By Grace Q. Bryant
The Executive Director of AFLA-Liberia, George Festus Blamoh, has officially launched a new book, highlighting a deeply personal exploration of the transformative power of fatherhood and resilience.
The book, titled “The Silent Cry of a Fatherless Generation” was launched over the weekend in Monrovia at the FREE- Liberia office and graced with the honoring and appreciation of those who may have impacted the author’s lives or success in the launch of the book.
The launch also introduced the new office of FREE-Liberia, which serves as a hub for research, education, and empowerment programs aimed at fostering societal transformation.
Introducing the book, Author Blamoh reflected deeply on his personal journey and the societal implications of fatherlessness and dedicated “The Silent Cry of a Fatherless Generation” to his late mother, describing her as his first source of inspiration and the cornerstone of his self-esteem.
He paid tribute to single mothers who have and are still shouldering the dual roles of parenting; often in challenging circumstances.
“I saw my mother, a woman with a seventh-grade education, raising seven children, sacrificing everything to ensure we had a future, ”Blamoh reflected.
He added, “She gave me self-esteem, and her efforts shaped the man I am today. This book is a tribute to her and to all mothers who wear the mantle of fatherhood.”
Blamoh delved into the themes of his book, emphasizing the critical roles fathers play in establishing authority, providing security, and validating their children’s potential but noted, “The absence of my father created wounds that shaped my journey, but it also inspired me to address the fatherlessness affecting so many homes in Africa today.”
Blamoh emphasized the urgent need to redefine and revitalize the role of fathers in Liberia and beyond and highlighted the wounds created by absentee fathers; a recurring theme in his personal life and in the societal challenges he seeks to address.
“The absence of fathers creates emotional voids and insecurities. Fathers should establish authority in the home not abusive authority, but a presence that fosters love, discipline, and security. Without this, our children are left vulnerable, seeking affirmation and identity elsewhere, often in harmful places,” he expressed.
Blamoh lamented the lack of emotional security many children face due to absent or passive fathers, stating, “Can your children trust you in their most difficult times or will they trust someone else over you?”
He called on fathers to create safe spaces for their children and to validate their potential, noting his own delayed affirmation from his father, which he received only in adulthood.
The book also highlights the need for fathers to affirm and nurture the potential of their children.
Blamoh shared a poignant moment from his life when his father, at the age of 47, finally expressed pride in him after a speech at the United Nations. “Hearing those words healed a part of me that had longed for his affirmation,” he revealed.
Blamoh urged fathers to prioritize emotional security for their children, highlighting how the absence of such security can lead to fractured lives.
He also called for a renewed focus on mentorship, underscoring its role in transforming communities.
“I didn’t write this book for fame or money. I wrote it to speak to wounded men and women, to create a space where children can trust their fathers and find affirmation within their homes,” he emphasized.
Blamoh concluded with a passionate appeal to fathers, urging them to step up and create lasting change adding, “This book is not just a story, it’s a movement to heal families, empower individuals, and build a better society.”
The CEO of FREE-Liberia, Charles Gbollie lauded Blamoh for his courage in addressing such a critical issue, pointing out that fatherlessness remains a significant challenge in Liberian society, undermining the family structure and perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability.
“The foundation of any successful home is fatherhood. This book serves as a wake-up call for all of us to confront the crisis of absent fathers and invest in building strong, nurturing homes, “he said.
He added that Blamoh’s life and work epitomize the power of turning personal pain into purpose, calling it the hallmark of great leaders.
Gbollie said the book is a roadmap to rebuilding families and communities stating, “This book is vital for transforming our society,”
He challenged attendees to reflect on their roles as fathers, mentors, and change makers.
Gbollie also highlighted the cultural importance of the book, stating, “Our society often celebrates the wrong things. Events like this may not draw the largest crowd, but they are the foundation for lasting change.”
He acknowledged the societal tendency to undervalue transformative events like book launches compared to celebratory gatherings pointing out, “What we are doing here today is extraordinary. This book seeks to revolutionize our understanding of fatherhood and its foundational role in family and society.”
Gbollie also highlighted the importance of addressing personal experiences of pain and using them to ensure others do not suffer the same.
“Ambassador Blamoh has turned his experiences into a platform for healing and change”, he said.
Bishop James K. Jarbah, a longtime mentor to Blamoh, offered a heartfelt reflection on the author’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming an advocate for fatherhood.
He emphasized the importance of mentorship in unlocking potential and described Blamoh as a determined individual who overcame significant odds to realize his dreams.
“There is one philosophy I hold: every child is born with a divine purpose. But without fathers or mentors to cultivate that potential, many dreams are aborted,” Bishop Jarbah said
He expressed pride in Blamoh’s accomplishments, affirming, “Today, I feel fulfilled. Witnessing this book launch is a testament to what can happen when determination meets opportunity.”
Pastor Jarbah underscored the book’s significance in addressing the root causes of societal breakdowns, emphasizing the need for responsible fatherhood to combat issues like youth delinquency and emotional insecurity.
He recounted how he recognized Blamoh’s potential despite societal doubts and committed to nurturing his growth.
“Every child born into this world has a divine purpose. But without mentors and fathers to cultivate that potential, dreams can be aborted. I saw determination in George, and today, I feel fulfilled seeing him step into his calling,” he said.
The event concluded with a call to action for fathers to rise to their responsibilities, creating a legacy of love, security, and affirmation for future generations. Copies of books are now available for purchase, with proceeds supporting initiatives aimed at promoting fatherhood and family empowerment.
