While Father’s Day for many is a highly anticipated holiday when fathers everywhere are recognized by their kids for providing unconditional love and support, this day has evoked many painful memories for me.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I cannot help but think of two women, Mildred and Claudine. Mildred, of course, is my mother.

I have expressed this before, and will express it again: we need our village back. We need the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood; to look out for one another.

Unfortunately, many young African-American boys do not have their father in their lives as a positive influence, which makes mentorship so critical for their development. Fortunately, I was not one of those boys: My father is Stephen Maurice Jones.