Nathan Williams (NW): What were you thinking when I was born?

Colbert Williams (CW): I guess being a sixteen-year-old who came from a situation where there wasn’t a father you know, my confidence was as low as it could get because I realized that I was going to be responsible for some person so I was scared. I had to start going into parenting groups where they would not normally have a sixteen-year-old boy and you know, I become more confident. I think the more you practice and learn the better you get at it. What’s it like growing up with a teenage father?

NW: Since you’re younger, it’s easier for me to like speak to you…we be on the same level.

CW: Yeah. Is there anything you wanted to tell me but haven’t?

NW: I…I’m proud of you cause you’re a really good father.

CW: Wow (laughter). I’m proud of you—see I ain’t trying to get all sentimental (laughter). But I’m proud of you. I think the reason I’m so proud of you is because you’ve allowed me to be a father. And I’m proud of you for allowing my voice to still have meaning. You know growing up without a mom you could have used that as your…

NW: crutch

CW: Your crutch to, to not move and not progress and you haven’t allowed that to happen.

NW: What advice would you give me about raising my own kids?

CW: Never give up, even when you just don’t understand what you’re doing, always listen and never stop holding their hands—it’s okay for your son and daughter to be 14 and you decide just to hold their hand. That might be a little corny—I don’t know.

NW: I know right (laughter).

CW: If I held your hand you’d be cool (laughter)!

NW: Love you Dad.

CW: Love you too Nathan.