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Nominated by fellow musician Reggie Seigler, band leader of Soft Spoken Band and The Stand’s music columnist Q: What did it feel like when you first became a father? A: I felt like I suddenly had to become an adult. I wasn’t just living for myself anymore. I had a responsibility to take care of another human being. It’s a …

Nominated by John Akins, Fatherhood Community Health Worker Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: Exciting. During the pregnancy I was in Oneonta Job Corps., but her labor was induced. There was no crazy call: ‘She’s having her baby, hurry!’ So I had time to be there. I was supportive through the labor, but I …

Nominated by Aldrine Ashong-Katai, coordinator for the Healthy Neighbors Partnership with Upstate Q: What did it feel like when you first became a father? A: I didn’t see my first child born. I was 17,000 miles away in another country serving in the Marines. I found out in the middle of an exercise that my daughter was born, and I …

Nominated by John Akins, Fatherhood Community Health worker for Syracuse Healthy Start We first featured Ben Jamison in the September 2015 issue of The Stand. He was raising Ameerah — the daughter of his girlfriend, La’Chelle Brown — as his own. The couple since has had their first child together, Peyton, and they are expecting another girl this summer. Q: …

Nominated by his wife who says despite working the third shift at UPS, he always finds time to play with his boys Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It’s an overwhelming feeling. I think as a guy you don’t really know what to expect. During the pregnancy, I didn’t really feel anything — wasn’t …

In addition to being an excellent father, Garner was nominated by his brother Fred, for also helping to raise his niece & nephew Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It was probably the best day of my life and the scariest day of my life combined. I was with my wife when she went …

Nominated by Tywanna Reese, who calls him a hands-on dad Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It was a joy and it still is. Being a father comes with challenges, but is always a joy. Q: What can you share about your children? A: Lanasia, 21, is a certified nurse assistant. She’s a hidden …

Nominated by Rachel Levens from Tucker Missionary Baptist Church Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: It was the best feeling of my life. I always asked God if I could have my first child before I turned 30. I had my son when I was 27. He came right when I wanted him. He’s …

As an only child, Herring holds his father as his top role model Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: One of the best feelings in the world. I was overjoyed; ecstatic. Best feeling in the world that there was something that I created and it was going to be my responsibility to raise. Wonderful …

Former gang member and car salesman nominated himself to share how he encourages good choices Q: What did it feel like when you became a father? A: I was young, 17. I was excited and a little fearful. When she delivered the baby, I was in jail and didn’t get to see my first one born. But I got to …