By Hazel Scott/ASU

 

Nearly a year to the day after her husband died, local author Catrina Waters published a new book, “Empowered to Parent: Reflections from Fathers for Fathers,” to honor her late husband.

“As I mourned his passing, I came to realize that I could not allow his legacy to die with him,” she said. “Kenneth was a selfless and giving husband, father, son and community advocate. Parenting was very important to Kenneth, to both of us. Those who knew Kenneth knew he loved being a father and adored his children. He not only impacted his own children’s lives, but he also helped to better the lives of countless others.”

Kenneth M. Waters was the beloved, longtime Coordinator of Marketing and Communications at Alabama State University, and the coordinator of ASU’s Turkey Day Classic Parade.  Catrina Waters is the assistant project director of ASU’s Maternal Child Health Pipeline program and the pastor of the historic Hilliard Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.

She said out of her journey through grief, her love of serving others, and her desire to honor her late husband’s legacy, an assignment from God was born.  The result is a powerful 130-page book about parenting.

“Empowered to Parent” is an inspiring and captivating wisdom-filled book that offers relevant insights, strategies and lessons that help fathers and father figures navigate the challenges of parenthood amid the chaos and uncertainty of today’s world. The work empowers and equips fathers with the necessary tools and mindsets to lead, guide, nurture and support their children.

“I hope this book empowers dads to parent without regret. To provide some nuggets, maybe even some strength they can use to navigate this terrain called life.” Catrina Waters said… “I think this book offers something for everybody.”  

Waters sat down with 12 men of diverse ages and socioeconomic backgrounds for the book. They share more than 200 combined years of relatable experience. All contributing writers, including ASU President Quinton T. Ross, Jr., knew the close-knit family well, especially Kenneth.   

“The one thing Kenneth wanted to do before he transitioned was to write a book that contained the type of insights that Kenneth himself wanted to write and publish but unfortunately he didn’t have the chance,” she said.

Waters said making an impact in our community is important, “even if it’s a little bit. If it’s a smile that you give another child or a hug that you give your own, it’s a reminder that you love them. I believe it makes a difference.”

THE CONVERSATION

 As an additional tribute to her late husband’s legacy, Waters organized an event titled “The Conversation” to commemorate his love of fatherhood and to celebrate his impact on the lives of others. The event was also the official launch and signing of her new book.

“The Conversation” consisted of a panel of co-writers from “Empowered to Parent” who shared insights about fatherhood.

“It was a wonderful conversation. It empowered us to do better as parents,” Waters said.

She hopes to offer "The Conversation" to the Montgomery Public School system to see if there is an interest.

“I believe the Lord used this book project as a part of my healing as I go on this grief journey. Grief has no expiration date, but God has used my pain for purpose…to be a blessing to somebody else’s life.”

PROCEEDS BENEFIT CHILDREN

Waters hopes to use the net profits from the “Empowered to Parent” book sales to provide funds for a community-focused project she founded, The Life-Giving Project.  The project will provide financial support to children in Alabama’s River Region who have lost their fathers. The endeavor will assist with expenses such as school or athletic uniforms, extracurricular activity fees, summer camp fees, or after-school care.

The newly founded Project is in the process of helping two children in need.

“The Life-Giving Project allows me and my children to continue the goodwill efforts that Kenneth and I held dear, especially during the holidays when we ‘adopted’ children, single-parent families or elderly residents to provide gifts or other needed items,” she said…“So, if you purchase the book you will be blessing a child in need.”

To purchase “Empowered to Parent,” visit www.theNoNoLegacy.com.