Morray, other prominent fathers with Fayetteville ties, talk fatherhood

Black fathers have been portrayed in the media as absent and unavailable. Contrary to popular belief, Black fathers have become more active in the lives of their children. However, work can sometimes outweigh family.

You must sacrifice time with family to build for family. As fathers, you are the foundation upon which the family is built. The ultimate goal is to protect and provide a better life.

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However, there is a constant battle to maintain a healthy balance between family and career.

Music executive and media personality Wayne “Wayno” Clark suggests: Work smarter, rest and do not answer the phone all the time. Clark, a 39-year-old father of three, is a music executive that started out with Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter at Rocafella Records in the early 2000s. Now the VP of A&R for Quality Control Music and host of Connected With Wayno on Amazon Music, he is learning to make the most of every moment with his kids.

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After the death of his own father, Wayno felt as if he had to learn to know and love himself. In an interview with No Jumper, he revealed that his connection to his father is based in Fayetteville.

His father’s family, the Clark family, is well-known for being the owners of establishments such as Phat Daddy’s Bar and Grill, along with other businesses throughout the community. That entrepreneurial spirit thrives within Wayno. However, he would rather have more time than money.

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“Money is just a tool, if used incorrectly, can hurt you,” he said. “I would rather have more time with my loved ones because they mean the most to me.

The Harlem native and Triangle Offense founder added: “All the money in the world couldn’t buy more time.”

One of Wayno’s first guests on Connected, Bill “Kodak Black” Kapri, once said: “I been multitaskin’, rappin’ and bein’ a daddy to my lil children.”

This is the reality for two-time Grammy nominee and Fayetteville native Morae “Morray” Ruffin. Ruffin was already a father of three by the time his hit song “Quicksand” caught the attention of Moe Shalizi and The Shalizi Group in 2020. The newfound fame did not change the amount of love and affection for his children, but the amount of time allowed to give it.

Morray had no idea how life would change. Before he knew it, he was on The Offseason Tour with another father and Fayetteville native, J. Cole. Though his life changed for the better in a financial aspect, Ruffin realized that he must make sure to make every moment count.

“I really have to be more involved with every moment I have,” says the 29-year-old musician. “Homework, movie nights, trail walks, bike rides, even letting them sleep with me ... just to get the time we both deserve.”

He remains a father first.

Though he may miss key moments because of his high-demand career. Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin can relate.

Colvin, is intentional about spending time with his three daughters. His life has been under scrutiny since he was first elected in 2013.

“Public office changes the family dynamic a lot, says Colvin, who is 48. “You sacrifice a lot of time with family, and it sometimes brings your family members into the public spotlight.”

No matter what, he makes his daughters a priority at all times. He feels that becoming a public figure did change him as a father, but not his ability to be a father.

One of his daughters recently graduated high school and is set to attend college in the fall.

Even as a successful businessman and government official, Colvin would rather have more time because you can always earn more money, but you can’t recover time.

As men, we are defined by our ability to provide and protect. On his deathbed, Wayno’s father told him: “I love you as my son, but I respect you because of your work ethic.”

Like Clark, Morray continues to grow in the world of entertainment. On Saturday, he will be headlining Juneteenth Jubilee in downtown Fayetteville, hosted by Circa 1865 and Cool Spring Downtown District.

Meanwhile, Colvin is up for reelection in the July 26 general election.

A father’s job is never done.

However, be the best you for you and those around you. Salute to every activist

getting active. Peace.

Happy Father’s Day to my father, Ricky Jones. Love you, Pops.

Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community advocate and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at keemj45@gmail.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Morray, other prominent fathers with Fayetteville ties, talk fatherhood