DADS ON THE AIR AUSTRALIA TO INTERVIEW GUESTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ON ITS INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY SPECIAL BROADCAST

Dads on the Air | www.dadsontheair.net
Local Sydney Time: 10.30am to 12 midday Tuesday 17th November 2009
USA Eastern time: 8.30pm to 10pm Monday 16th November 2009
USA Pacific time: 5.30pm to 7pm Monday 16th November 2009
UK GMT time: 1.30am to 3am Monday night (Tuesday morning) 17th November 2009

Listen live on 2GLF 89.3FM in Sydney
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INTERNATIONAL MENS DAY SPECIAL

With special guests:
Dr. Elizabeth Celi

Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh

Diane A. Sears
Jason Thompson
Frank Crump and
Uma Challa


We dedicate the whole of this weeks' program to International Mens Day, which is finally and deservedly starting to get more recognition and traction around the world. Warwick Marsh, Dads4Kids who is the Global Coordinator for IMD, set the scene last week on Dads on the Air when he spoke about some of the events taking place in Australia and around the world to celebrate this important International event.

Our guests this week are from 3 different continents, representing millions of good and decent men around the globe, who currently witness themselves being publicly and relentlessly maligned on a daily basis. While there are exceptions to every rule, these should never be used to misrepresent the whole group in the way we now see men being portrayed.


We commence our International lineup of guests with Australia's Dr Elizabeth Celi quality living who is the keynote speaker at the IMD function to be held at Australian Parliament House in the Nations' Capital, Canberra, on the19th November. Dr.Celi is a strong supporter of the rights of men to be treated as an equal in a modern society, instead of having to face the daily injustices that confront them in many sectors of our community.

Next we speak with Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad in the West Indies, who is the founder of IMD and described the event in the following manner, “International Men?s Day is about addressing the challenges and problems that men face; improving gender relations between men and women; promoting gender equality; highlighting positive male role models – not just movie stars and athletes – but “everyday working class men who are living decent, honest lives”; and creating a safer and better world”.

We then speak with Diane A. Sears, IMD Coordinator in the USA, Managing Editor - IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R), Member of the University Council for Akamai University's Fatherhood and Men's Studies Program, and Director of IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R)'s International Fatherhood and Men's Issues Internship Program who puts it this way, “We must work together as a team. International Mens Day provides us with a great opportunity. Strong fathers create and sustain efficiently functioning family units which positively shape the minds and souls of our children – our future – our bridge to the future. After all, isn?t it really about our children?”


The person responsible for Global Promotions, who is also the Historian and Coordinator for IMD is Australia's Jason Thompson and our next guest, who would like to take this opportunity to ask individuals and organizations who are planning an event to contact him with the details at: soulgany@bigpond.com

The following guest is Frank Crump from the USA and UPI Education, who with IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® have entered into a partnership in observance of International Men’s Day 2009 on Thursday, 19 November 2009. UPI Education is asking students, faculty, and administrators to observe International Men’s Day 2009 through one moment of silence beginning at 11:19 A.M. (EST) and ending at 11:20 A.M. (EST) to commemorate and contemplate the sacrifices and contributions that Men have made throughout the world. UPI Education is also soliciting essays, articles, and poems from students and adults which identify the positive male role models that have influenced their lives. These essays, articles, and poems will be published on IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD®’s blog.


We conclude our program interviewing one of the hardest working and passionate promoters of equality and justice for all, Uma Challa from India. Uma Challa is the IMD Coordinator for India. She made the point that, “International women?s Day is celebrated the world over every year but we also need to have a celebration every year to recognize and honor men: our fathers, brothers, partners, sons, male friends and colleagues; for the numerous services they render and the innumerable sacrifices they make to ensure the health and well-being of the family and the society.”


International Men's Day began on November 19th 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago and was supported by the United Nations. The event received wide support from men's groups in USA, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Ms. Ingeborg Breines, Director of Women and Culture of Peace said, “This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance.” She added that her organisation was looking forward to cooperating with organisers of IMD.


Objectives of International Men's Day include a focus on men's and boy's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion for men to highlight discrimination against them and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care.

