Bet on Black is a powerful essay anthology that will forever change the way you view fatherhood in America.
“So I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle—that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls; that if I could give them anything, I would give them that rock—that foundation—on which to build their lives. And that would be the greatest gift I could offer.” —President Barack Obama, Fathers Day 2008 speech at Apostolic Church of God
When I first read those words from then-presidential candidate Obama, I recognized my own story in his message. I know firsthand the value of the gift he sought to give Sasha and Malia; I was raised by a single father who valued taking care of his children above all, who taught me to expect as much from the world as I expect from myself, and who never had to tell me that I could do anything, because he showed me that I could do everything.
The media would have you think that my daddy is an anomaly. There are a million songs, movies and books about mamas, but it’s the rare artist who waxes poetic about Dad’s ability to help conjure up the mortgage payment each month or take out the garbage on the coldest day of the year. The picture is even bleaker when it comes to Black dads. As a group, they’re characterized as deadbeat, sex-crazed sperm donors who don’t care how many babymamas they leave in their wake. But I know that there’s more to the story.
After I saw the president commit himself to the cause with the President’s Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative—and married a man who takes the work of being a daddy as seriously as my own—I was inspired to find more women whose lives had been impacted by strong Black fathers. Bet on Black: African-American Women Celebrate Fatherhood in the Age of Barack is the result.
On the pages of this lyrical anthology, 20 women gather to swap the stereotype-busting stories of their fathers, grandfathers, husbands and best friends, inviting readers to join the conversation and honor the men in their lives who made their own resolutions to be the best dads they can be. You'll meet a young father whose love for his daughters compelled him to care for a wayward "dancer" one crazy night, a man whose fierce determination is the glue that holds together his blended family, and another who used an indiscretion as a catalyst to rededicate himself to his children. Whether you are a fantastic dad, or just adore one, the essays in Bet on Black will forever change the way you view fatherhood in America.
This presale is your opportunity to join the conversation. So when you see it covered in national press, you will be able to say you ordered your copy first (before we start selling out nationwide, lol)!
WHAT YOUR PLEDGE WILL DO
The money pledged during this presale will be used to fund the large print run that will be necessary to supply local bookstores, Barnes & Noble and Amazon. In short, it allows our small publisher to compete with the big boys. It also helps to fund the perks and allows us to donate copies of the book to fatherhood programs around the country. Aside from monetary gain, the presale is also a great way to get the word out about the mission of the book.
From signed copies, to handwritten notes mailed to the dad you love, to VIP status at our New York City launch event, you’ll be able to enjoy perks that you just can’t get by ordering the book on Amazon. Plus, nothing will match the feeling of accomplishment you’ll derive from knowing that your early support helped us wrestle back the much-maligned image of the Black dad and expose it as something that, while not perfect, is a human, loving presence in the lives of his children.
Please back this project today and join us.
All pledge rewards include shipping and inclusion on BetOnBlackDads.com’s thank you page.
Shout outs!
A million thanks to:
- Ashley Foxx, Editorial Director
- April Foxx, Creative Director
- Akili Brown, Video Producer
- Bianca Delaglio, Videographer
- John H. Pitt, Video Editor
- Kea Taylor/Imagine Photography, Photographer
- Tahad "Superstar" Naasel, Music Director (“Family is Everything”)
Remember, Kickstarter is all or nothing!
If we don’t meet our $10,000 presale goal, we won’t receive any of the money we need to fund the first print run, and you won’t receive your goodies. That means that we need your support—everyone’s support—to make this happen. And that doesn’t mean we only want your money (though we’ll take it). You can shine your light on this project by sharing your interest with your family and friends; every Facebook like, excited tweet, Instagram photo of the cover, and blog post helps.
Risks and challenges
The book is already written and edited, so no worries about it being finished! The biggest potential obstacle we could face are any production or printing delays. But we are working closely with our printer and distributor to have books ready before our October 10, 2013, release date. We will begin packaging orders within a week of the conclusion of the presale. This is a low-risk high-reward project to support, and you will get an amazing book and other rewards in return.
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Funding period
- (28 days)