This week, you made nine years old! Where did the time go? I remember the day you were born like it happened yesterday. Your mom began labor in our Southshore apartment. We planned a home birth for you, but you had other plans for coming into this world. After about nineteen hours of limited dilation progress, we went to the University of Chicago hospital. On the day you arrived, my world shifted. You transformed me from a man to a father. I remember saying to your grandmothe

Ruth George's murder happened in my second home. From 2001 to 2016, I attended school, worked, and remained in affiliation with the University of Illinois at Chicago. Throughout my tenure as a student and employee, I parked my car in the exact lot where police discovered George's body. Although I live in Antigua, the news of the crime felt like it happened in my backyard. From 2013 to 2016, I worked in the Honors College as a Post-doctoral Fellow in Teaching and Mentoring; I

Last weekend, I embarrassed my daughter. She had a sleepover, and I kissed her in the presence of her friend. Every night, before the children go to bed, I kiss them on the cheeks and say, " I love you." Yes, I am that dad. I am that affectionate father who smothers his children in hugs, kisses, and other expressions of love. Every day before my family leaves for school, everyone gets a hug and a kiss. My daughter receives three kisses on her cheeks. When I visited Ethiopia,

Dear Mkazo, Today is your day, Kazo! You turned six years old today. Your mother and I are surprised to see how fast you are growing. By far, you are our most active child. You enjoy running, jumping, kicking, flipping, and every other action suitable for five-year-old children. This year, you have asked that we take you to “Kentucky.” Kentucky is the name you call the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. We've gone there once since we moved to Antigua and you never forgot. I b

A few days ago my middle child turned seven years old. This week's blog post is the letter I wrote to him. Dear Emery, Today you turned seven years old! No, I didn’t forget. I have teased you for the last few days by saying that you will turn five soon, but I always knew which birthday this is for you. I remember the day you were born at home. Your strong mom brought you into this world at our place on 81st and Luella, without using drugs to numb the pain. We had the help of

In the header picture of this post, I am trying to write. With two boys, hanging on my arms and asking for my attention, the simple task of typing on a keyboard is almost impossible. I often feel that my plans conflict with my children’s plans. Can you identify with this struggle? You want to give your children or spouse the attention they deserve, but you also need to finish that___. My work versus family responsibilities is fighting multiple rounds in my house during this p

I completed the writing challenge. The Good Men Project sponsored a challenge to encourage writers to produce fifteen articles in February. On Tuesday, I uploaded my fifteenth piece for the month. At times, it was difficult to keep up with the pace. Participants were required to post articles every other day that consisted of 350-1000 words. In February, I also completed the final rounds of revisions for my next book. I offered another Capoeira class at a beautiful location.

It’s hard to believe. You are eight years old today. I am proud to be your father. You are smart, creative, and beautiful. I could not be more happy to acknowledge on this day and every day, that I love you. Before your birth, your mother and I had no idea what to expect as first-time parents. You arrived two weeks before our first wedding anniversary. How your mother became pregnant so soon after we married in Mazatlán, is a story for another time. It’s a biological story th

Before I arrived in Antigua and Barbuda, I pictured evening walks on the beach with my family, a picturesque home, and an employment opportunity that enabled me to impact others while also providing a comfortable lifestyle for myself and the people I love. We moved here July 25th after spending two years in Mexico, and there remains much to adjust to in our new home. While I am grateful for the chance to live in the Caribbean islands, it does come with many challenges. In the

*Last week, the following post appeared on my column at The Good Men Project. * On December 17, 2010, my partner gave birth to our first child. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. Within three years, we had two more children. From the moment I became a dad, I was determined to make every day Father’s Day. Holidays can serve as occasions marked by positive and negative emotions. For some, Father’s Day stirs up fond memories of time with family and showering dad with

It was 4:30 AM when I heard my office door swing open. My middle child was awake and needed his nebulizer for a breathing treatment to resolve challenges with his asthma. Without hesitation, I stopped a writing project and tended to his needs. I wasn't angry with my son for interrupting my work because on most mornings I am awake by 3:30 AM and in my routine. Crazy? 3:30 AM! It's not uncommon for me to be up this early because I am often in the bed by 8:30 PM. It takes discip

Yesterday, my daughter pulled my finger as we crossed the street and a car approached the intersection. When we made it safely to the other side, she turned and said to me, "Daddy, I saved you." I was never afraid that we would not make it to the other sidewalk. We were too far ahead of the oncoming car to feel threatened. Nonetheless, I went along with her victory. My daughter was full of pride as we continued our walk toward ballet class. I listened, as she talked more: "I

The following post originally appeared in my column at The Good Men Project, and given number 45's recent disturbing comments regarding Haiti, El Salvador, and the African continent I decided to repost it on my personal blog as a reminder of the behaviors that positive leaders embody. My father’s name, Emery, means industrial leader. For over forty years, he has committed himself to the ministry within the Church of Christ Holiness' community of churches. Before his term in o

Yesterday, my family’s video blog, vlog, returned to YouTube! La Vida Lindsay took a few weeks off to refocus and to make a couple of tweaks

It's difficult not to be aware of the events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia over the past weekend. My wife, Gabriella, was t