2012

The current authors conducted a phenomenological study in which they interviewed Black fathers raising sons about the parental, familial, and societal factors that influenced the study participants most when growing up. The authors chose to interview fathers raising sons because these men have inevitably pondered their own development and what influenced them in their development in their quest to create a positive life for their sons. The specific research questions included: (a) How do childhood messages and experiences with parents, family, and society influence Black male development in the area of education, male roles, and cultural success? and (b) What do fathers of young sons, based on their own experience, knowledge, and insight, believe that it takes to raise a successful Black male in America today? The specific interview questions included: (a) What messages did you get about education and academic success growing up?, (b) What messages did you get about what it means to be a good son and father?, (c) What messages did you get about what it means to be a successful Black male in America?, (d) What particular childhood experiences represent the messages that you were given?, (e) How do you think those messages influenced who you are today?, and (f) Based on your own experience, knowledge, and insight, what do you believe it takes to raise a successful Black male in America today?