Zakiyy J.
Zakiyy’s desire to be an active father to his daughter Ta’ Lia was never in doubt; the challenge lay in navigating the circumstances that threatened to pull them apart. From the outset, their bond was strong and filled with cherished moments: “My daughter and I enjoyed making breakfast together, playing tea party, taking walks,” Zakiyy explains. “I made sure she experienced life beyond our home.” However, the end of his relationship with Ta’ Lia’s mother created a landscape of broken promises and dwindling opportunities to be together.
Frustration mounted, leading to a significant decision: a move to Atlanta for a fresh start and stable employment. Yet, his commitment to Ta’ Lia remained unwavering. Zakiyy made numerous trips back to St. Louis, only to be repeatedly denied access to his daughter. “There was a fear of going to the courts,” he admitted, “My efforts of getting my daughter became mentally and emotionally draining.”
Eventually, a return to his Wisconsin hometown brought a better-paying driving job. Between routes, he tirelessly attempted to connect with Ta’ Lia, sometimes securing overnight visits in hotels funded by his employer. But inconsistency plagued their time together, culminating in another heartbreaking denial of access.
Hope was rekindled through his supportive partner, soon to be a mother herself, who introduced him to Fathers & Families Support Center (FFSC). “I decided that I needed to move back to St. Louis to be closer to my daughter, and made the decision to enroll,” Zakiyy resolved. FFSC’s 6-week Family Formation program provided an immediate sense of belonging and direction. “Because I was able to find a group of men who could relate to my situation, I found hope,” he shares.
The program’s emphasis on communication proved transformative in navigating his relationship with Ta’ Lia’s mother. Learning the power of respectful language – shifting from “baby mama” to “my child’s mother” and understanding that Ta’ Lia was “our child” – fostered a new level of understanding and cooperation. He also gained practical knowledge in areas like nutritious meal preparation for his daughter.
Crucially, FFSC’s legal department became a vital ally, assisting Zakiyy in preparing his joint custody court documentation. Though unable to directly represent him, FFSC provided invaluable legal representation coaching. Guidance on courtroom demeanor, etiquette, and effective questioning strategies prepared him for the challenges ahead: “FFSC equipped me with the tools to succeed as a responsible dad.”
Today, Zakiyy’s perseverance has yielded a triumphant victory: he has been granted joint custody of his daughter. The simple joys of picking her up from school, sharing meals at Golden Corral, and exploring the Science Center are now his reality. For Zakiyy, this hard-won success underscores a profound truth: “Fatherhood is a passion, not just a privilege,” he says. Zakiyy’s story is a powerful illustration of a father’s enduring love, amplified by FFSC’s vital support, enabling him to conquer what once felt impossible.
