Welcome To The Hood Marlow Randolph

When I first heard Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father” I was so confused. I didn’t have any context on how a man could sing so lovingly of another man. I was young and at the time felt abandoned by my father and lacked worthy male role models. I simply didn’t have a reference.

I learned much from my father’s absence. I made commitments to a woman and children I only dreamed about, that I would make sure I was always there for them. The problem, I’ve found is that I didn’t really know how to “father” or “husband”. I knew not to abuse a woman and children, but I learned that I really lacked the reference on how to be a man.

I have had great men in my life the last 20 years who have taught me how to love. That is in essence the brotherhood I found in the Church.

How did your father shape you?

I found Eminem’s “Not Afraid” as an anthem in 2011-2012. I was coming out from the darkness of major depression and serious physical illnesses. Because of my lack of clarity and not being able to have perspective, I nearly lost everything!

I attempted to push away my wife and children, in an attempt to crawl into a hole and die. Fortunately because of the love a patience of others we were able to heal.

Here’s to our brotherhood!

Drawing on Tupac Shukar's "Dear Mama" I attempt to discuss that the first true and lasting relationship we have is with our Mothers. Maybe this is why we take the women in our lives for granted, is it because the first woman we met literally tolerated our "crap". God our Father placed us in the very conditions that would allow us for exponential growth. If we will allow it, our past experiences will teach us how to become better.
Her sacrifice to bring you into the world was real!
Dear Mama!