REAL DADS OF THE METRO
violence, but verbal and emotional violence as well. Teens discover what violence they’ve been the victims of and what violence they are perpetrating on others — including things like prejudice, jealousy and giving the silent treatment. From considering their attitudes and how they influence others to cultivating self-respect, discipline and peace, much of the reflective work Henry encourages teens to do is focused on how their actions can impact the world around them either negatively — or for good. “I can’t stop you from taking my shoes or shooting me — but I CAN stop myself from doing that to you,” said Henry. “This is internal work — wherever you can love people and treat people kindly — you diffuse violence.” The long-term effects Just about every time Henry ventures into public, he runs into former students. They often thank him for teaching them discipline, share a hug or reminisce about how they felt cared for in his classes. Even students to whom Henry remembers having to dole out serious consequences often surprise him years later. “This one, I thought might punch me,” Henry laughingly recalls. “But he high-fived me. That was closure. They know your heart when you are consistent.” But there are former students, too, whose stories have ended in violence.
“You don’t win everyone,” said Henry. “But you do what you can to try to deter it.” As both a teacher and as a father, Henry says he has tried to simply “sow seeds,” not knowing where they will end up. “That makes it hard, because, for example, as a farmer, you don’t know what elements will come against your crops, and the reality is, failure is real,” said Henry. “But when you see results, whether it’s five years or 35 years later, seeing the fruits of what they become is a reward.” As a dad, Henry’s delight in his now-adult children is palpable, and he says he and Norma were “honored to raise them.” His oldest daughter, Monique, shares his love of teaching and also works in education. Krista performs spoken word, and Henry relishes in playing her work for his students to see their powerful reactions to her affirmations. His daughter Jeanae is a behavioral therapist, whom Henry calls to consult with about students. His son, Henry, served as the youth family coordinator for the YMCA for years, and he is the reason Henry started presenting his workshops through the Y. As Henry speaks with pride about his children and his former students, he also looks toward the future, knowing there are more students he will be blessed to teach and whom he hopes to bless as well. “Seeing potential surface is what I love most,” said Henry. “Whether as an educator or parent or in ministry, seeing that pearl in the rough, when kids discover something in them and I can be the conduit to pull it out.”
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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2023 57
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