For all the fathers out there this is a book for you and its about a relationship between father and son. If you could please share this trailer with your local librarian or professional who had an office with a waiting room.
You can purchase the book here
Culture Strike interviewed myself and Amaryllis De Jesus (Ammo) about what Fatherhood means to us. Go check it out
HERE
CultureStrike is a magazine at the forefront of the national arts movement around immigration.
and Strong Families: Our vision is that every family have the rights, recognition and resources it needs to thrive. We are engaging hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals in our work to get there.
If you want one of these cards, I have 3 left that I’m giving away. Email me and i’ll send you one.
Hey folks, please share and spread the word widely about these Mothers Day Cards. You can send one to your mom, to a parent you know, or to any young people/artists/ activists looking for seriously cool alternative to the normal mothers day cards. Check out this video to explain more.
These mothers day cards were created by a huge variety of artists all across the US including my crew mate Cece Carpio, my homies Crystal Clarity, Melanie Cervantes, and my boo Joy Liu.
Please use these images to attach to your social media and let folks know there is a growing voice to show the diversity of families, whether they be incarcerated, queer, undocumented, or just showing people of color!
I had the chance to contribute as well by making a positive image for fathers day. You can see it now on the MamasDay site, but it will have a launch around fathers day too.
To quote brother Qtip “I think i gotta, I think I gotta , I think i gotta SCREAM! Cuz that’s how good it feels”
Everyday I’m grateful for my Saja (Dancing Lion) and his momma Núa Puma.
I remember I used to laugh when my mom got all mushy about her love for me. But I overstand now and couldn’t imagine life w/o my son. It is truly a blessing and a “gift” because I sincerely believe our children “choose” their parents. I’m not religious, but I believe “energy” whether positive or negative, never dies. It only changes form.
To watch life through my son’s eyes, to see what they see, to teach, protect them, to be bound to them by need, choice, and sincere love… But most importantly to learn from them is transformative. It changes you. My son was born when I was only a boy, but it changed me.
On this day, I should be thanking him and giving him a “child’s day card”,lol….
There are times when I’m unsure about how and when i will fight back against society’s social ills, then I remember to do whatever I can to raise my son and be a part of his life, and to have him be a part of my life. Together our intentions and jokes and laughter can change the world, starting with our relationship, together.
I think about all the babies who lost their fathers due to death, imprisonment, or worse. I think of all the brothers I know and knew who had a horrible relationship with their fathers if they had a relationship with them at all. I think about all the young men/boys I see starting fights, spitting, talking about shooting somebody or pretending to shoot, putting any and everyone (especially other men) down, cussin’ to show just how “hard” they are. When really it would be fresh just to hear a man say “I love you”. “I care about you”, “I’m proud of you”, “you mean the world to me”, “I’d do anything for you, anything”.
Folks, it will be a revolutionary day when men from all cultures can openly express their love, gratitude, patience, respect, and compassion for one another. Then at the same time, show that love to the women who are our sisters, mothers, lovers, friends, relatives, or to women we don’t even know. All this without an engineered and hammered in mental block that says our minds and bodies must live within someone’s tiny perameters of what a “man” is.
Brothers, we got a lot of work to do. Part of why shit is so fucked up is because a lack of being raised and bathed in love. A lack of presence and guidance. I could go on, but you get the point. I’m hella not perfect, I’m constantly making mistakes as a man and as a father. I’ve had a rough relationship with my dad at times, as he did with his dad. But I have him and my stepdad to thank along with so many other men in my family and my life for teaching me to walk with pride and to see the world just a little bit different-although they make mistakes they are still here in my life trying their hardest. And I appreciate that shit, I appreciate them.
Today on fathers day, me, my son, and his mom shared food, desert ( my favorite part!), time, hugs, and the Miami heat vs OKC game. I could do with out basketball, but it is the time I always cherish. Although we have not been “together” for years; me and my son’s mom raise our child together through rough and smooth roads. Shout out to the mothers who carry the work of two parents!
To all the dads out there, lets all try to remember to give our mothers as much love and props as they give us. So much love and respect to the men in my life for your fatherly advice, praise, grace, and persistence to rise no matter how many times society attempts to knock us back down! Happy Father’s Day! Enjoy your babies smiles, they will change the world, as they have changed us.
My Dad and my son (4 mo’s old)
Me and my boy (at 1st bday party)
