Charles M. Blow praises men who step up

Published: Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2:25 pm

On this Father's Day, contributor Charles M. Blow reflects on the profound impact of father figures, drawing from his own experiences of growing up without consistent paternal presence. Blow recounts a childhood marked by his father's absence, first due to parental separation and later due to alcoholism, which rendered his father an unpredictable and disruptive figure.

Despite this challenging upbringing, Blow emphasizes his good fortune in being surrounded by a network of other men – grandfathers, uncles, neighbors, and coaches – who provided essential guidance, correction, and positive role modeling. These men, he asserts, filled the void left by his father, offering the kind of support and vision that boys need to navigate their development.

This personal history fuels Blow's deep admiration for organizations that actively work to provide father figures for boys in need. He highlights Son of a Saint, an organization based in New Orleans, which he describes as a vital resource for boys facing even greater adversity than he did, particularly those whose fathers have died or are incarcerated.

Founded in 2011 by Bivian "Sonny" Lee III, whose own father died when he was young, Son of a Saint is dedicated to transforming the lives of boys who share similar circumstances. Blow recently visited the organization's headquarters, a renovated building that functions as a community hub. There, he observed the boys engaging in various activities, including cooking classes and wellness sessions focused on mental health, free from the pressures of rigid societal expectations.

The program provides not only mentors but also comprehensive case teams to address each boy's academic, emotional, and other needs. Blow spoke with 16-year-old twin brothers, Michael and Robert, who joined the program after their father's passing. They shared their positive experiences, including summer camps funded by the organization.

Blow notes that when he asked the boys about their Father's Day celebrations, many indicated they spent the day with their mentors from Son of a Saint, underscoring the significant role these men play in their lives.

BNN's Perspective: The absence of a father figure can create significant challenges for young boys, and the efforts of organizations like Son of a Saint, as highlighted by Charles M. Blow, demonstrate the critical importance of community support and positive male mentorship. While family structures vary, the need for guidance, stability, and positive role models remains a constant for healthy development. Investing in such programs offers a tangible way to bridge gaps and foster brighter futures for young men.

Tags: Father's Day, Charles M. Blow, father absence, mentorship, Son of a Saint, Bivian Sonny Lee III, boys, guidance, role models, community, New Orleans, mental health, wellness, academic support, emotional support

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