Some of our fondest memories tend to revolve around Family gatherings and delicious meals, especially in the Black community. Just the thought of family reunions, holiday times and general Sunday dinner with the family can make my mouth water when I think of the delicious spreads that are always on the table. The food was and is an integral part of the day. The food is always delicious to be sure but even more importantly the food brought us together to talk to share to reflect, to laugh, sometimes to heal and to grow as a family.
Sunday is Father’s Day and it is a day of celebrating our Father’s and Father figures for their role in our lives. Notice I say Fathers and Father figures. The media would have us believe that there are very few fathers in our communities. Unfortunately there are some men who do not live up to their responsibilities as Fathers and men when they play their part in conceiving a child. However there are Millions of Men like myself who are proud to be a Father and take the responsibility of raising children in this society very seriously and work to do the best we can despite many obstacles that are placed in our path. As men in in this society it is important that we accept the responsibility of being mentor, role model, father figure to children that are not necessarily our blood as well. There are so many of our brothers that are incarcerated, victims of police brutality, racist hate crimes, black on black crime and have just lost their way. So it is incumbent upon all of us to lead and to guide our young men and women so they can see what a “Real Man” is.
Again, Sunday is Father’s Day and it is a celebration of “Real Men” who are true Fathers in their home and in their community. In cities around the country Fathers and “Real Men” will be saluted at Real Men Cook. I have had the pleasure of being involved in this event here in New York for a number of years now, for the last three years as event manager. It is a coming together of our community family and sharing good times and fun over good food prepared by men. Real Men Cook is an event that shows our community and the world that there are Real Men who stand up as fathers in our communities. We are biological fathers, we are godfathers, uncles, mentors, the basketball coach, the baseball coach, teachers, etc. Real Men Care, Real Men Teach, Real Men Lead, Real Men Love and Real Men Cook.
I extend an invitation to everyone reading this to join me this Sunday from 2-6pm at The Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building at 125thStreet & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. in Harlem, NY for this year’s Real Men Cook celebration. Let’s come together as a family and community and celebrate the Fathers and Father figures in our community and enjoy great food and have fun!
Advance tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for Children & Seniors. At the door they are $30.00 and $15.00 respectively. Tickets are available via www.RealMenCook.com or by calling 800-656-0713. Ticket proceeds benefit charities & programs serving youth.
Special thanks to The Amsterdam News, The Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, Melba’s 125, 1209 Enterprises, Harlem World Magazine, Inc., and the men giving up their Father’s Day of pampering to make Real Men Cook happen.
Marko Nobles is partner of InJoy Enterprises, LLC, Event Manager of Real Men Cook – New York, and most importantly, a married father of twin 5 year old girls.
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