Rebuilding the Village — Family & Fatherhood
It takes a village. How do we rebuild the family bonds and mentorship our children need?
The village that once raised our children — grandparents, aunties, uncles, neighbors, elders — was fractured by migration, mass incarceration, and economic pressure. Rebuilding it is some of the most important healing work we can do. This means honoring fathers and mothers, restoring the role of elders, and mentoring the young who have no guide. Share here: who was your village growing up? How are you being a village for someone else today? What would it take to rebuild the bonds our children are missing?
2 Voices in the Circle
My village was the whole street — everybody could correct you and feed you. I'm 71 and I mentor three young men whose fathers are gone. It keeps me young and it keeps them anchored. Elders, we are still needed.
I coach youth ball but really I'm just being the consistent man some of them don't have. Showing up every practice IS the mentorship. Presence is the whole gift.