Our fathers — Point men on patrol

In military strategy, a point man assumes the first and most exposed position in a combat military position. He is the lead soldier advancing through hostile or unsecured territory. His unit follows his lead. On September 19, 1987, I lost my father, Albert Mims Sr., to a senseless act of violence here in the city of New Orleans. In that instant, I lost my point man.

We are all well aware of how the significance of Mother’s Day overshadows Father’s Day. Those of us who are fathers know this, we understand it and we accept it. To forget mother on Mother’s Day would be a death penalty offense. To forget father on Father’s Day would be a misdemeanor. It is not that fathers are so much less than mothers — it’s not that at all. The disparity in the levels of honor is a result of the role fathers play in our lives compared to the roles mothers play. Our mothers nurture and nourish us. Our fathers teach and train us.

My father was my teacher, trainer, coach and mentor. During my kickboxing years, he was in my corner instructing me how to win every contest. Outside the ring he was in my corner, leading by example, instructing me how to be a man. As my point man he walked ahead of me, leading me through hostile enemy territories to safety. He was always on the lookout for the traps and landmines on life’s pathway. He led me safely past them. After he was taken away from me, I fell into some of the traps and stepped on some land mines. I no longer had his leadership or protection.

Could it be the alarming and continuous incidents of violence in our community, especially among our boys and young men are resulting from a void of committed fathers who are point men on patrol? That is something every one of us should give serious thought to. May I ask this also: Could it be the tens of thousands of young men in our community who are good students, not violent, well-behaved and well-adjusted are evidence of committed fathers who are point men on patrol? I believe so.

Fathers, we have work to do. If you haven’t been that committed point man on patrol for your sons, daughters and family, it’s not too late. Lead. If you have been that committed point man on patrol, then consider expanding your influence and lead others who may not be a part of your “unit.” If we do this, Father’s Day still won’t compare with Mother’s Day, but it will repair our community.

Happy Father’s Day.

– Bro. Al Mims Jr.

This article originally published in the June 6, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.