Many have called fatherlessness an epidemic, particularly in the Black community. More than 24 million children in the U.S., or 1 out of every 3, do not have a father physically in the home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“The change in the community that we’re looking for,” says J. Ivy, “it starts with individuals. It starts with, ‘If I can get myself together, that means I can help get my household together. If I can get my household together, then I can help get my block together, my community, and my city, and my state.’”
Through the Dear Father Letter Writing Campaign, people can share their stories about their relationship with their own father. Whether the memories are good, bad or non-existant, the key is using creative expression to open up a discussion that’s been swept under the rug for far to long.
Write a letter, a poem, a song, make a video, draw a picture – just tell the story.
So, what story will YOU tell? To join the Dear Father Movement and submit your letter (or other form of art), visit www.DearFatherLetters.com. You can also reach out to J. Ivy On Twitter @J_Ivy, follow him on Instagram @j_ivy and connect on Facebook.
J. Ivy’s “Dear Father”: The Poem That Saved His Life & Inspired A Movement To Save A Million More was originally published on blackdoctor.org
