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Prioritizing Parenting with Taye Diggs

We want to thank All American star and How Stella Got Her Groove Back actor, Taye Diggs, for being so open in sharing these details and for being intentional in how he uses his platform and influence to uplift and encourage others. Thank you for representing pure, peaceful, educated, fun, loving, and present black fathers. You are a true blessing Taye, and we appreciate you.

Q: Years ago, I took an acting class with Tasha Smith, and she forced me to do a “grave EXERCISE” that tapped into emotions that came from being a parent. I couldn’t BELIEVE how effective it was in making the scene more believable. You have been a daddy for a shorter amount of time than you have been an actor. Would you say that being a dad has helped your ability of effective acting?

A: As soon as I had Walker, I realized how vulnerable I was because I felt less in control when it came to keeping him safe. My emotions were very much on the surface, which helps with acting. I also experienced a type of love that I had never before, and that changed my work as well –just having way more access to those emotions.

Q: You once said that the most important part of fatherhood is “SHOWING UP!”. In managing talent for 12 years, I have seen the impact that a rigorous schedule can have on being a present parent. Yet, you manage to make Walker a priority daily; How do you harmonize your entertainment career with being present and active as a father in Walker’s teenage years?

A: That is a constant battle. I am in the middle of it right now. I am lucky enough to be in the middle of three different jobs while Walker is still in school. One job is in the Dominican Republic, one job is in LA, and the other job is in New York City, and I know now not to put myself in that situation again, but it takes a lot of planning. My assistant and current girlfriend help with that, and it takes a bit of sacrifice on both of our parts. It was difficult for me to deal with Walker missing me and hearing him say that, especially at this age, because he’s 12 years old and to have him show that side of his vulnerability towards me, when he’s still being a cool 12 year old, kind of hit me…but it is an ongoing battle.

Q: Your son is the perfect mix of both Mommy and Daddy. I, too, am biracial – Black and Italian – and my whole life, I have been plagued with having to choose which box to check: Caucasian or Black. You felt it was important to teach Walker about his culture on both sides and to implement that with him at a young age when you wrote a series of children’s books with one of them entitled “Mixed Me,” which touches on being biracial. What made you decide to create children’s books, and what did you hope to achieve by it?

A: I decided to write children’s books so that I could help parents and kids alike deal with their own culture, self esteem, and self worth because I didn’t have books like this growing up, and I was introduced to certain situations having a child that is mixed race and dealing with identity, so that has always been important to me. It’s really great to write a book and discuss it with the person you wrote it for. To this day, Walker gives me his opinion on the stuff I write, and it is very valuable.

Q: You are a phenomenal example of a black father in the entertainment industry. you carry yourself with poise, as an educated black man who is professional and has an outstanding reputation. What advice can you give to other fathers out there who are wanting to clean up their act, display good character, and set a great example for their children as well?

A: Put the child first! I am noticing this in a lot of relationships when it comes to parenting. A lot of parents put their own egos in front of their own children’s well being: showing up, and also trying your best to put the child first.

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