Speakers discuss importance of fatherhood in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Dozens of fathers and community leaders got together to raise awareness for the importance of a child having an active father or father figure in their life.

“Almost any man can father a child, but it takes someone special to recognize the responsibility that comes with that,” Judge J.H. Corpening said.

At the 12th Annual Fatherhood Conference speakers wanted to recognize the ability men have to make a difference in children’s lives. Corpening said he advocates for this issue everyday.

“I also see opportunities for males to step up and be role models for those children and have a positive impact on their lives and that’s part of the message we’re trying to share today,” Corpening said. “Looking for a few good men who were called to serve.”

Najja Bailey, a father himself, attended the conference to get insight about parenting from other men he looks up to.

“I learned a lot of things about manhood from people that weren’t my father. I just watched them and whether it be positive or negative, some things I picked up as my identity and what it means to be a man, so it just makes me more aware of somebody’s watching me,” Bailey said.

Bailey has three daughters, but also coaches children in sports. He said he sees situations where a father figure is absent and he tries his best to be a positive role model.

“It’s just a joy, you know a new joy in my life. I say that much. Getting to see children go through some of the things I went through as a child, being able to help them work through it, getting to see them grow into who their going to be as adults,” Bailey said.

Bailey said it is never too late to have a relationship with your child and to experience how special that bond can be.

“Your presence and your time whether it’s day one or day twenty, it’s like a twenty-four carat diamond to the children,” Bailey said.

The conference had multiple speakers including keynote speaker Chucky Brown, a retired professional basketball player who also served as a coach and mentor.