger and trauma allowed by years of neglect. We already have the tools, the successful evidence, practice and powerful transformative curriculum and training. We the fathers need the focused abundant funding.

The moral of this editorial is no matter how you look at it, fathers matter. We care about our community and our families, and we are here to stay.