Project Fatherhood

A Story of Courage and Healing in One of America's Toughest Communities

De: Jorja Leap

Narrado por: Randye Kaye

In 2010 former gang leader turned community activist Big Mike Cummings asked UCLA gang expert Jorja Leap to co-lead a group of men struggling to be better fathers in Watts, South Los Angeles. These men, black and brown, from late adolescence to middle age, come together each week to help one another answer the question "how can I be a good father when I've never had one?"

Project Fatherhood follows the lives of the men as they struggle with the pain of their own losses, the chronic pressures of poverty and unemployment, and the unquenchable desire to do better and provide more for the next generation. Although the group begins as a forum for them to discuss issues relating to their roles as parents, it slowly grows to mean much more: It becomes a place where they can share jokes and traumatic experiences, joys and sorrows.

By immersing herself in the lived experiences of those working to overcome their circumstances, Leap not only dramatically illustrates the realities of fathers trying to do the right thing but also paints a larger sociological portrait of how institutional injustices become manifest in the lives of ordinary people. At a time in which racial justice seems more elusive than ever, the group's development over time demonstrates real-life movement toward solutions as the men help one another make their families and their community stronger.

©2015 Jorja Leap (P)2015 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Provides unique insights into a community intent on moving forward." ( Kirkus)

"Randye Kaye narrates the account with a tone of revelation." ( AudioFile)

Amazingly information book.

I will be revisiting this book for sure. it was informative, and gives a whole new perspective on what is possible with some commitment.

must read for understanding violence and responsib

responsibility for self and environment. what can you do, why do you do, who will you do with. who is your family. all of this is answered in this interesting look into the lives of other people.

not a boring read at all. great book.