BROOKLYN — For years during the NBA and NFL drafts I’ve been disappointed in the lack of fathers accompanying their sons to the draft. If the dun isn’t at the draft that means that he hasn’t been around at ALL. That’s the biggest moment of their son’s lives and they are about to get PAID too. So if a boy isn’t there he ain’t been worth two dead flies smashed since day one.
Now he probably wanted to be there because he knows that his son is about to get that bag and everybody wants to share in the bag. However, momma shut that foolishness down well before the big day. “Don’t you bring yo sorry butt (that’s the edited version) up here because you’re not welcomed.” That’s real talk!!! So all you typically see is Big Momma, Aunt Ester and his momma. Uncle LeRoy drove the family ride to bring some additional cousins etc.
Do you know how sorry of a man you’ve got to be for your son and his mother to not want you at the draft? SORRY!!!
However, on Thursday night there was an onslaught of both momma’s and daddies walking in with their children representing. It was something that I’ve been waiting to see for a long time. My homeboy, Winston Garland, a former NBA player, was even holding the brotherhood down when his son Darius Garland was taken with the 5th pick to the Cavs. It was great to see my high school friend standing there with his son shining like new money.
Winston was one of the first cats that allowed me to cut his hair in my basement in high school for $.50. Those were the days!!!
My point here is this, we need to see more of our fathers holding it down. Believe it or not there is a society of black men raising, nurturing and standing in the gap for their children and it was on full display Thursday night at the NBA Draft. Stop me when I start lyin’!
Mr. Graves,
I also celebrated the many fathers alongside their sons yesterday, but I also think this showing of dads symbolized the reality that not all Black men grow up in fatherless homes. I say this because shows like ESPN USUALLY produce reports about young Black women who raised their now successful sons alone in impoverished neighborhoods. I honor these women and their stories, but I believe that within the Black community exist other forms of success that includes Black fathers. ALL dimensions of our community should be should be told. Thanks for your story, Mr. Graves.