Featured

Q&A with Deyquan Bowens

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 »

Q&A with Joshua Walton

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 »

Q&A with Lawrence Diamond-Walls

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 »

Q&A with Ben Jamison

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 »

Q&A with Sherrod Taylor

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 »

Q&A with Dewayne Garner

In addition to being an excellent father, Garner was nominated by his brother Fred, for also helping to raise his niece & nephew Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It was probably the best day of my life and the scariest day of my life combined. I was with my wife when she went …

Read More »

Q&A with Nate Brown

Nominated by Tywanna Reese, who calls him a hands-on dad Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It was a joy and it still is. Being a father comes with challenges, but is always a joy. Q: What can you share about your children? A: Lanasia, 21, is a certified nurse assistant. She’s a hidden …

Read More »

Q&A with Antwaun Dixon

Nominated by Rachel Levens from Tucker Missionary Baptist Church Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It was the best feeling of my life. I always asked God if I could have my first child before I turned 30. I had my son when I was 27. He came right when I wanted him. He’s …

Read More »

Q&A with Karesaun Herring

As an only child, Herring holds his father as his top role model Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: One of the best feelings in the world. I was overjoyed; ecstatic. Best feeling in the world that there was something that I created and it was going to be my responsibility to raise. Wonderful …

Read More »

Q&A with Quante Wright

Former gang member and car salesman nominated himself to share how he encourages good choices Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: I was young, 17. I was excited and a little fearful. When she delivered the baby, I was in jail and didn’t get to see my first one born. But I got to …

Read More »