By Shawn Nowlin
When it is unconditional, there’s nothing quite like the relationship between a parent and their child, especially as it pertains to dads and sons. Some of Roanoke’s most dedicated dads gathered inside Pilgrim Baptist Church on April 29 for the 89th Annual Father, Son & Family Banquet.
Emceed by Helen Ferguson, the event, featured a catered dinner, family awards as well as magic, dance, and musical presentations, among other things. Mark Johnson, YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge CEO, provided the closing remarks.
Presenting sponsors Freedom First Bank and InFirst Federal Credit Union were vital in the event’s success as were such contributors as Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home, Shiloh Baptist Church, and United Way of Roanoke Valley.
When Jamal Brown walked through the doors and saw so many beautiful, familiar faces, he knew it was going to be a great night. “Because I wasn’t able to make last year’s event, I was determined to be present this year. Being a part of something special like this truly warms my heart,” he said.
Using a powerful Allen Iverson story to make a point, keynote speaker Jerel Rhodes said, “I was privileged when I was in college to go see William Fleming play in the state championship basketball game. When he hit the floor, you could just tell that something was different about this kid called ‘Bubba Chuck.’ He was so good the 13 of us that traveled from Norfolk State University stayed overnight in one hotel room.”
Rhodes continued, “He was the number one player in the country, but when he got into some trouble, everybody pushed him away. There was an answer though. Someone named John Thompson from Georgetown University saw him and took him under his wing. As a guidance coordinator, I see kids come in front of me all of the time and they just need another opportunity. I challenge everyone to see the potential even beyond what a kid can see for themselves.”
This year’s winner of the “Heart of a Father Award,” named after A.L. Holland who missed just two banquets in 83 years, went to Antonio Stovall, a passionate educator. Speaking from the heart about the importance of fatherhood, he said, “No manual exists when it comes to this. Some grew up in a healthy environment with two loving parents. Others weren’t as fortunate. When my son was born, his mother and I made a promise to him that wherever his life journey takes him, he will know what unconditional love looks and feels like.”
Once fathers attend the annual gathering, Ryan Bell says it’s very likely that they will be hooked. “Honoring and celebrating the essence of fatherhood, especially in the Black community, is something that should happen much more often,” Bell, founder of the Academy at Belle, said. “Growing up, my dad was my biggest role model. Three years ago he passed, and I think about him every single day. He’s the catalyst for everything a father should be.”
