BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

The presence of the father in today’s household is not what it was decades ago. However, there are some who are thankful for the role their fathers played in their lives. They all are grateful that their fathers raised them right.

James Ransom, (pictured, left) said there were a lot of important male figures in his life, and even at a young age, he remembers the role his father played in his life.

“The most significant thing is I learned you should believe you can be whatever you want to be if you prepare yourself properly. He conveyed the presence of having confidence by the way he stood tall and made well informed decisions. He was a believer that you can lead, and still follow the leaders. Above all, he was my hero.”

Ernest Coney, Jr. (pictured, right): “My father, Ernest Coney, Sr., instilled a lot of integrity in me, and what it means to be a man. He led by example, and had an impact on my entire childhood as a student athlete and what he did for the community and people he met.”

YaSin Aquil: “My dad, Hakim Aquil, has been a friend and mentor to me. He’s always been a positive role model to me and my siblings. He’s never hesitated to provide us with assistance, and he always puts you in a place to make your own decisions, and be held accountable for those decisions.”

Gerald White: “My father gave me a strong work ethic, and told me to respect my elders and have strong respect for family. He taught me how to raise my children right, and to always seek knowledge. He also felt the more you gain, the more you can give.”

Bobby Wilds: “Jetie B. Wilds, Sr., raise me, 8 other boys, and 3 girls, and whatever we did, he made sure we did it right. He taught me to always care about the other person, and his message went down the line to all of us. He supported me throughout my educational and athletic career, and never missed any of my games. He, along with my older brothers, taught me great things to pass on to my own children.”