ABSTRACT
The importance of fathers and issues relating to fatherlessness are at the forefront of the national media. This chapter outlines how history has influenced African American men's attitudes on marriage and family and how this lack of marriage increases children's level of risk, and explores the institution of marriage and how it might be beneficial to African American men. It focuses on some theoretical frameworks of fathering, how African American fathers can be resources, specifically identifying how they are a benefit to children, families, and have significant impact on mothering. The chapter also focuses on how fathering in the African American community contextually benefits children. It offers suggestions on how to work with African American fathers and how one can increase community male and fatherhood presence. The Morehouse Report suggests that in 1960 "there were 70 employed civilian black men for every hundred black women but by 1990; the figure had dropped to 40".