The November IMD is a significant date as it interfaces the popular 'Movember' charity event and also with Universal Children's Day on Nov 20 with which IMD forms a 48 hour celebration of men and children respectively, and of the special relationships they share. The ability to sacrifice your needs on behalf of others is fundamental to manhood as is honour.

Manhood rites of passage the world over recognise the importance of sacrifice in the development of Manhood. Men make sacrifices everyday in their place of work, in their role as husbands and fathers, for their families, for their friends, for their communities and for their nation. International Men’s Day is an opportunity for people everywhere of goodwill to appreciate and celebrate the men in their lives and the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all.

During the past ten years methods of commemorating International Men's Day have included public seminars, classroom activities at schools, radio and television programs, Church observances, and peaceful displays and marches. The manner of observing this annual day is optional; any organizations are welcome to host their own events and any appropriate forums can be used. Early pioneers of IMD reminded that the day is not intended to compete against International Woman's Day, but is for the purpose of highlighting men's experiences.

Each year a different theme is highlighted, such as peace in 2002, men’s health in 2003, sacrifice in 2008, and positive male role models in 2009. In consultation with organizers from other nations the following broad objectives of IMD are observed: Celebrate manhood and the wonderful positive and valuable contributions our men, young men, and boys make to our communities and to our societies Promote and Support gender equality, encouraging men to address responsibly and positively the challenges facing them in society Demonstrate strength of character and courage in meeting the challenges that men face in society and in contributing to building stronger and better communities, where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential. Highlighting positive male role models, not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.

International Men's Day is celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, India, United States, New Zealand, Moldova, Haiti, Singapore, Malta, South Africa, Ghana, Hungary, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. Join us on November 19 in celebrating the contribution men make to those around them, to their family and friends, their work place and the community, the nations and the world.

Dads4Kids is honoured to host the Men's Day website and we invite you to join the global celebrations. Please feel free to roam and read the IMD history sections or to contribute to our world forums or planning blogs as we launch toward the 2009 events. Anyone is welcome to quote material from this website (attribution to this website is required), as well as free and open use of our logo and access to IMD promotional kits.

UPI EDUCATION JOINS INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 19 NOVEMBER 2009 WORLDWIDE OBSERVANCE

Under the leadership of Mr. Frank Crump, Founder of Unified Progress International Education (“UPI Education”) UPI Education is creating key “pieces of the puzzle” to moving our children –our future – our bridge to the future – to “do more, want more, and be more” through its unique Life Skills Solutions Curriculum. UPI Education prepares students to excel academically and to understand what society will expect and demand of them as they embark upon life’s path. UPI Education trains them to become productive and successful youths who are well-equipped to strengthen their families and communities. UPI Education and IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® have entered into a partnership in observance of International Men’s Day 2009 on Thursday, 19 November 2009.

UPI Education is asking students, faculty, and administrators to observe International Men’s Day 2009 through one moment of silence beginning at 11:19 A.M. (EST) and ending at 11:20 A.M. (EST) to commemorate and contemplate the sacrifices and contributions that Men have made throughout the world. UPI Education is also soliciting essays, articles, and poems from students and adults which identify the positive male role models that have influenced their lives. These essays, articles, and poems will be published on IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD®’s blog.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY

Men and Fathers, Men’s Groups, Fatherhood Practitioners, and Fatherhood organizations throughout our global village will observe International Men’s Day on Thursday, 19 November 2009. Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, India, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Malta, South Africa, Georgia, New Zealand, Moldavia, Germany, Holland and Brazil are just some of the nations around the globe that are planning activities on International Men’s Day 2009 which will honor the selfless sacrifices of men and celebrate men’s invaluable contributions to families, communities, and society.


Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, Founder of International Men’s Day (IMD) said, “International Men's Day is about addressing the challenges and problems that men face; improving gender relations between men and women; promoting gender equality; highlighting positive male role models – not just movie stars and athletes – but 'everyday working class men who are living decent, honest lives'; and creating a safer and better world”.


Diane A. Sears, IMD Coordinator in the USA, said, “We must work together as a team. International Men?s Day provides us with a great opportunity. Strong fathers create and sustain efficiently functioning family units which positively shape the minds and souls of our children – our future – our bridge to the future. After all, isn't it really about our children?”


