James White

Character Analysis

Shaka's dad promises to be there for Shaka no matter what, and he stands by that promise through everything.

This guy definitely deserves a "World's Greatest Dad" mug.

When Shaka goes to prison, his dad visits. When Shaka has parole interviews, his dad is there. When Shaka finally gets out and receives a BMe (Black Male Engagement) award from the Knight Foundation, he's happy to be able to take his dad along and make him proud.

We learn some other things along the way about Shaka's father. He grew up during the 60s and 70s and joined the military when he was seventeen where, Shaka hints, he weathered a lot of racism (13.2).

Shaka's dad is also trying to be a good parent to his other children and stepchildren (11.14). He raises Shaka to respect women (15.16) and tries to help Shaka see his own leadership potential (14.53).

All in all, Shaka's dad is a great male role model, and it seems likely that Shaka's own desire to be a good father comes straight from his dear ol' dad.