My Seven Black Fathers: A Memoir of Race, Family, and the Mentors Who Made Me Whole

Will Jawando's memoir challenges the stereotype of absent Black fathers by arguing that Black fathers exist not only within individual families but as resources for entire Black communities. He contends that the presence of Black men in the lives of Black boys and young men can counter racist ideas and policies. Growing up outside Washington, DC, Jawando—who went by his Nigerian name, Yemi—struggled with school transitions, a divorced white mother, a strained relationship with his biological father, and behavioral issues in class. A formative friendship with Kalfani, a basketball court mentor, ended tragically with Kalfani's death from gun violence. Jawando credits his development to relationships with several mentors: Mr. Williams, a Black male grade school teacher who addressed bullying; Jay Fletcher, his mother's openly gay colleague who introduced him to theater and healthier habits; Mr. Holmes, a high school coach and chorus director; Deen Sanwoola, a businessman who helped him reconnect with his Nigerian heritage and reconcile with his biological father; and President Barack Obama, who employed him as associate director of public engagement at the White House. Today a civil rights and education policy attorney, civic leader, husband, and father, Jawando draws on his experience with My Brother's Keeper, President Obama's initiative addressing opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color, to offer perspectives on mentorship and generational impact.