The life and death of Jordan Neely paint a stark picture of systemic failures and the devastating consequences of absent fatherhood. Neely, a homeless New Yorker known for his Michael Jackson impersonations in the subway, tragically died after being restrained in a subway car. His story, however, began long before this incident, marked by trauma and neglect.

At the young age of 14, Neely witnessed the horrific murder of his mother by her abusive boyfriend. Forced to testify in court about this trauma, he was then placed into the foster care system, a system often failing to provide the love and support vulnerable children desperately need. Despite his talent for entertaining, Neely struggled with homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse, leading to multiple arrests for petty crimes and assaults.

Following his death, political figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Lt. Gov. Antonia Delgado attended his funeral, with activist Al Sharpton delivering a eulogy blaming systemic racism. While their presence raised questions about their prior engagement with Neely's struggles, an even more troubling figure emerged: Neely's father, Andre Zachary.

Zachary filed a lawsuit against Daniel Penny, the man involved in Neely's death, seeking substantial damages. This action, however, begs the question: where was Zachary throughout his son's life? Absent during his son's formative years, the trauma of his mother's murder, and his struggles within the foster care system, Zachary's sudden appearance after his son's death raises serious concerns about his motivations.

Pastor Corey Brooks, who works with at-risk youth in Chicago, highlights the devastating impact of absentee fathers. He emphasizes the sacred responsibility of fathers to be present in their children's lives, offering guidance, support, and opportunities. Brooks' work demonstrates the transformative power of involved fatherhood, contrasting sharply with Zachary's absence.

While some may attempt to excuse Zachary's absence due to his race, Brooks rejects such justifications. He holds Zachary accountable for his lack of involvement in his son's life, arguing that this absence contributed to Neely's tragic fate. Instead of seeking financial gain, Brooks suggests Zachary should seek redemption and acknowledge his role in his son's struggles.