Prison Fathers: Parenting Behind Bars - Paperback

by Latif M. Bossman (Author)

This book is a memoir charting the journey of an incarcerated African American father faced with the dilemma of parenting from prison. Coping with the loss of his freedom and struggling to find ways to continue to communicate with his children, provide for them financially, manage stress, provide emotional support, and dealing with the addition of new children. Hundreds of miles away from his children, family and friends, removed from a life of so-called normalcy to one filled with so much uncertainty. Still faced with issues like abandonment, acceptance and visitation are other struggles he must also face in this new world as an incarcerated father. Through all that was a struggle became strength. With an undying love for his children, his energy was focused in continuing to fulfill his duties as a father. With the help of family, friends, community and a desire to truly be a better father, he was able to remain a staple in the fabric of his children's lives until his release from incarceration.

Author Biography

Latif Bossman is a writer due to circumstance. Sentenced to 70 months in prison in 2001 with no options for parole, he was faced with the dilemma of parenting behind bars. With 24 months remaining on his sentence, he decided to write about his experience as a father behind bars. As a writer, Prison Fathers: Parenting Behind Bars is his first work. Latif is also working on a curriculum for a parenting program for men incarcerated called P.O.P.P, which stands for Parenting Over Prison Project. Latif is a father of four and lives in Portland, Oregon. Experienced writing hip hop music for more than 20 years, writing Prison Fathers: Parenting Behind Bars came naturally to Latif. Using various methods and new techniques he developed while in prison, he was able to continue to have a positive relationship with his children until his release. Latif completed a certification course on the Essentials of Communication and Collaboration from Rockford University. In 2017, Latif completed his manuscript Prison Fathers: Parenting Behind Bars. From 2011 to 2015 he served as a board member for the International Center for Traditional Childbearing. Latif also served as a panelist in 2012 with two appearances on the internet talk show Ghetto Rise Media. In 2001 as a member of the rap group P-Style Latif and group member Keary Kase released their first hip hop single "Life of A Star," which won the Battle of the Beats contest on radio station 95.5 which was hosted by basketball super star Rasheed Wallace (then a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, at the time the song was aired.