"I AM A FATHER"

New Table Top Book Takes An Intimate Look Into The World of African-American Fathers  

February 20, 2008 (Atlanta) – An extraordinary new tabletop book captures the relationships between African-American fathers and their children is being released just in time for Father's Day entitled "I am a Father." Compiled by author David Manuel, the book is a celebration of black fatherhood from one generation to the next.

Featuring intimate portraits captured by photographers Donna Permell and Moses Robinson, "I Am A Father" spotlights celebrity dad's like Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, Tom Joyner and everyday dads, to underscore the special bond between fathers and their offspring. The book also features stimulating essays as told through the eyes of their children that celebrates the relationship between father's and their child(ren).

Inspired by Manuel's own journey as an African-American father and son, "I Am A Father" provides powerful expositions on one of the most fundamental components of family life. "Being a father requires hard work that can be stacked with many obstacles to overcome," he says. 'As a father of two sons and growing up without one, I know firsthand the impact that a caring father can make on a child's development. I firmly believe that a caring and devoted father can make the difference in a child choosing the positive or negative road of life".

"I am a Father" is a testimony to the importance and value of black fatherhood. "Black fathers are alive and well, and we care deeply about our children," Manuel adds. Its release will be followed by a touring photo exhibition that will showcase the powerful images captured in the book.

About the Author: David Manuel is currently the director of Community Relations at the Woodruff Arts Center's Celebrate Diversity through the Arts Initiative and is very active using his position to bridge different cultures together using art as a vehicle. A graduate of the Atlanta College of Art, Manuel has also worked in the Atlanta Public School System where he taught kindergarten through fifth grade. A little league football coach for Mountain Park Association, Manuel resides in Lilburn, GA with his wife Lori and sons Branden and Blake.