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Rachel worked in corporate America for 14 years before writing DAUGHTERS OF MEN. She held various positions in advertising and sales for The Weather Channel, Music Choice and Young & Rubicam. A native New Yorker, Rachel now resides in suburban Atlanta with her husband Don and their three children.
Hardcover: 192 pages Read an AALBC.com review of this book About The Book
In Daughters of Men, author Rachel Vassel has complied dozens of stunning photographs (by celebrity photographer Derek Blanks) and compelling personal essays about African-American women and their fathers. Whether it's a father who encouraged his daughter's artistic eye by taking her to cultural events or one who unwaveringly supported a risky career move, the fathers in Daughters of Men each had their own unique yet successful style of parenting. Daughters of Men is the first title to showcase the importance
of the Black father's impact on the accomplishments of his
daughter. With a heartfelt foreword by best-selling author,
professor and radio host
Michael Eric Dyson, this book provides
an intimate look at black fatherhood. The Seeds From Which 'Daughters of Men' Grew It wasn't long before the idea to write 'Daughters of Men' developed, and Vassel began to compile narratives from successful African-American women. She implored grown-up daddy's girls to open up and celebrate their special relationships with the first men they loved unconditionally. Her goal? To shine the spotlight on these 'invisible' men, so unjustly overshadowed in society by their deadbeat counterparts.
Among the women she interviewed, Vassel found that they all placed great significance on their fathers' unwavering spiritual and emotional support. Over and over again, these women articulated the importance of their fathers' consistent encouragement to their ability to achieve, and even surpass, their dreams. Parallel to her study of the paternal bond ran a personal journey: Vassel's successful attempt to re-build her relationship with her father. As they re-connected, she was able to rid herself of the tumultuous emotions she had been holding on to, for the many years after he left her family. Despite her father's absence, Vassel grew up surrounded by strong male role models. It is because of these men that she developed her reverence for men as steadfast nurturers. From her grandfather, she learned the qualities of a dedicated husband and the definition of 'hard work', while from her brothers, she gained self-confidence and a sense of safety, of always being protected. Vassel's book honors not only all devoted African-American fathers, but specifically, these 'surrogate fathers' in addition to the father of her children. Her husband, 'stable, consistent and committed' to their family ' embodies the qualities 'Daughters of Men' reaffirms as invaluable. The desire to celebrate the family pervades Vassel's work. Her soon-to-be-published children's book, 'I Want to Have Legs', was inspired by one of her son's pre-school experiences. It is a tender tale in which she tackles the ever-important themes of self-acceptance and honoring one's heritage.
Vassel recently transitioned from a fast-paced corporate career into the creative world, ultimately fulfilling her birthright as the daughter and sister of artists. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and three children.
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