Curtis “Dom” Witters is bringing the much-needed conversation about Black fathers front and center with his book, Fatherhood at 19: No Tutorial Books. He is deconstructing the stereotypes and narratives that have hung like storm clouds over the heads of Black fathers, and is presenting other truths to “encourage and guide young fathers or fathers-to-be.”
2.)Tell us what your book, Fatherhood at 19 No Tutorial Books: A Memoir, is all about.
Fatherhood at 19: No Tutorial Books is about my personal experiences with my father, my experiences becoming a father at 19 years old, and the insight as well as lessons I learned along the way.
3.) What was the inspiration for this book?
The inspiration for the memoir Fatherhood at 19: No Tutorial Books came from the desire to make fatherhood a bigger conversation. Sadly, in most cases, fatherhood is immediately associated with the absence of dad or child support. I felt it was time to not only highlight the fathers and men who contribute to the lives of the children in their lives, but it was also time to present the other truths of the fatherhood narrative, as well as to encourage and guide young fathers or fathers-to-be.
4.) What was the hardest thing about writing Fatherhood at 19?
The hardest thing about writing Fatherhood at 19 was revisiting some of the tribulations that happened during this time in my life. Deciding what to share and what not to share were also some of the things that made it a little hard to write the memoir. I’m very big on privacy and this book offers some moments in my life that my parents weren’t aware of until they read the memoir.
5.) What was one thing you learned about yourself while writing this book?
7.) What made you decide to write this memoir?
What made me decide to write this memoir was the opportunity to offer something that can possibly help younger men or women be their better selves like the great examples I had in my life have done for me. I want to help build a bridge between generations so that the conduit of generational knowledge and wealth can continue to make its way to the minds of our future.
8.) What is one of the most challenging things you faced being a young father?
One of the most challenging things I faced being a young father was finding my own path. Although I learned lessons here and there from the men that were in my life, when it came time to raise my own son there were some times I didn’t know where to start or what to give of myself, hence the title. I was in fatherhood at 19 but had no tutorial books on how to be a father.
9.) What advice do you have for young fathers out there?
The advice I have for young fathers is to be your own man, so that the man that your children meet is someone they respect, love and are proud to call their father. It will not be easy and you will be tested. Just remember that the same patience someone showed you is deserved by your own children…you can do it young father.
10.) Why did you choose to self-publish your book?
The main reason I chose to self-publish my memoir was simply to begin putting my plan in motion to build a legacy for my family. I started publishing my own music at the age of 16 and as I developed the company I thought to myself, “one day I will add a publishing division that will offer books that would empower and inspire.” I’m thankful that GOD seen fit for me to do so.
13.) Please share your website with our readers.
My website is Fatherhood19.com
Audra Russell is a blogger, freelance writer, and published author. She holds two undergraduate degrees in journalism as well as a Master of Science degree in Education. She also completed the Wesleyan University online Creative Writing Specialization course series.
She is an avid reader and writer’s advocate. Her passion for promoting the works of up-and-coming authors inspired her to create her podcast, Between the Reads, as well as her website, Read It Black to Me. Her debut novel, BLOOD LAND, was published on August 29, 2020, as her fiftieth birthday gift to herself. She lives in Maryland with her husband of more than 20 years, her 3 amazing children, a 12-year-old perpetual puppy, two dueling cats, and her lone surviving chicken of 8 years who she affectionately renamed Gloria (she will survive!)
