More than my dad, he’s a gift to everyone

A lettered quote from Mahogany contributing writer Ursula James that reads,

Every year when Father’s Day comes around, my sisters and I try to figure out how we can come up with the perfect gift for our dad, a man who truly wants nothing from us but love and time. Somehow, we always end up adding more collegiate gear to his collection because he’s a diehard fan and proud alumnus of Florida A&M University. (Let’s go, Rattlers!) Deeper still, this time of year gives me a moment to pause and reflect on the gift that my dad is to my life. 

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My dad is, without question, the greatest of all time.  

There are so many great stories to tell of the role model that he is in my life. Not just because of what he’s done, but because of who he is. He has this incredible way of making me feel like I can conquer the world. No matter what I’m facing, he speaks life into me—sometimes before I even realize I need it. Somehow, he always has the right thing to say at exactly the right moment.

He keeps me grounded. He reminds me of who I am, our family heritage, and what I’m capable of. In moments when I might question myself, he never does. That kind of belief—it stays with you. It builds you.

Beyond everything else, my dad has always been my riding partner. Literally. From those early mornings when he drove me to school because he was my elementary and middle school principal, to riding around with my sisters and me in his antique cars, which is his favorite hobby. Those moments were more than just drives; they were conversations, lessons, and memories. Even now, those rides haven’t stopped. These days, when we take road trips together, he finds a way to secure his spot in my car, sit back and relax in the back seat while we talk about life, work, and reflect on how far we’ve come. Those moments mean everything to me.

My dad is my...  

My dad is my protector, my hero, and my champion. He shows up consistently and quietly in the ways that matter most. From every performance as a child to an adult, he shows up. And while he’s always been my dad, I’ve come to realize he’s so much more than that. To so many others, he’s: “Mr. James,” “Bill,” “Papa James,” or simply “Papa. He’s a father figure to my friends, a mentor to my former classmates, and a steady presence that people lean on when they need guidance or encouragement. He gives himself freely to family, to community, and to anyone who needs support—never expecting anything in return. 

I learned so much from him, especially when it comes to generosity. He always says, “Don’t give anybody money if you’re expecting it back. And if you can’t do it, say no. Because, otherwise, you’ll always be waiting for the return.” That wisdom has stayed with me.

That’s just who he is.  

He’s always dropped gems along my growth. That’s just who he is. A community man. A family man. Someone who genuinely wants the best for others and does the work to make it possible. 

While I’ve had to share him with so many when growing up, I wouldn’t have it any other way, because it just means the world gets to experience what I’ve always known. And that makes me proud. 

He makes people feel seen. He makes people feel valued. And, most importantly, he makes people feel like they matter. To me, he makes me feel special. Every single day. 

Happy Father’s Day to my forever hero.

Ursula James is a multimedia journalist and communications strategist working with sports teams, public figures, universities and non-profits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Florida A&M University, and she is the AVP for Marketing & Communications at Virginia Union University. Ursula enjoys fashion, laughing with friends and family, serving her community, and exploring new territory.