The power of Black Fatherhood is the ability to break generational curse but also the ability to heal generational trauma and live in the blessing of legacy. Fatherhood is but a piece of our lives. A very unique and tailored piece that we can share in common. Yes, I’m aware that fatherhood is difficult. But so is being yourself. Oddly enough, fatherhood is just that – being yourself! Be mindful that there are little ones watching your every move. Not to judge you, but to be just like you. You are their example. So the challenge for us becomes, what do we want our young ones to see? —-Kelsey Maynor
Join me and my guest Co-host, Marylee Morton for S2 EP21 of the Lotus Flower Podcast as we discuss with Mr. Terris Todd how active and engaged fathers can positively impact our their families, church community, educational system, and society.
Biography
Terris E. Todd was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan. He earned his B.S. in Elementary Education and M.A. in Educational Leadership both from Western Michigan University. He worked as a public school teacher, administrator, and college instructor along with serving on various boards. Terris is the author of Just Being There: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Children; Creator of The God Class Series Apparel; Host of “In the Classroom” with Mr. Todd Podcast on Anchor/Spotify. He currently serves as the Program Manager for Civil Society and the American Dialogue at the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC. In 2020, Terris was appointed by The White House serving as the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans in the U.S. Department of Education in Washington D.C. , where he focused on working with educational professionals in the public and private sectors to elevate and bring awareness to the challenges faced by African American students in the country and leveraging resources to help ensure students are prepared for college and productive careers that contribute to the well-being of society. Prior to his appointment, Terris served as Vice Chair of the Michigan Republican Party where he provided leadership and outreach efforts to the expansion of conservative thought and values throughout the state from 2017 to 2020. In 2015, he served as Director of District Relations in the Michigan House of Representatives (District 62) and, later in the same year, Director of Education and Children Services for Community Action of South Central Michigan until May 2020. He continues to provide leadership to the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum, Right to Life of Michigan, SW Michigan Urban League and the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Michigan as a board member. He is an ordained Pastor, serving under the leadership of Bishop Hugh Smith Jr, Presiding Prelate of Jabula International Network.
Today, Terris and his wife Karen commute between Battle Creek, Michigan and Arlington, Virginia. They have three daughters.
Check out his work here: https://www.heritage.org/staff/terris...
Read more on the issue here: https://www.heritage.org/marriage-and...
Episode Title: Parental Engagement
Episode Talking Points:
What is a parent?
Building a foundation
Importance of Faith
Commitment
Environment for success
Fatherhood
School/Community Partnerships
Success Sequence
