Today, I want to speak directly to you—the children of fathers. Maybe you’re a teenager, or maybe you’re in your twenties, still figuring out life, still piecing together the meaning of fatherhood. Let’s take a moment to think about what it truly means to be a father—not just a provider of DNA but someone who shapes, protects, and nurtures.  

I had an absentee father. He wasn’t there to support my mother or guide me. That absence shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until much later. I began to reverse-engineer him—to think about what he failed to do and what I could do differently. It’s made me reflect deeply on fatherhood, and I want to share some thoughts with you today.  

A Salute to Real Fathers 

Let’s take a moment to honor the real fathers. Not sperm donors, but fathers. Men who were there for their children, who stayed, who sacrificed, who showed up when it mattered most. These are the men who deserve our gratitude today.  

Fatherhood isn’t about perfection. It’s not about always having the answers. It’s about love, effort, and showing up—even when it’s hard, even when the world feels like it’s against you.  

The Stories of Absence 

But we also need to talk about the fathers who weren’t there. Not to shame them, but to understand. Sometimes, absence has a story.  

– There are fathers who fled their countries in the middle of the night, hoping to prepare a better life for their families, only to find it wasn’t as easy as they thought.  

– There are young fathers—teenagers—who weren’t ready, who lacked the resources, the knowledge, or the support to step up.  

– There are fathers forced out by systemic barriers—government policies that made them feel like their families would be better off without them because they couldn’t provide.  

– There are men caught in the charisma of leaders, entertainers, or movements that pulled them away from their responsibilities.  

And yes, there are men who simply made poor choices, who let fear, shame, or immaturity dictate their actions. They left, and their absence left scars.  

But here’s something to think about—you exist because of them. Maybe that’s the only thing they gave you, but it’s not insignificant. You’re here, alive, with the chance to write your own story, to break cycles, to make better choices.  

Fathering Takes Many Forms  

Sometimes, fathering doesn’t come from a biological parent. Fathering can come from a community. It might have been your mother who played both roles. It might have been a coach, a teacher, a mentor, a neighbor, or even a church or community organization that gave you the love, security, and guidance you needed.  

Fathers come in many forms, and their stories are just as diverse. To truly understand fatherhood, we need to hear all these stories—the good, the bad, and the complicated. Only then can we prepare future generations to make better choices, to understand the weight of fatherhood, and to embrace it with open hearts.  

A Challenge to Reflect 

So, I challenge you to think about your own father. Maybe he was there, and maybe he wasn’t. Maybe you’re grateful, or maybe you’re angry. Whatever your feelings, use them. Let them guide you in understanding what kind of person you want to be.  

And if you ever become a father yourself, remember that fatherhood isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. It’s about making the choice to love, to care, and to try, every single day.  

Final Thoughts 

To all the fathers who stayed, who sacrificed, who loved unconditionally—thank you. To the fathers who left, for whatever reason—your absence has shaped lives, too, and those stories matter. And to the children of fathers, I hope this message sparks reflection, conversation, and ultimately, growth.  

Fatherhood is complex, but it’s also one of the most powerful forces in the world. Let’s honor it, question it, and strive to understand it—so that future generations can do it better.  

Happy Father’s Day

The phrase “the good old days” typically refers to a nostalgic longing for a past time that individuals perceive as better or simpler than the present. However, the meaning and implications of this phrase can vary significantly depending on the context and the speaker’s perspective: personal memories, cultural context, privilege and exclusion, selective memory, dissatisfaction with modernity. The Good Old Days

timeline: the Last 100 Years

To compare the last century, let’s break this down into key categories: cost of living, wages, population, culture (movies, slang, toys, hairstyles, clothing), and the experiences of marginalized groups highlighting changes over time and providing context for marginalized communities where relevant.

1. Cost of Living and Housing

• 1925: The average cost of a home in the U.S. was around $6,000. Rent was about $20–$60 per month, depending on location. The cost of living was significantly lower, but wages were also much smaller [1].
• 2025: The median home price in the U.S. is now over $400,000, with rent averaging $1,700 per month. Housing costs have skyrocketed, making homeownership increasingly difficult for younger generations.

