Against the Grain II
By Vaughn Wilson
The narrative of the absence of Black fathers has been overblown. It has been perpetuated over the decades even with statistics to show the contrary. Since 1976, more resident fathers were in Black households in 2023 than any year in between. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, “children who grow up with their dads are more likely to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially than are children who grow up without their dads.”
The positive imagery of fatherhood on the grandest of scales can be seen in two of the biggest athletic stars in the world; Lebron James and Deion Sanders. James is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all times. Sanders was a Pro Football Hall of Famer on the field as a player and now a sparkplug of a coach for the Colorado Buffalos. While both have daughters, this will focus on their sons who interact more directly with them. This is in no way an attempt to diminish the existence of their daughters, but to focus on daily interaction.
James grew up in the projects of Akron without his biological father. His mother would struggle to keep employment, but looked out for her son as best she could. She became a major part of the motivation and drive for his success.
Anyone who saw James play in high school knew that he would never see a college campus. His skill, his size, and intellect dictated that he was ready to make the uncommon leap directly from high school to the NBA. Since entering with highest expectations bestowed on any player before his first basket, James has lived up to the challenge.
Sanders grew up with his mother. She divorced Sanders’ father who had a life riddled with drug abuse. He would pass away in 1993. Sanders still has a chip on his shoulder for what he missed in a father-son relationship. He would go on to be an All-American at Florida State and a hall of fame career in the NFL.
Today, Sanders employs one of his sons and coaches the other two. Deion Sanders Jr, from Sanders’ first marriage, is the media mogul responsible for allowing the world to see what was done with “Coach Prime” during his stint at Jackson State and now at the University of Colorado. His middle son Shilo is the starting safety for the Buffalos, while his youngest son Shedeur is the star quarterback for Colorado.
The father-son relationships are on the front page for everyone to see. Sanders speaks into his sons before, during, and after games. Deion Jr documents interactions that are often looks into family dynamics. Deion Sr. has evolved into a loving father who puts his children first. It’s a far cry from “Neon Deion,” a character he created while at FSU to popularize himself before distinguishing himself on the field. Sanders starred in baseball and track as well.
Sanders is often chronicled by Sanders Jr. in his office talking to his sons. They have fishing adventures, travel adventures and with the addition of Travis Hunter who is like a third son, the father-son interactions is wholesome, funny, and important imagery all at the same time. Shedeur has performed exceptionally well and is considered a Heisman Trophy candidate.
James has been focused on his career, leading the NBA in points for the history of the league. He has maintained his body to the point where 22 years into his career he is still one of the top five impactful players in the league. He has shattered all records for players playing at his age. The former McDonalds All-American was destined for greatness out of high school. As a senior in high school, ESPN would broadcast its first ever game on January 1, 2002. It was James’ introduction to the world and he passed with flying colors. The world was able to see a player with the frame of a tight end, dominating on the basketball court.
James married his wife Savannah in 2013. His high school sweetheart, they have remained true to their family. The “James gang” as he often calls them includes a daughter Zhuri, a middle brother Bryce, and the eldest Lebron “Bronny” James Jr. Bronny in record-setting fashion, joined his father in the NBA after being drafted out of USSC this year. The two play together for the Lakers and set records literally every time they interact. While Lebron does not allow Bronny to call him dad on the court, it’s a dynamic that is heartwarming at every turn.
By example, Sanders and James have taken an important mantle of fatherhood. The presence, attention, and love shown to their children by an often-vilified black fathers is a beacon for the race. While we marvel at the athletic achievements of Deion Sanders and Lebron James, it their most important contributions may have nothing to do with sports.
