Over 77.3% of black births were to unwed mothers in 2015 according to the National Center for Health Statistics. In Episode 57 I challenge us (the black community) to confront our staggering rate of unwed births and the social challenges that often result.
To be clear-this is not an episode about unwed mothers-it is about unwed mothers AND fathers and the need of putting Marriage ‘back' into Parenthood.
I know this can be a controversial issue and somewhat sensitive for many. As stated in the show, there is no condemnation or indictment on anyone within our community in this condition. But this episode does push us to have different conversations and even difficult conversations surrounding the behaviors and lifestyles we have accepted as normal.
I have included a few articles about the issue below and I encourage your feedback.
For more information:
https://fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/sites/fragilefamilies/files/ff_fact_sheet.pdf
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/77-black-births-to-single-moms-49-for-hispanic-immigrants
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-out-of-wedlock-births/
“The research found that children born to unmarried parents are disadvantaged relative to children born to married parents in terms of parental capabilities and family stability. Additionally, parents’ marital status at the time of a child’s birth is a “good predictor of longer-term family stability and complexity, both of which influence children’s longer-term wellbeing.”
“The Columbia and Princeton report found that father involvement declines over time for out-of-wedlock births. By age 5, only 50 percent of non-resident fathers have seen their child in the past month. While formal child support from non-resident fathers increases over time, informal cash support and in-kind support (such as buying toys or clothes) declines.According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children who live without their biological fathers and are, on average, at least two- to three-times more likely to be poor; to use drugs,;to experience educational, health, emotional, and behavioral problems; to be victims of child abuse; and to engage in criminal behavior, than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. In contrast, children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, avoid high-risk behaviors, and exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior.”
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