In the 1950’s and 60’s the majority of Black families consisted of a two-parent household. African American kids had the luxury of being raised by their mother and father. The Black family structure was solid, and the man was the head of the household. Hard work, discipline, and education were the values that the two parents instilled in their kids.
During the 1970s the Black family structure experienced a major shift. A higher number of Black women were having children out of wedlock. Single-parent households were on the rise. The two key factors that initiated the change were the welfare system and the feminist movement. The welfare system provided the income, and the feminist movement planted the idea of a woman being the head of the household. The movement also pushed the idea of the woman playing the role of mommy and daddy.
Present-day, the major cause of single-parent households is due to failed relationships. Many mothers take on the burden of trying to figure out how to be a mother and a father to their kids. The mother is praised for the work she does as a single parent, but the father doesn’t receive the same glory for fulfilling the same role.
Vernon Kelson is the author of the book ‘Just The Two Of Us.’ He wrote the book because it was therapeutic for him, and he wanted to provide a voice for other single dads. A product of Baltimore, Maryland, Kelson didn’t spend much time with his mother or father. His father died when he was 9 and his mother died when he was 10. The challenge Kelson faced throughout his childhood years was having a consistent place to stay. Despite his circumstances, Kelson was able to achieve success in high school and transition to college. He attended the University of Maryland and he was focused on becoming an Architect. He had an interest in designing homes. When he started taking classes he realized the math curriculum was rather difficult. He decided to focus on his minor which was radio broadcasting. At the time, the University of Maryland’s radio station was all rock and they didn’t offer many radio broadcasting classes. Kelson transferred to Towson University. A church friend and the late great club queen K-Swift endorsed Kelson and it helped him obtain an internship opportunity with the radio station. Kelson would rise from intern to Operations Manager. Now he’s the author of a book that is a tool for single dads. Sports/Entertainment Journalist Vince D’Writer had a chat with first-time author Vernon Kelson.
Vince: Describe your Swagher. What makes Kelson, Kelson?
Kelson: I would say it’s my personality. I’m very strong and very opinionated. I’m quiet at times because I’m sitting in the back trying to figure you out and trying to read your vibes. I’m watching trying to figure out how to deal with you or if I want to deal with you. I’m a people person who likes to laugh, have a good time, and be in good company.
Vince: You are currently the Operations Manager for 92Q. What are your job duties?
Kelson: I oversee all of the five stations, work with the staff, schedule the music, and work with promotions and sales to create events to help generate revenue for the stations.
Vince: As a radio personality, who was your favorite interview?Kelson: I have a couple of favorites. Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Missy Elliott, Tamar Braxton, Toni Braxton, and Lil Kim.
Vince: Have you ever met a celebrity and then after meeting the celebrity, you was turned off due to that celebrity’s personality?
Kelson: That person would be 2 Chainz. I was a 2 Chainz fan. We had an event in D.C., and he was hours late. We had a room full of listeners and we had been there all day. When 2 Chainz arrived his demeanor was like I don’t want to be here. Then when I interviewed him, he was acting like he didn’t want to answer any questions. After that I was turned off, and I wasn’t a fan of his anymore.
Vince: When and why did you decide to write the book ‘Just The Two Of Us?’
Kelson: I wrote the book during the pandemic. I wrote it because I was angry about my divorce and being a single parent. We always hear the story about the single mothers, but it’s not too often we get the story about the single fathers. What I wanted to do was to help shed the light on the single dad life. I wanted to write the book so single dads who don’t have a voice know that they’re not alone.
Vince: How was the process in regards to writing the book?
Kelson: It was a 6-8 month time period. I always had my phone in my hand or a notepad to write down my thoughts, my feelings, and my memories.
Vince: What is the premise of the book?
Kelson: My experience being a single dad. It’s definitely post-divorce. I’m expressing my feelings about raising a girl, potty training, balancing work and life, and still putting her first.
Vince: What advice would you give 18-year-old Vernon Kelson?
Kelson: Forgive yourself and heal.
Being a dad is Vernon Kelson’s favorite job title. He admits it’s challenging, but he’s grateful for the opportunity. Kelson is thankful that God blessed him with the patience and skills required to be a single dad. Book readers can purchase Kelson’s book ‘Just The Two Of Us’ on Amazon.
