Digital Book Nook recently caught up with Dr. Carl Stokes Jr., author of “Reclaim Your Visibility:A Straightforward Guide for Black Fathers to Improve Themselves and Their Relationships with Their Children.” We are excited to share this insightful interview with our readers today.
When did you first discover that you enjoy writing and wanted to become a published author?
Honestly, I always enjoyed reading, but never really thought about writing until I realized that I needed to get my message out to help Black fathers and families.
What is your favorite and the most challenging aspect of writing?
For me, the most challenging part was reliving difficult situations from my past in order to write about them, you know? You spend so much time trying to forget about painful things, so to recall them is emotionally draining.
Tell us about your latest release.
Reclaim Your Visibility is a straightforward guide to help Black fathers improve themselves and their relationships with their children. It is written by someone (me) who had a difficult time as a dad and has recently begun to figure things out. Although it is written to Black men, it is not just for them. It is also for Black women and children.
How did you come up with the title of your book?
I came up with the title because my research focuses on how Black fathers are often invisible based on stereotypes, societal views, and certain behaviors that we, and others display. I felt that I wanted to do something to draw attention to that. You know, reclaim that visibility.
What do you hope readers are able to get from reading your story?
I hope readers gain tools to make things better for themselves. I hope readers learn from the mistakes that I made and take advantage of the things that I did well. I also want readers to know that their mistakes don’t define them. There can be a comeback if things fall behind. I want to contribute to making things better for Black families overall.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
I am actually into old school work like Richard Wright and James Baldwin. I do love autobiographies though!
Do you have any advice for writers looking to get published?
Interestingly enough, nobody was interested in publishing my book, so I went ahead and did it myself!
About the Author
Carl Stokes is an award-winning social worker, educator, and speaker living in the scenic Buffalo, New York with his family.
He works as a college instructor and recently received his doctorate in education. His dissertation focuses on Black males and their perseverance in community colleges.
Carl is passionate about working to uplift the Black community. He especially loves mentoring young Black fathers and helping them see their full potential. He also enjoys teaching parenting classes for a small non-profit organization.
On a day off, you might find Carl biking with his wife and daughters… or teaching his pet bird Mango a new word.
Reclaim Your Visibility: A Straightforward Guide for Black Fathers to Improve Themselves and Their Relationships with Their Children is available at Amazon
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One response to “Interview with Dr. Carl Stokes Jr., author of “Reclaim Your Visibility: A Straightforward Guide for Black Fathers to Improve Themselves and Their Relationships with Their Children””
Dr. Carl Stokes Jr book is amazing and is so needed at a pivotal time in the lives of Black males all over. His honesty and forthcoming of his personal situation as a young Black man will inspire and encourage other African American males to not be victims of society or of the barriers before them, but to use their situation as a catalyst to overcome to improve and better their life outcomes.
Dr Stokes message is universal and an inspiration that individuals can overcome their circumstances by taking responsibility to seek support and to reflect on improving historical circumstances.
His book comes at a time when we need encouragement, uplifting, validation,and support.
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