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THE BLACK SPOTLIGHT
Shining A Light on African American Entertainment & Culture
BLACK TELEVISION
FATHER SPOTLIGHT
Whether they were giving their child a pat on
the back or a slap in the back of the head,
these African American fathers have concreted
a spot in television history
FATHER SPOTLIGHT
Whether they were giving their child a pat on
the back or a slap in the back of the head,
these African American fathers have concreted
a spot in television history
(June 15) In no particular order, here's a rundown of the Great African American
Fathers of Television history:
Dr. Clifford Huxtable, The Cosby Show (played by Bill Cosby)
One cannot even mention great television fathers without naming the Cos-man. The
Cosby Show presented America with a positive portrayal of the African American
family.
James Evans, Good Times (played by John Amos)
Although his time on the show was cut short (insert Florence's famous quote here),
James Evans gave the image of the hard-working family man in a low-income
environment.
Carl Winslow, Family Matters (played by Reginald VelJohnson)
Putting up with his annoying and clumsy neighbor, Carl Winslow made sure his
children were upstanding citizens and his neighbor, just standing straight.
Honorable Phillip Banks, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (played by James Avery)
Raising three of his own children plus his troublesome nephew, Phillip Banks swore
to uphold the law and forced his children to abide by the laws of his house.
Det. JC Williams, New York Undercover (played by Malik Yoba)
In the hard streets of New York, JC Williams fought for his life and the welfare of
others and at home, he dealt with the challenges of being a single father.
Fred Sanford, Sanford & Son (played by Redd Foxx)
He may not have hesitated to call somebody a "dummy" but the father-son
partnership went beyond the business and were each other's support system.
Deacon Ernest Frye, Amen (played by Sherman Helmsley)
Miniature in stature but standing tall because of his not so hidden compassion,
Deacon Frye showed his love not only for his daughter but also his church.
Michael Kyle, My Wife and Kids (played by Damon Wayans)
He finds quirky ways to punish his children but they always caught the message at
the end.
Robert Peterson, The Parenthood (played by Robert Townsend)
Aside from the off-the-wall daydreams, Robert Peterson showed a positive view of
the African American family and took it one step further when he took in an at-risk
youth.
Julius Rock, Everybody Hates Chris (played by Terry Crews)
New to the pack of television fathers, Julius Rock may be cheap but his frugalness
behavior only is meant to secure his family's financial future.
Fathers of Television history:
Dr. Clifford Huxtable, The Cosby Show (played by Bill Cosby)
One cannot even mention great television fathers without naming the Cos-man. The
Cosby Show presented America with a positive portrayal of the African American
family.
James Evans, Good Times (played by John Amos)
Although his time on the show was cut short (insert Florence's famous quote here),
James Evans gave the image of the hard-working family man in a low-income
environment.
Carl Winslow, Family Matters (played by Reginald VelJohnson)
Putting up with his annoying and clumsy neighbor, Carl Winslow made sure his
children were upstanding citizens and his neighbor, just standing straight.
Honorable Phillip Banks, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (played by James Avery)
Raising three of his own children plus his troublesome nephew, Phillip Banks swore
to uphold the law and forced his children to abide by the laws of his house.
Det. JC Williams, New York Undercover (played by Malik Yoba)
In the hard streets of New York, JC Williams fought for his life and the welfare of
others and at home, he dealt with the challenges of being a single father.
Fred Sanford, Sanford & Son (played by Redd Foxx)
He may not have hesitated to call somebody a "dummy" but the father-son
partnership went beyond the business and were each other's support system.
Deacon Ernest Frye, Amen (played by Sherman Helmsley)
Miniature in stature but standing tall because of his not so hidden compassion,
Deacon Frye showed his love not only for his daughter but also his church.
Michael Kyle, My Wife and Kids (played by Damon Wayans)
He finds quirky ways to punish his children but they always caught the message at
the end.
Robert Peterson, The Parenthood (played by Robert Townsend)
Aside from the off-the-wall daydreams, Robert Peterson showed a positive view of
the African American family and took it one step further when he took in an at-risk
youth.
Julius Rock, Everybody Hates Chris (played by Terry Crews)
New to the pack of television fathers, Julius Rock may be cheap but his frugalness
behavior only is meant to secure his family's financial future.
The Cosby Show (NBC)