Marginalized Communities:

In 1925, Black Americans and other marginalized groups faced systemic barriers to homeownership due to redlining and discriminatory lending practices. These inequities persist today, with racial wealth gaps making it harder for marginalized groups to afford homes.

2. Minimum Wage and Wages

• 1925: There was no federal minimum wage in the U.S. until 1938, when it was set at $0.25/hour. Many workers, especially women and minorities, earned far less in informal or agricultural jobs.
• 2025: The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour, though many states have higher rates. However, adjusted for inflation, wages have stagnated since the 1970s, meaning purchasing power has barely increased.

Marginalized Communities:

Historically, women, immigrants, and Black workers were often excluded from wage protections. Today, these groups are still overrepresented in low-wage industries, such as service and caregiving jobs, where wage growth has been slow.

3. World Population

• 1925: The global population was approximately 2 billion.
• 2025: The world population is now over 8 billion, with significant growth in Asia and Africa.

Marginalized Communities:

Population growth has brought challenges like resource scarcity and climate change, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities in developing nations.

4. Movies and Entertainment

• 1925: Silent films dominated, with stars like Charlie Chaplin and Clara Bow. A movie ticket cost $0.25–$0.50. Popular films included The Gold Rush (1925).
• 2025: Movie tickets now average $10–$15. Streaming services dominate entertainment, but blockbuster films like Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) still draw crowds.

Marginalized Communities:

In 1925, Hollywood largely excluded Black actors and other minorities, relegating them to stereotypical roles. Today, representation has improved, but disparities remain in opportunities and pay.

5. Toys and Games

• 1925: Popular toys included teddy bears, yo-yos, and tin soldiers. These were simple and often handmade.
• 2025: Toys are now high-tech, with video games, drones, and AI-powered gadgets dominating the market.

Marginalized Communities:

In the 1920s, toys often reflected societal norms, with few options representing diverse cultures. Today, there’s a growing push for inclusive toys, such as dolls with different skin tones and abilities.

6. Slang Terms

• 1925: Popular slang included terms like “bee’s knees” (something great) and “cat’s pajamas” (something stylish).
• 2025: Modern slang is heavily influenced by internet culture, with terms like “slay” (to succeed) and “vibe” (a mood or feeling).

Marginalized Communities:

Slang has often originated in marginalized communities, particularly Black and LGBTQ+ cultures, before being adopted by mainstream society.

7. Hairstyles and Clothing

• 1925: Women embraced the bob haircut and flapper dresses, symbolizing liberation. Men wore tailored suits and hats.
• 2025: Hairstyles are diverse, with natural hair movements celebrating Black hair textures. Clothing trends are casual, with athleisure dominating.

Marginalized Communities:

In the 1920s, Black women faced pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. Today, natural hair movements challenge these norms, promoting acceptance of diverse styles.

8. Marginalized Communities: Then and Now

• 1925: Segregation, lack of voting rights, and systemic discrimination defined the experiences of many marginalized groups. Women had just gained the right to vote in 1920, but opportunities were limited.
• 2025: While progress has been made, systemic inequities persist. Wage gaps, housing discrimination, and underrepresentation in media and politics continue to affect marginalized groups.

Black and White

Population Trends Over the Last 100 Years

1. Early 20th Century (1920s-1950s):

• In the early 20th century, the U.S. population was overwhelmingly white, with white Americans making up approximately 90% of the population. Immigration policies, such as the Immigration Act of 1924, heavily restricted non-European immigration, reinforcing this demographic dominance.
• People of color, including African Americans, Native Americans, and smaller populations of Asian and Hispanic Americans, made up a much smaller percentage of the population.

1. Mid-20th Century (1960s-1980s):

• The Civil Rights Movement and changes in immigration laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, began to reshape the racial makeup of the U.S. population.
• The African American population grew steadily, while immigration from Latin America and Asia increased significantly, diversifying the population further.

1. Late 20th Century (1990s-2000s):

• By the 1990s, the percentage of white Americans began to decline as immigration surged and birth rates among people of color outpaced those of white Americans.
• The Hispanic/Latino population, in particular, grew rapidly, becoming the largest minority group in the U.S.