Warwick Marsh, Dads4Kids and the IMD Global Coordinator, added “It is my hope that International Men?s Day will be the catalyst for men, men and fatherhood groups, individuals, both men and women to celebrate the importance of "Positive Male Role Models?, the theme for 2009.”


Uma Challa is the IMD Coordinator for India. She made the point that, “International Women'sDay is celebrated the world over every year but we also need to have a celebration every year to recognize and honor men: our fathers, brothers, partners, sons, male friends and colleagues; for the numerous services they render and the innumerable sacrifices they make to ensure the health and well-being of the family and the society.”


Jason Thompson, Global Promotions Coordinator for IMD said, “I would like to take this opportunity to ask individuals and organizations who are planning an event to contact me with the details at: soulgany@bigpond.com”


For information, blogs, forums, webcasts, posters, logos and other resources for InternationalMen’s Day on 19 November 2009 and for Media Inquiries, visit International Men’s Day website at: www.internationalmensday.com


CONTACT:
Australia: Warwick Marsh: +61 2 4272 6677:
info@fatherhood.org.au

Trinidad & West Indies: Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh: +1 868 665 8227:
jtluxing@yahoo.com

India: Uma Challa: +91 40 97046 83163:
challa.uma@gmail.com

USA: Diane A. Sears
bsi-international@earthlink.net or insearchoffatherhood@gmail.com

INDIA TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 2009

CONTACT:
Uma Challa, International Men's Day Coordinator for INDIA
E-Mail: challa.uma@gmail.com


Men and women across the world will be celebrating International Men’s Day on Thursday, 19 November 2009. International Men’s Day was celebrated for the first time in Trinidad and Tobago on 19 November 1999.


India celebrated International Men’s Day for the first time in the year 2007. This year, India celebrates International Men’s Day for the third time along with Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Malta, South Africa, Georgia, New Zealand, Moldova, Germany, Holland and Brazil and other nations around the globe.


Men’s and fathers’ rights groups across the country are planning activities on International Men’s Day 2009 to recognize and honor the selfless sacrifices of men and to celebrate men’s invaluable contributions to families, communities, and society. On this occasion, bike and car rallies will be conducted in all major cities in the country like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Nagpur and Delhi, to reach out to the public and encourage them to celebrate this day.


International Men’s Day is a call for international collaboration to address the challenges and problems men face; for improving gender relations between men and women; for promoting gender equality; and for highlighting positive male role models.


Problems men face:


Every day, men face many of the same problems that women do. These include physical and emotional health issues, work related stress, financial difficulties, problems with family and relationships, and more serious problems like domestic violence, harassment at workplace and sexual abuse. In addition, they suffer legal harassment, financial abuse and forced separation from children through women-centric laws.


Men are conditioned to stifle their emotions and endure pain without complaining. Men hesitate to express themselves for the fear of being ridiculed or discredited. International Men’s Day is an occasion to remind ourselves that men are human, that they experience pain, emotions and tears, and that they deserve our love, care, protection and support every day.


Improving gender relations:


For the last several decades, governments across the world and society tacitly approved the propagation of anti-male sentiments, condoned the resultant diminution in value of men’s lives and supported blatant violation of men’s rights through discriminatory laws and policies, all in the name of women’s rights and empowerment.


This has resulted in a gender war, and led to a steep rise in divorce rates, number of fatherless children, violence against men and number of men ending their own lives. International Men’s Day is an occasion to remind everyone of the need to restore stability in the society by promoting harmony between men and women.


Promoting gender equality:


Women’s empowerment and gender equality are two oft-repeated phrases today. It is sad enough that there are many who take great pride in wearing these labels while remaining completely oblivious of their true import. What is worse is that radical women’s groups and vested interests have successfully subverted the real meaning and purpose of women’s empowerment and gender equality, and are promoting discrimination, injustice and serious human rights abuses in the name of gender equality.


Domestic and social harmony will prevail only when women AND men are ensured their rightful, honorable place within and outside the home. International Men’s Day is an occasion to commit ourselves to ensure true gender equality in the society and under law, so that gender relations are improved, litigations are reduced, legal terrorism and extortion through misuse of the law is eliminated, and our human and financial resources can be employed to ensure a better society for ourselves and future generations.


