The Black Fatherhood Project

Filmmaker Jordan Thierry notes that he was different from many of his African American friends because he grew up in a two-parent household. Nationwide, 67 percent of black children live in single-parent homes, with the father being the absent adult in most cases. Thierry divides this study of African American family issues into two parts: the first, relying largely on vintage photographs and expert commentary, offers an in-depth consideration of how slavery and the Jim Crow era brought chaos and, frequently, violence to those who were victimized; the second section opens the microphones to a diverse group of African American men who speak frankly about their childhoods and the value system within contemporary black society. To his credit, Thierry offers a mature presentation of a topic that is often treated as a taboo by mainstream media, elected officials, and civil rights leaders. And while one could easily question whether too much time here is spent trying to link current woes to situations from an increasingly distant past, The Black Fatherhood Project honestly addresses a significant social problem in contemporary America. Presented in both its full-length version and a 53-minute abridged edition, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)