Current Trends and Projections

1. Current Demographics:

• As of the 2020 Census, non-Hispanic white Americans made up about 57.8% of the population, a significant decline from the 1960s when they accounted for over 85% [1].
• People of color, including Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, and multiracial individuals, now make up a growing share of the population. For example, children of color became the majority of U.S. youth by 2020 [2].

1. Future Projections:

• The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2045, non-Hispanic white Americans will fall below 50% of the total population, making the U.S. a “majority-minority” nation[3].
• This shift is driven by higher birth rates among people of color and the aging of the white population. Generation Z is expected to be the last generation with a white majority, while Generation Alpha (born after 2010) will grow up in a majority-minority society [3].

Key Factors Driving These Changes

Immigration from Latin America, Asia, and Africa has been a major driver of population growth among people of color since the mid-20th century. Birth rates among Hispanic and Black populations have historically been higher than those of white Americans, contributing to the demographic shift. The white population is aging rapidly, with lower birth rates and higher mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

The strongman leaders, oligarchs and White Christian nationalists have declared war on Blacks. The only way we will survive is to build coalitions. What are your thoughts on the demographics above?

Over the last century, the U.S. has transitioned from a predominantly white nation to one of increasing racial and ethnic diversity. This trend is expected to continue, with people of color projected to outnumber white Americans by 2045. The only way Black people will survive is to build a broad coalition with people of color, lower economic communities and the internationally disenfranchised.

Plants and Lovers at Garden Party 107 S Madison St, Spokane WA Oct 6, 2023 5pm Oct 6 – 29 Wed – Sun 11 am Visit Garden Party

Fly on the Wall Part 1 at Hamilton Studio 1427 W Dean St, Spokane WA Nov 3 2023 5 pm Talk at 7 pm

Fly on the Wall Part 2 at Carl Maxey Center 3114 E 5th Ave, Spokane WA Mon – Fri 10 am – 4 pm Gallery Premier Opening Dec 1, 2023 5 pm

Plants and Lovers at Garden Party

Artist Statement

Robert has always had an interest in social justice, community development and the visual arts. His explorations started with a Brownie Hawkeye camera through digital imaging and Artificial Intelligence Art. He has explored film sizes and materials, printing processes from the mimeograph machine through letter press, offset to inkjet. He’s explored imagery from illustration to the pictorial and the conceptual. This body of work, Eros, was inspired by his wife’s love of the garden and the non-violent teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King and his sermon on love – AGAPE, EROS, PHILIA.

Eros is an aesthetic love of beautiful literature and art. It has also come to mean a romantic love that we experience when we find someone that is attractive and to whom we pour out all of our love.

Biography

Robert Lloyd was an organizer and documentary photographer in the Chicago Freedom Movement from 1962-1967. In 1974 he completed an MFA in Design and Photography at California Institute of the Arts and began teaching photography at Eastern Washington University. He founded, directed, and curated The Grand Photography Gallery at Eastern Washington University and The Lloyd Gallery at 123 Arts.

From 1996-2000 he founded and published a community newspaper, the Spokane African American Voice. He retired from Eastern Washington University in 2004 after 30 years of teaching photography and digital imaging. After his retirement he photographed in South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, China and Japan and he photographed for The Black Lens News. His work has been recently exhibited at Washington State University’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in the Black Lives Matter Artist Grant exhibit, Charles Ball in the letter L in the Black Lives Matter Mural in Spokane Washington, and in Our Voices Our Visions, the exhibit he curated for the opening of the Carl Maxey Center featuring 25 BIPOC artists. He can be reached at rdlloyd@comcast.net and website 4comculture.com

Robert Lloyd’s Multimedia Images Price List

8 1/2 x 11: First Friday Exhibition Price $35.00 each unframed

Robert J. Lloyd’s portfolios are online at: https://4comculture.com/253-2

Available online in these formats:

Premium art papers:
8 1/2 x 11 				$ 50.00
11 x 17  				$ 75.00
Diptych 			        $100.00
Triptych				$125.00
Quadriptych		                $150.00

Rag or Watercolor Paper or Sunset Canvas w/border:	
11 x 14					$100.00 
16 x 20					$125.00
20 x 24					$150.00
24 x 36					$200.00

Canvas stretched on #4 bar gallery wrap: 
16 x 20					$220.00 
18 x 24					$245.00
24 x 36					$450.00

Additional sizes and paper surfaces available. 
Matting and framing available. Ask for quote.
Shipping available additional. 

