Raising Kings and Queens: Fatherhood, Faith, and the Power of PresenceBy Shannon Stewart Sr.

Whitney Houson sang that "the children are the future" however too often our sons and daughters are expected to rise without the roots needed to thrive. As a Black father, husband, and man of faith, I’ve come to believe that raising emotionally grounded children requires more than good intentions—it demands presence, purpose, and prayer.

Fatherhood is not just about providing. It’s about building. Building confidence. Building identity. Building legacy.

The recent narrative of the “absent Black father” has dominated media and public discourse. But that story is incomplete—and in many cases, untrue. Across the country, Black fathers are showing up every day: reading bedtime stories, attending parent-teacher conferences, leading by example, and guiding their children with integrity. I will say with confidence: we are not absent, we are essential. Additionally, the work of fatherhood is not just about being there—it’s about being intentional. Our children don’t just need our protection; they need our presence, our words, our time, and our hearts.

Faith has been the bedrock of my parenting journey. It shapes how I lead, how I love, and how I discipline. In a world that often questions our children’s worth before recognizing their brilliance, I remind my son and daughter that they are fearfully and wonderfully made—not just by me, but by a higher power who created them for purpose.

Faith teaches accountability, forgiveness, humility, and hope. These are not just spiritual values—they are life skills. When children grow up hearing prayers spoken over them and seeing those prayers lived out in action, they gain a deep sense of security and identity that no hardship can shake.

Intentional parenting isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and showing up consistently. It’s about knowing when to correct and when to comfort. When to lead and when to listen.

My goal isn’t to raise perfect children. It’s to raise resilient, grounded, and compassionate leaders. I want my son to know strength without stoicism, and my daughter to know softness without silence. I want them both to walk in rooms with humility and confidence, knowing they are both loved and capable.

We raise kings and queens not through fear or force, but through relationship. When our children feel seen, heard, and valued, they step into their own greatness.

Fatherhood is not a role—it’s a calling. One that has stretched me, humbled me, and made me better in every area of life. Whether I’m mentoring young men, leading in the nonprofit sector, or speaking to a crowd about financial literacy or community empowerment, my most important audience is still the two young hearts that call me “Dad.” Shannon Jr and Ava are my legacy. As a result I know that by being fully present, prayerfully grounded, and purposefully engaged, I am not just raising children—I am raising royalty.

To every Black father reading this: your presence matters. Your faith matters. Your example matters. In a world that needs healing, you are a healer. In a world that needs leaders, you are raising them.

Let’s continue to raise kings and queens—one hug, one prayer, one lesson at a time.