Tough Fronts by Dance L. Janelle;

Author:Dance, L. Janelle;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group

A SHADOW, MENTOR, AND FATHER

Malcolm is about twelve years old and in the sixth grade. It’s Saturday morning at the Paul Robeson Institute. Mrs. Winfield approaches Louis, an assistant director and mentor, and requests, “The next time you’re over the house, I’d like to talk to you about something.”14 The next day, Louis pays a visit to the Winfield residence. Mrs. Winfield explains why she had approached him at the institute and requested his undivided attention: “I don’t want to put any pressure on you or anything, but [the other] night Malcolm told me that he considers you his father!” Louis did not expect this news yet he is not surprised by Mrs. Winfield’s announcement; he and Malcolm have grown extremely close over the three or so years since they had first met at the Paul Robeson Institute. But, at the same time, Louis does not know what to think. His concern about everything that could go wrong between (surrogate) father and son sparks heartfelt questions: “God, what do I do with this information? How do I make sure that I don’t mess up ... or hurt [Malcolm’s] feelings ... or disappoint him? The transition from big brother or mentor to fatherhood will be a significant change, a serious responsibility.” Louis shares his questions with his girlfriend, who is not supportive: “How could you allow [Malcolm] to say that? He’s not your son and that’s not fair to his biological father.”

This advice does not sit well with Louis.15 His worries persist: “How can I ignore Malcolm’s regard for me? Shouldn’t I be less concerned about what’s fair to Malcolm’s biological father and more concerned about what’s fair to Malcolm?” Long before his meeting with Mrs. Winfield, many of these soul-searching questions had raced, briefly and quietly, through his mind. But since Mrs. Winfield’s announcement, these questions have become incessant, amplified. So, Louis meditates, prays, and soul-searches in an effort to gain some insight. Finally, his thoughts echo his heart’s resolution: “God inspired Malcolm to have those feelings for me. There wasn’t anything that I did [other than] be a friend and support Malcolm.... [Therefore] it is not my place to tell him that I will not be his [surrogate] father ... if he looks up to me like that.” A few days later, Malcolm asks Louis, “Is it okay that I consider you to be my father?” Louis responds without hesitation, “Yeah, sure, it’s okay man.... You know you’re like a son to me anyway.”

A few months pass. During this time, Malcolm gets into a little trouble with the police. Louis provides discipline, guidance, and support; he weaves the roles of father and mentor. That spring, when Louis attends the Spring Unity Breakfast, an annual event sponsored by Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts, he has an important announcement to make. Before giving the benediction, Louis brings Malcolm up on the stage with him. Without going into detail, Louis explains the ordeal that he and Malcolm had gone through as a

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