“My mom did an amazing job, but what happens when you have two people present to share attention, provide and offer guidance and resources?” said Q. “I’ve always wanted that for my family. I was always interested in people who had that life. My wife is West African. There is so much rich culture in her family. Her family is so big and close. Her nuclear family had two parents and looked like the American dream.” The value of fatherhood Nine years after their initial interaction, the Hughes are still piecing together their own version of that American dream. They’ve been happily married since 2016. Regardless of the external demands, Q makes small, intentional efforts to continue placing the home first. It’s a Wednesday evening and Q is preparing to meet with the staff at Kindred Spirits. As the meeting begins, 4-year-old QJ interrupts and asks, “I thought we were going to the park?” Q reminds his son of their plans and makes a promise he’s sure to keep: “Once this call is over, we’re headed to the park.” What’s most impressive during this hour-long conversation is Q’s patience. His attentiveness to both busy areas of his life—his demanding profession and his family—is admirable. Although both forces are pulling him during this meeting, they are not at odds. There is no competition because Q understands and values his priorities. It’s all part of the larger design he’s spent years carefully creating.
Q’s entrepreneurial efforts inform his most important role as a father. He says there’s an abundant number of lessons offered through the structure of a business. These lessons help guide his family and build a firm foundation where love can effortlessly grow through well- intentioned actions. “We have a family mission statement,” said Q. “The Hughes will practice love, positivity and promising principles daily at home and away. We will pursue purpose, strong family bonds and constant evolution. We will continue constructive traditions and leave a legacy among our family, our community and our people.” Q’s family believes in collective responsibility. It’s a guiding principle that helps each family member move into the world with purpose, always upholding their responsibility to themselves, the community and to Black folk. “I want my family to feel a responsibility to advance the culture and be a positive representation of their people,” said Q. “And to always look to others to build the culture. [I want our kids] to stand on our shoulders and elevate.” Editor’s note: This article is the first in a year-long series celebrating local dads. Author Lance Evans and husband Chris are fathers of Chrystian. Lance is director of communications for Variety Care, and he and Chris were voted MetroFamily’s 2021 Cool Pops.
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