Delano Squires Reflects on Black Families in New Book
Delano Squires remembers his childhood, where the presence of young black men in his community often involved trouble, gangs, and prison. As he approached his teenage years, Squires began to reflect on his upbringing. He stated, “It’s a product of the families we had. Our parents were married, we shared the same church and values. We grew up in a community of men who raised us together. I realized the family structure was crucial.”
This insight became a driving force in Squires’ life. He emphasizes the importance of family, marriage, and the presence of his father, noting how instrumental these factors were in shaping who he is. Eventually, he felt compelled to write about these themes.
In his new book, The Disappearing Black Family, Squires argues that issues like lack of education and high crime rates are largely linked to the deterioration of the black family. He points out alarming statistics: “In our community, around 70% of children are born out of wedlock.”
He elaborated on how, over the past six decades, while poverty in black communities has diminished, the rate of children born outside of marriage has surged. Squires brought up the example of NBA players, many of whom have multiple children from different relationships, despite earning substantial incomes. It raises an interesting question: how does economic status relate to family structure?
“Economic factors play a role, but marriage is increasingly viewed as unimportant or even unnecessary,” he believes. Squires attributes this shift to a broader cultural change, one that goes beyond mere financial circumstances.
Jason Whitlock, who hosted the discussion, shared his own perspective. He suggested that a stronger connection with God could enhance marriages and, in turn, improve child-rearing outcomes. “I think the decline of black families ties back to a disconnect from divine support. We often look for financial solutions rather than spiritual ones,” he remarked.
Whitlock’s assertion suggests a profound perspective on the roots of family challenges—maybe it’s not just about money, but about reconnecting with deeper values.