Plants and Lovers Exhibition by Robert J. Lloyd

Garden Party Oct 6 – 29, 2023 Wed – Sun 11 AM

107 S Madison St, Spokane, WA

Robert has always had an interest in social justice, community development and the visual arts. His explorations started with a Brownie Hawkeye camera through digital imaging and Artificial Intelligence Art. He has explored film sizes and materials, printing processes from the mimeograph machine through letter press, offset to inkjet. He’s explored imagery from illustration to the pictoral and the conceptual. This body of work explores Eros and was inspired by his wife’s love of the garden and the non-violent teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King and his sermon on love – AGAPE, EROS, PHILIA.

Eros is an aesthetic love of beautiful literature and art. It has also come to mean a romantic love that we experience when we find someone that is attractive and to whom we pour out all of our love.

First Friday Exhibitions by Robert Lloyd

More of Robert Lloyd’s Images

Why Black Art for Your Home

By Robert Lloyd

The importance of African Americans displaying art by and about their culture in their homes is paramount for providing identity to their children, as well as educating them on the history and heritage of the African diaspora. Hanging artwork that reflects a positive image of blackness can help foster self-esteem in children who may otherwise feel disconnected from or misrepresented by mainstream media. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for parents to teach lessons about resilience, pride and perseverance in times when many communities are facing adversity due to systemic racism.

For generations prior to us, our ancestors have been denied access into museums or galleries where they could learn more about our cultural roots; however today we have access through technology which has opened up new avenues for exploration without leaving home. By hanging artwork that celebrates various aspects of black life such as music, dance and fashion within one’s own home gives families a chance explore these topics together while also instilling values like respect for diversity within younger generations. Furthermore this helps create conversations around race relations with family members who might not understand why certain issues are important but can be exposed through visual representation.

In conclusion, hanging artworks created by African American artists on walls at home allows individuals from all backgrounds including those from minority groups, to gain insight into what makes up a unique culture. It serves both educational purposes – teaching people how different cultures interact-and personal ones – helping build self esteem among young people whose identities may be underrepresented elsewhere. Through this practice we will continue celebrating Black excellence while inspiring others towards greatness regardless of skin color.

Why Black Art for Your Home

By Robert Lloyd

The importance of African Americans displaying art by and about their culture in their homes is paramount for providing identity to their children, as well as educating them on the history and heritage of the African diaspora. Hanging artwork that reflects a positive image of blackness can help foster self-esteem in children who may otherwise feel disconnected from or misrepresented by mainstream media. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for parents to teach lessons about resilience, pride and perseverance in times when many communities are facing adversity due to systemic racism.

For generations prior to us, our ancestors have been denied access into museums or galleries where they could learn more about our cultural roots; however today we have access through technology which has opened up new avenues for exploration without leaving home. By hanging artwork that celebrates various aspects of black life such as music, dance and fashion within one’s own home gives families a chance explore these topics together while also instilling values like respect for diversity within younger generations. Furthermore this helps create conversations around race relations with family members who might not understand why certain issues are important but can be exposed through visual representation.

In conclusion, hanging artworks created by African American artists on walls at home allows individuals from all backgrounds including those from minority groups, to gain insight into what makes up a unique culture. It serves both educational purposes – teaching people how different cultures interact-and personal ones – helping build self esteem among young people whose identities may be underrepresented elsewhere. Through this practice we will continue celebrating Black excellence while inspiring others towards greatness regardless of skin color.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

Homage to the Past, Hope & Inspiration for the Future

Black Women are inspiring their peers and other generations to break the stereotypes that are often associated with aging. The idea for this work comes from a Chicago Black women’s band The KCR Ensemble, led by 75 year old guitarist Rita Hassell and managed by her husband Oliver Hassell.

Here they are:
https://www.youtube.com/results? search_query=youtu.be%2FX3KYqgv2vWY

The art is not portraits of the KCR Ensemble members, but follows the pattern of and pays homage to these women who are playing the classics, the music from the diaspora, contemporary and futuristic jazz.

The images pay homage to art that has gone before, art media, and cutting edge art of today.