Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine Father's Day Issue | Page 27

the group conversations that we have with regard to relationships, fatherhood, brotherhood, and life in general are those I look forward to whenever we have the chance to do so. So, to use their alter-ego monikers to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent: to Mr. Blue, Mr. Seykou, the Blacksmith, Ryuuza Tatsujin, Mason deRou, Grey Wolfe, Sir Guy, and Mr. Obsidian, I count myself blessed to have such esteemed gentlemen in my circle. You have done, and continue to do, the work needed as Black men and Black fathers, whether the spotlight is on or not. I salute you all. Consider this my attempt to shine the spotlight on you in my own unique way. Fathers matter. Black fathers matter, too. Shakir Rashaan is the author of In Service to the Senator and the national bestselling Nubian Underworld and Kink, P.I. Series. He is also developing projects under the pen name PK Rashaan. You can find out more about Rashaan at www.ShakirRashaan.com. NKLC Magazine | 27