Man Up!

Duke's Kyrie Irving taken by the Cavs as the #1 pick!

Millions of kids play the game of basketball all over the world but only 60 of them were good enough to be drafted into the NBA last night. The man sitting at the top of that pile was Duke's Kyrie Irving. He only played a total of 11 games in his college career as a result of a toe injury that sidelined him for most of his freshman season. However, he was so gifted that the NBA scouts didn't blink when he declared for the draft.

Many times at the draft we see proud mothers sitting with their sons in the green room with so many fathers noticeably absent. Well, in the case of Kyrie Irving it was just the opposite. His mother, Elizabeth, died from an illness when he was four, so his father Drederick raised him with the help of his aunts.

I was insulted, as a father, at the fact that people were shocked that Kyrie's dad actually raised him. What do you think he was supposed to do? A real man provides for his family, especially after the unfortunate death of his wife. I know that in this country we aren't always shown examples of African-American men raising their children and being responsible, but yes we do exist. It's not something that is only legend like the sighting of the Lock Nest Monster etc.

I wouldn't expect any less from a God fearing man to hold up the legacy of his wife and provide for his children. The word of God says in 1 Timothy 5:8, "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Knowing and understanding that, I'm not surprised that this man raised his child to become a productive individual.

Yes, there are people that would have just walked away and allowed those aunts to raise Kyrie. They would've folded under the pressure of responsibility and let "Big Momma" take over. Some would've been content with just stopping by every now and then to see if the boy was getting bigger. I know that!

However, those that would have taken that road wouldn't be referred to as men. They would be known as cowards. That type of person couldn’t ever join the fraternity of fathers. He wouldn’t get the secret handshake and would be barred from all fatherly functions. We've got to be careful not to confuse a male with a man. They both are born with a penis, however the comparison stops there. A male simply possesses it, while a man understands the responsibility of having it.

Thanks Drederick for being our "Big Foot" last night and showing the world that there are strong African-American men providing for their families daily. We live, we breathe and we celebrate the accomplishments of our children just like you did last night with your son Kyrie! I need all of the brethren to say Amen!

Holla At Ya Boy!!
Jay Graves
Twitter:@jaygravesreport