Highlighting positive male role models:

It is commonplace to idolize movie stars and athletes as role models everywhere in the world. While being overzealous about celebrating and honoring famous personalities, we tend to ignore that every day,


• Men render many services that make the society comfortable for everyone.
• Men make many contributions to science, technology and health of all.
• Men perform the most dangerous and difficult jobs in the world.
• Men take risks and die to save other lives during calamities and war.
• Men bring humor into our lives and make us laugh.


International Men’s Day is an occasion to highlight and promote positive role models in all walks of life. It is a day to remind ourselves to honor all men – academic achievers, social leaders, champions of the environment, artists, comedians, soldiers, farmers, fishermen, fire fighters, and those more humble males who, on a daily basis, clean our streets, build our houses, fix our vehicles, police our streets, deliver newspapers and milk, care for children, and dedicate themselves to others. It is a day to remember that we must celebrate all men in our lives – our fathers, brothers, partners, sons, male friends, neighbors and colleagues.

On this great and joyous occasion, we request all members of the print and electronic media to join us in spreading our message to the entire world.


Organizations observing International Men’s Day in India:

All India Forgotten Women, Andhra Pradesh Mothers-in-law Protection Association, Mothers and Sisters Initiative, Children’s Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting, All India Men’s Welfare Association, Gender Human Rights Society, Save Indian Family Foundation, Pati Parivar Kalyan Samiti, Save Family Foundation, Save Family Harmony Foundation, Bhavya Foundation, Rishtey, All India Mothers-in-law Protection Association and Hridaya Foundation.

FATHERHOOD ISSUES MOVE TO THE CENTER OF AMERICA'S RADAR SCREEN

Ten years ago – in October 1999 -- when I launched IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® and began interviewing Fathers, Fathers’ Rights Advocates, and Fatherhood Practitioners in Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, researching global health and parenting resources for Fathers, publishing interviews of Fathers and essays and articles about Fatherhood, and speaking in public forums about Fatherhood issues, I sensed that it was just a matter of time before the importance of Fatherhood and men’s unique parenting and health issues would capture the attention of the world’s leaders and policymakers. Ten years later, in 2009, the critical role that Fathers play in the lives of their children and in our families and communities and their unique issues have not gone unnoticed by at least one world leader. On Friday, 19 June 2009, the 44th President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama who recently became a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, held a Town Hall Meeting on Fatherhood at the White House in Washington, D.C. President Obama’s launching of a National Conversation on Fatherhood has become the proverbial “shot heard around the world”. It has moved, with meteoric speed, the parenting issues of 64 Million Fathers to the center of America’s radar screen.


What is the mission of the National Conversation on Fatherhood?


The National Conversation on Fatherhood is providing a forum for Fathers, organizations, and communities to share initiatives, tools, and programs that they have either designed and/or implemented to resolve the unique parenting challenges that Men face. It is providing Fathers, organizations, and communities with an opportunity to find out what works and what does not work. They will be able to identify successful tools, initiatives, and programs that are effectively addressing the unique challenges of parenting in the Millennium from a male perspective which can be incorporated into policy decisions that will support Fatherhood and Family Initiatives. The National Conversation on Fatherhood is moving individuals, organizations, and communities to work with a “sense of oneness” to create and implement key “pieces of the puzzle” to resolving the challenges and obstacles that make parenting for Men in the Millennium a very daunting task.


So, what happens at a Town Hall Meeting on Fatherhood?


On Friday, 19 June 2009, Fathers from all Walks of Life from different regions of the United States joined President Obama at the White House in Washington, D.C. for a discussion about, among other things, what Fathers are currently doing to empower themselves and to strengthen their families and the communities in which they live and work. President Obama along with a group of Fathers and mentors visited a number of non-profit organizations in the Washington, D.C. area that provide young men with mentoring services and support. A mentoring session with visiting Fathers and over approximately 120 youths from the Washington, D.C. area was also convened at the White House. President Obama used the occasion of the White House Town Hall Meeting on Fatherhood to stress the importance of Fathers. He remarked:


"We all know the difference that responsible, committed fathers like these guys can make in the life of a child. Fathers are our first teachers and coaches. They’re our mentors and role models. They set examples of success and push us to succeed ourselves – encouraging us when we’re struggling; loving us even when we disappoint them; standing by us when no one else will.”


