By Staff
From the very first moment Keith Lawson looked down at his newborn son, he was overwhelmed with awe and gratitude—speechless at the magnitude of the blessing before him. That instant marked the beginning of a sacred journey, one that would redefine his identity and purpose. For Keith, fatherhood is not simply a title—it is a divine calling, a lifelong mission to protect, nurture, and guide his sons into becoming compassionate, confident, and purpose-driven men. His approach to parenting is deeply rooted in presence, love, and legacy. Whether coaching from the sidelines, having honest conversations about identity, or simply showing up every single day, Keith embodies the kind of fatherhood that dismantles stereotypes and reshapes narratives. He is committed not only to his own children but to uplifting other Black fathers, reinforcing that vulnerability is strength, and that love—expressed fully and freely—is a father’s greatest tool. Through the highs and lows, wins and lessons, Keith’s unwavering presence is what he hopes his sons will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Can you describe the moment you first became a father and what emotions you experienced?
The moment I first laid eyes on my son was nothing short of divine. It was the most overwhelming, awe-inspiring blessing I’ve ever experienced. Time stood still. I was filled with a deep, indescribable sense of love and gratitude. I couldn’t believe that something so pure and perfect had been entrusted to me. I was speechless—completely humbled by the magnitude of the moment.
What does fatherhood mean to you—not just the title, but the responsibility and the legacy?
To me, fatherhood is more than a title—it’s a sacred duty and a divine assignment. It’s a mission from God to lead, guide, and mold my sons into strong, thoughtful, and purpose-driven men. Fatherhood is about planting seeds of wisdom, love, and discipline that will blossom for generations. It’s about leaving a legacy that goes beyond material things—it’s about values, character, and faith.
In what ways has becoming a father changed you as a man?
Becoming a father transformed my entire outlook on life. From the moment my sons were born, my focus shifted—it was no longer about me. Every decision, every move I made had to reflect my role as a protector, provider, and nurturer. Fatherhood grounded me in purpose and gave me a level of selflessness I didn’t know existed. It shaped me into a more intentional, patient, and committed man.
What do you find most fulfilling about being a father?
The most fulfilling part of being a father is witnessing the evolution of my sons. Watching them chase their dreams—whether in the classroom, on the field, or in life—and seeing the pride and joy on their faces when they succeed fills my heart like nothing else. Those moments remind me why I do what I do. Their victories are my victories, and seeing them become the men they were meant to be is the ultimate reward.
How do you show love and affection to your children, and how did you learn that language of love?
I show love through presence, patience, and intentionality. Whether it’s a hug, words of affirmation, or just being there to listen, I make sure my sons know they’re valued and deeply loved. I learned that language of love through a mixture of personal experience, spiritual growth, and watching the men in my life who weren’t afraid to show affection. Love, when consistently and openly expressed, becomes the foundation for trust and confidence.
What are some of the challenges you face as a Black father in today’s world?
As a Black father, I face the unique and painful reality of preparing my sons for a world that often views them through a lens of fear or bias rather than grace and potential. I see in them kindness, brilliance, and promise—but I also know the world may not always honor that. It’s my responsibility to equip them with the strength, wisdom, and awareness to navigate these challenges without losing who they are.
How do you teach your children about identity, pride, and navigating the world as a Black child?
Even in a diverse, multicultural environment, I make sure my sons never forget where they come from. I teach them that being Black is powerful, beautiful, and foundational to much of what shapes culture, art, and history. I encourage them to take pride in their roots, to honor the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them, and to walk through the world with both humility and confidence in their heritage.
Can you share a time when you felt especially proud as a father?
There have been many proud moments, but the ones that stand out most are when I see my sons display character—when they choose integrity over popularity, kindness over pride, or resilience in the face of adversity. Those moments reflect that the values I’ve tried to instill are taking root, and that’s when I feel most proud as a father.
How do you balance work, purpose, and fatherhood in a way that keeps your family grounded?
Balance comes through prioritization and clarity of purpose. I understand that everything I do—career-wise or personally—should ultimately serve my role as a father. I make sure to carve out intentional time for my sons, communicate openly with them, and include them in my life’s journey. I don’t believe in perfect balance, but I do believe in showing up fully wherever I am.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your own father or father figure that you’re now passing on?
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the power of consistency. My father—or those who stood in that role—taught me that being present, being dependable, and showing up in both big and small moments builds trust and shapes a child’s worldview. That’s something I strive to pass on to my sons every day.
How do you approach discipline, and what values do you hope to instill in your children?
I approach discipline with love, structure, and understanding. It’s not about control—it’s about guidance. I want my sons to understand consequences, but also to feel safe in their learning and growth. I aim to instill values like honesty, respect, humility, accountability, and compassion. Discipline, when rooted in love, becomes a tool for empowerment rather than fear.
What’s one of the most joyful or funny moments you’ve had with your child or children?
Some of the most joyful moments happen in the ordinary—family game nights full of laughter, funny mispronunciations when they were little, or spontaneous dance-offs in the living room. It’s those unscripted, lighthearted times that bring us closer and remind me to cherish the simple joys of fatherhood.
How do you stay mentally and emotionally well while being a father, partner, and provider?
Staying mentally and emotionally well requires intention. I lean into my faith, I prioritize time for reflection and rest, and I surround myself with other strong men who pour into me. I’ve learned the importance of asking for help, of being vulnerable when needed, and of never pouring from an empty cup.
What kind of conversations do you have with your children about love, respect, and relationships?
We talk openly and often about what it means to love and respect others—and yourself. I teach them that real love is rooted in honesty, accountability, and mutual care. We talk about setting boundaries, treating others with dignity, and choosing relationships that uplift rather than deplete. These conversations are ongoing and always evolving as they grow.
What does “being present” look like for you as a father?
Being present means showing up—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It means being there not just for the big events, but for the everyday moments that shape character. I coach their teams, attend their games, ask them questions, and listen with my whole heart. I aim to be a consistent, grounding force in their lives, always accessible and always engaged.
Are there any myths or stereotypes about Black fatherhood that you’re working to dismantle through how you show up?
One myth I’m committed to dismantling is the idea that Black men are emotionally detached or hypermasculine. I teach my sons that it’s okay to feel, to express emotion, and to cry. Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s strength. By embracing this truth, I hope to create a new blueprint for Black fatherhood, one rooted in love, openness, and emotional intelligence.
How do you support and uplift other Black fathers in your community?
I support other Black fathers by being present, sharing my journey, and creating spaces where we can encourage one another. Whether through mentorship, conversation, or simply checking in, I believe in the power of brotherhood. We rise together when we hold each other accountable, celebrate each other’s wins, and remind one another that we’re not in this alone.
What role does spirituality, culture, or tradition play in how you raise your children?
Spirituality is at the center of how I parent. I want my sons to know they are loved by God and guided by purpose. We honor traditions that reflect our heritage and faith, and we talk often about the deeper meaning behind who we are and where we come from. It keeps us grounded and connected to something bigger than ourselves.
What’s one thing you hope your children remember most about their childhood with you?
If there’s one thing I hope my sons remember, it’s that I was always there. Not just when it was convenient, but through every challenge, every success, every growing pain—I showed up. I want them to carry the memory of my presence as a source of comfort and strength for the rest of their lives.
If you only could say one thing to your child/children knowing that you would never see them again, what would that be?
If I knew I would never see my sons again, I would tell them: Never stop dreaming and never stop growing. Be kind, be respectful, and know that your life is part of a greater purpose. Walk in faith, live with courage, and always remember that you are deeply loved—beyond words, beyond time.
