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Nominated by David L. Chaplin II Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It was a mix of emotions. Happy, excited, enthused, nervous, scared, unsure, doubtful. We knew it was going to be a boy. With the first, we wanted to know. I was there for the birth, and I was strong. It was amazing ... Read More »

Nominated by Anton Ninno, fellow teacher at the Southside Academy Charter School Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It was a rush of excitement and the feeling that I have to be responsible all the time now because this little person is depending on me. Q: What can you share about your children? A: ... Read More »

Nominated by Twiggy Billue, his wife of 30 years Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: Because my wife had to have a C-section, I wasn’t able to experience the whole thing. I was in the waiting room. It was exciting but nerve-wracking because you don’t know if the baby is going to be all ... Read More »

Nominated by South Side writer and actress Tammy Reese Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: Adrenaline. Then responsibility. The maturity side is the sacrifices of your own freedom for the greater good of your child. Working when you know you have to because it’s no longer just for yourself. Q: What can you share ... Read More »

Nominated by both Victoria Coit and his wife, Simangaliso Smith, for being a supportive father to a blended family Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: I always knew that I wanted to be a father. When my son was born, I felt in that moment like I had become a man. I knew that ... Read More »

Nominated by fellow musician Reggie Seigler, band leader of Soft Spoken Band and The Stand’s music columnist Q: What did it feel like when you first became a father? A: I felt like I suddenly had to become an adult. I wasn’t just living for myself anymore. I had a responsibility to take care of another human being. It’s a ... Read More »

Nominated by John Akins, Fatherhood Community Health Worker Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: Exciting. During the pregnancy I was in Oneonta Job Corps., but her labor was induced. There was no crazy call: ‘She’s having her baby, hurry!’ So I had time to be there. I was supportive through the labor, but I ... Read More »

Nominated by Aldrine Ashong-Katai, coordinator for the Healthy Neighbors Partnership with Upstate Q: What did it feel like when you first became a father? A: I didn’t see my first child born. I was 17,000 miles away in another country serving in the Marines. I found out in the middle of an exercise that my daughter was born, and I ... Read More »

Nominated by John Akins, Fatherhood Community Health worker for Syracuse Healthy Start We first featured Ben Jamison in the September 2015 issue of The Stand. He was raising Ameerah — the daughter of his girlfriend, La’Chelle Brown — as his own. The couple since has had their first child together, Peyton, and they are expecting another girl this summer. Q: ... Read More »

Nominated by his wife who says despite working the third shift at UPS, he always finds time to play with his boys Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It’s an overwhelming feeling. I think as a guy you don’t really know what to expect. During the pregnancy, I didn’t really feel anything — wasn’t ... Read More »