North Philly Portrait & Father’s Memories | Poet’s Story
Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon’s poignant poem,inspired by a 1986 Joseph V.Labolito photograph, celebrates Black fathers and their enduring legacy. She reflects on the crucial need for positive portrayals of Black men, a theme powerfully explored in her tribute to her father and other influential figures. This piece delves into the poet’s memories, recalling her father’s dedication and the community of supportive men she knew.the poem, “There are black Fathers,” honors those who provided, nurtured, and guided generations. Discover how Williams-Witherspoon uses poetic ethnography to capture these experiences, counter negative stereotypes, and give voice to the African American experience. News Directory 3 provides insights into the artist’s process. Discover what’s next for this powerful voice.
Celebrating Black Fathers: Philadelphia Poet Honors a Lasting Legacy
Updated June 11, 2025
In a tribute to Father’s Day, philadelphia-based anthropologist and playwright Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon has penned a poem celebrating Black fathers.The work accompanies a 1986 photograph by Philadelphia photographer Joseph V. Labolito, evoking cherished memories of her own father.
Williams-Witherspoon, senior associate dean at Temple University’s Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts, collaborated with Labolito after seeing an exhibit of his work. She uses his photographs as inspiration for her students.
The photograph of men with a little girl sparked the memory of a poem she wrote for her father on Father’s day in 1983. The poem, titled “ther Are Black Fathers,” honors her father, Samuel Hawes Jr., and other men who were present and active in their children’s lives.
There Are Black Fathers
To Daddy, Father’s Day, June 19, 1983
I’ve known men
Who rise at dawn
To run a sort of race;
Working through sleep
stopping long enough to yawn
Providing for their families Just a little
place.
Black men going, going, going
(sometimes, till their gone.)
I’ve known men
Who trudge home after long hours
And an even longer pain,
And still manage to smile,
Warmed by the voice of a child."Hi, Daddy!"
"How was your day?"
I’ve known men Who take care
Even when Mommy can’t.
And,even though they can only
cook hamburgers really good,
They put band-aids on awfully well.
I’ve known men
Who loving replace lost teeth
With shiny new dimes;
Remember birthdays and Christmas’.
Dutifully repair
Old, broken toys And, even, sometimes,
Wipe away salty tears.
I’ve known men
Who reprimand,
Teach us values
And,if we’re lucky,
Along with Mom,
Help us take a stand.Who calm us when we’re frightened;
Scare us when we’re bad — Hold our hands.
I’ve known men,
Not just as Fathers;
But, more so, as "Dads" —
Who give us what we get
And gave us what we had.
Loving and kind;
Stern, yet strong,
I’ve known men
Who’ve guided generations along
As provider, supporter, parent — Pop, Dad!
There are Black fathers
Who would gladly do it again
Parenting future generations.
Yes, I have known These men.© 2025 Kimmika L.H. williams-Witherspoon
Williams-Witherspoon aims to counter stereotypes that demonize black men. She wants to celebrate the african American men she knew growing up, including her father, uncles, and neighborhood dads.
She recalls her father working two jobs to support his family,driving a cab and working at the U.S. Mint. He always made time for her,taking her to school,church,and on road trips.
The men in this photograph represent men like Daddy, who at one point worked two jobs to provide for his family… He took me to school every morning when I was in high school. He made it to every school function or occasion… took me to church every Sunday morning.
Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon
Labolito’s photographs document Philadelphia’s people and neighborhoods. His work is housed in collections at Temple University and the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Williams-Witherspoon described her process for writing the poem as a “free-write sensory download dump,” followed by reading aloud and tweaking until it felt right.
She defines poetic ethnography as turning observations of cultures and communities into poetic form, articulating the world through poetry.
What’s next
Williams-Witherspoon plans to continue using poetic ethnography to explore and celebrate diverse communities and cultures, highlighting the importance of positive representation and the enduring legacy of Black fathers.