On Thursday, 6 August 2009, the first White House Roundtable on Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families was convened in Chicago, Illinois and attended by, among others, internationally acclaimed Fathers’ Rights Advocate and Attorney Jeffery Leving, United States Congressman Danny K. Davis of Chicago, Illinois, and Michael Strautmanis, the Chief of Staff to The Honorable Valerie Jarrett who serves as the Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison. The White House Roundtable on Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families was a private meeting conducted at the University of Illinois in Chicago. It explored ways in which Fathers and families can be strengthened and addressed the many critical challenges created by the absence of Fathers in America.


The Town Hall Meeting on Fatherhood was conducted at the University of Illinois in Chicago immediately after the conclusion of the private meeting of the White House Roundtable. President Obama participated in the Town Hall Meeting through a video conferencing link. At the invitation of the White House, Attorneys James M. Hagler and Andrey Filipowicz also participated in the event. They were joined by Mr. Samuel McNabb and his wife Wilma McNabb who are the parents of National Football League and Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Donovan McNabb, former NBA player Kendall Gill, and Fathers from all Walks of Life from the Chicago, Illinois area.


A number of men attending Chicago’s Fatherhood Town Hall Meeting discussed what Fatherhood means to them and how Fatherhood has transformed their lives. Men who have acted as surrogate parents to youths who do not have a dominant male presence in their lives were also in attendance and punctuated the discussion with their perspective on dealing with the vacuum created by the absence of Fathers and the accompanying problems.


The National Conversation on Fatherhood moved to Manchester, New Hampshire on Wednesday, 23 September 2009. United States Secretary of Education The Honorable Arne Duncan, Superintendent of the Manchester School District Thomas Brennan, Cathy Duffy who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Girls Inc. New Hampshire, leaders of non-profit organizations throughout New England including, for example, Jacqui Nye, a male-involvement specialist employed by Providence, Rhode Island’s Children’s Friends – a non-profit organization that works with children and families struggling with poverty and education issues, and Fathers from all Walks of Life participated in panel discussions and a question-and-answer session at the Radisson Hotel. Nye, during a question-and-answer session, identified illiteracy as an obstacle that she encounters when she attempts to get Fathers actively involved in the lives of their children.


In a panel discussion, Manchester School District Superintendent Thomas Brennan pointed to the need for school districts to “create a welcoming environment for Fathers who want to get involved” in their child’s education. Brennan also cited the need for more elementary male teachers and added that schools should make an effort to have a discussion about their students with both parents – Mom and Dad.


Cathy Duffy, the Chief Executive Officer of Girls Inc. talked about, among other things, how her organization has worked on behalf of Fathers who were seeking legal custody of their daughters. Why did Girls Inc. get involved with helping Fathers obtain custody of their daughters? Duffy pointed to the fact that Fathers of these young ladies were the most responsible parent.


United States Secretary of Education The Honorable Arne Duncan cited the creation of partnerships as one of the key “pieces of the puzzle” to encouraging Fathers to take an active role in their child’s academic progress. Secretary Duncan stated that schools should “do more to make Fathers feel welcome in their buildings.” He also encouraged Fathers to read to their children and to talk to them.


Some of you may be wondering: “Why all the fuss about Fathers? Is there really a need for America to be concerned about Fathers? Do we really need a National Conversation on Fatherhood?”


Yes, we really need to be concerned about Fathers. And yes, we really do need a National Conversation on Fatherhood.


Fathers are one of the key “pieces of the puzzle” to creating and sustaining efficiently functioning family units. Efficiently functioning family units positively shape the minds and souls of our children – our future – our bridge to the future and empower communities, and empowered communities strengthen a nation.


* * *

A MESSAGE FROM INDIA: INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 2009

November 19 is International Men’s Day

· Men protect and provide for families.

· Men render many services that make the society comfortable for everyone.

· Men make many contributions to science, technology and health of all.

· Men perform the most dangerous and difficult jobs in the world.

· Men take risks and die to save other lives during calamities and war.

· Men bring humor into our lives and make us laugh.

