Juneteenth, Father’s Day, and African-American Father-Daughter Relationships… how are they all related?

Well, first of all, we’re celebrating them all this weekend. Happy Juneteenth! Happy Father’s Day!

Juneteenth celebrates the arrival of Union soldiers in Galveston, TX announcing the end of the U.S. civil war and slavery and Father’s Day, which this year falls the day after Juneteenth, is the day we set aside to celebrate our fathers. The relationship women have with their fathers plays a large role in shaping their relationships in their adult life.

Unfortunately, there are few studies that examine the role African-American father-daughter relationships play in a Black woman’s ability to be establish happiness in marriage and good sexual health. Many of the existing studies are theses and not peer-reviewed articles appearing in research journals. What we can glean from these studies?

One study found the quality of father-daughter relationship significantly influenced the type of men daughters’ found attractive.  The study also noted that Black American women who have high quality relationships with their fathers tend to have longer lasting romantic relationships with men than their counterparts. Although there is a need for more research, these findings should make us pause and reflect.

As you celebrate your freedom and your father this weekend explore how your relationship with men – good or bad – has been influenced by your father. How can you be grateful and give thanks or come to terms with your reality? Your reflection may take time and you may have to wait like the slaves in Galveston, but reflection but whatever your reflection turns up, honor it, as we honor our freedom and family.

Photo credits: Tayfun Coskun Getty Images