This was the 1980s, when UK black culture was dominated by the Caribbean and, in particular, Jamaican identity. It concerned me that there was such an acceptance of this model of parenting; that somehow the menfolk could impregnate women and then disappear or, at best, play a minor, semi-detached role in their child’s upbringing. My childhood had given me two models of fatherhood and it was clear which was preferable. The security of having two parents in a committed relationship, all of us living under one roof, provided a solid building block for everything I did; be it schoolwork, friendships or any outside activities. I’m not some puritanical tyrant who believes that all parents must be married, or that loveless or, worse, abusive relationships must be tolerated for the sake of the children.

Host: Nihal Arthanayake

Guests: Marvyn Harrison, Darwood 'Black Jesus' Grace and Ghetts

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