These men are…

…academic achievers, social leaders, champions of the environment, artists, comedians, soldiers, farmers, fishermen, fire fighters, and those more humble males who, on a daily basis, clean our streets, build our houses, fix our vehicles, police our streets, deliver newspapers and milk, care for children, and dedicate themselves to others.

These men are…

…our fathers, brothers, partners, sons, male friends, neighbours and colleagues.

On the occasion of International Men’s Day, let us remind ourselves that

- Men are human;

- Men experience pain, emotions and tears; and

- Men deserve our love, care, protection and support.

Let us recognize and honor men for the numerous services they render
and the innumerable sacrifices they make for the health and well-being of our families and society!!!


All India Forgotten Women
Andhra Pradesh Mothers-in-law Protection Association
Mothers and Sisters Initiative
Children’s Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting

IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) PUBLISHING TRIBUTES TO POSITIVE MALE ROLE MODELS IN OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 2009

IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) is observing International Men's Day 2009 (www.internationalmensday.com) by publishing essays, articles, and poems it receives that illustrate the theme of "Positive Male Role Models" which has been selected for this year's worldwide observance of International Men's Day. Launched on 15 October 2009, IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) moderates and facilitates a Global Dialogue on Fatherhood which provides Men from all Walks of Life with a space and place to freely express concerns and questions and exchange information, ideas, and solutions about issues that tug at their heartstrings in an uncensored environment.

"IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) is honored to be a part of the worldwide celebration of International Men's Day for which the theme of 'Positive Male Role Models' has been selected. We all have had at least one positive male role model in our lives. Positive male role models can be found everywhere throughout our Global Village. We are providing everyone from all Walks of Life throughout our global village with an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and thank the positive role models that have positively influenced their lives. Tell us about the positive male role model in your life. Send your essays, articles, and poems to IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) and we will publish them on our blog," D.A. Sears, Managing Editor for IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) remarked.


Celebrate INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 2009! Celebrate and honor a positive male role model who has made a difference in your life.

Send your essays, articles, and poems to IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) by e-mail to: insearchoffatherhood@gmail.com. Your essays, articles, and poems will be published on IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R)'s blog at http://globalfatherhooddialogue.blogspot.com.

INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY: ODE TO A MENTOR

Ten years ago, on 1 March 1999, my Mentor and best friend – L.T. Henry, an author, photojournalist, sales and success motivation trainer, and classically trained musician who spoke five languages (French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese), performed briefly with The Philadelphia Orchestra, and was a former drummer for internationally acclaimed songstress and film and television actress Ms. Della Reese – died suddenly. “L.T.”, as he was affectionately referred to by those of us who knew and loved him, danced with life, strived for excellence, fought against injustice, saw and pointed out the beauty and untapped potential in every one, and transformed adversities into triumphs. He was a compassionate Creative Genius who searched for answers and truth and invested 100% of his intellect, passion, energy, and talent into each person he mentored and into every project that he took on. L.T. expected his mentees to search for answers and truth, to help others, to “dance with life”, to strive for excellence, to invest 100% of our intellect, passion, energy and talent into each and every project that we worked on, and to “get up, dust ourselves off, and get back in the race” when Life threw us a curve ball.


A critical thinker, L.T. shared his concerns about the unique issues that confronted Men around the world with me. He asked aloud: “Where does a man go to find answers to questions about Fatherhood? Who can he turn to?” The fact that no one walked up to Men, tapped them on their shoulder, and said, ”Hey, to become a successful parent and have happy, well-adjusted children, you need to do ‘x, y, and z’,” was not lost on him. “L.T.” saw the need for the creation of an interactive and uncensored Fatherhood Forum that provided Men from all Walks of Life throughout our global village with an opportunity to freely express their dreams and questions and to exchange information, ideas, and solutions about issues that tugged at their heartstrings. He envisioned a world in which Men from all Walks of Life would share information with each other, work together, and support each other. It was a world that he was working to help create when he died.


Ten years ago, on 15 October 1999, I stepped out on faith and embarked upon a journey to resurrect L.T.’s vision and perpetuate his legacy. On that day, I launched IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R).

It was, and continues to be, the least that I can do for a Man who has done so much for me.