By michelle-lee The Afro News Ontario
Black Daddies Club founder Brandon Hay recently held the first of a series of forums – an adult only evening to raise the topic “Monogamy… is it relevant?” Hay, a 30-year old married father of three young sons, launched the club two years ago because he was upset that Black men were constantly portrayed as absentee fathers. He recognized those who were trying to be responsible role models and challenged others to do the same. He held forums on topics dealing with violence in the schools and parenthood in general. Hay was born in Jamaica, raised by a single mother and moved to Toronto as a 10-year old child. He says he has six or seven half-siblings, some of whom he’s never met and acknowledges that he missed having a father in his life.
Monogamy is one of the topics “taboo to talk about in the Black community” he says and considering that pop culture glorifies infidelity in everything from rap lyrics to media coverage, to philandering politicians and celebrities, the time has come to at least begin a dialogue he added. Forums are planned to discuss other topics deemed controversial including Black Masculinity and Identity, and Homophobia and Modern Relationships
