HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The death of George Floyd has opened many conversations about race in America, including the Tennessee Valley.
L.C. Smith, Founder & Executive Director for 'R Fathers M.A.D.' or 'Real Fathers Making A Difference' would normally have a BBQ on Father's Day for his mentees. 'R Fathers M.A.D.' have mentored youth for 11 years. However, the pandemic changed those plans.
WZDX was able to still catch up with Smith on the importance of fathers, father-figures and mentors in the lives of young Black men since the unrest.
"There's just certain things that young men want to sit down and have a conversation with another man about, another father-figure about, you know a role model about, a mentor," says Smith.
Smith says one of his former mentees is thankful for Smith's leadership because lately he's felt overwhelmed. Smith says some of the challenges include a conversation that's hard to have.
"We're talking about a different type of talk. When we're talking to the talk our young Black men have to have, you know when they become a certain age when they're viewed as a threat not only by society but also by police officers," added Smith.
For nearly 10 years 'R Fathers M.A.D.' have partnered with the Huntsville Police Department to address that talk. The late officer Billy Clardy was also a part of that conversation.
"We wanted to teach them what Huntsville Police protocol was, so they know what the actual city protocol, not in general. But what is the actual protocol when you get pulled over by police, or when you get approached by foot," added Smith.
Smith believes having a role model is one way to make a difference in the lives of young Black boys.
'We're making a difference because now these young men have men in their lives who they know, eventually know, because they have to earn their trust - we do have they're back 100 percent. We do care about them, and we want the best for them."
For more information on 'R Fathers M.A.D.', click here.