Our Journey So Far

Roman and Gianni are my heart. From the moment they were born, I was committed to being their father and providing them with the love, care, and guidance every child deserves. Unfortunately, circumstances have led to a painful separation between us—one rooted in systemic bias, family struggles, and a legal system that too often devalues Black fathers.

Several years ago, their mother, Andrea, transferred custody of Roman and Gianni to her adoptive parents. Despite my constant efforts to be involved in my sons’ lives, I was not granted full custody due to temporary housing instability at the time. Since then, the custodians have held custody of my boys, and the fight to remain present in their lives has only gotten harder.

The Struggle:

For the past two years, I have faced constant barriers in my attempt to maintain a meaningful relationship with Roman and Gianni. Despite being a loving and active father, I have been subjected to unreasonable visitation restrictions, last-minute cancellations, and hostility from their grandparents. The control the custodians exert over my time with my sons has left me feeling powerless, and worse, has left Roman and Gianni without the stability and support of their father.

Recently, the situation has escalated. After voicing my concerns about the emotional harm that Roman and Gianni are facing due to the concerning comments, restricted visitation and the negative comments they hear about me from their grandparents, all communication was cut off.

It has now been over several months since I’ve seen or spoken to my sons. This November, Roman turned 6 and Gianni is now 5!

Every day I am forced to endure this separation feels like a lifetime. Roman and Gianni are being deprived of their father’s love, guidance, and the cultural identity that is central to their upbringing as young Black boys. Their emotional well-being is at stake, and despite my best efforts, the system has made it nearly impossible for me to protect them.

The Emotional Toll:

Roman and Gianni have expressed distress due to the current arrangement. They’ve heard hurtful things said about me, and they’re confused by the limited contact they’ve had with their father. Roman has even begun showing signs of emotional struggle, such as sleep disturbances and anxiety. As they grow older, the continued separation from me—combined with the negative environment they’re experiencing—will only deepen the emotional wounds they’re suffering.

Multiple therapist I have consulted with, confirm this arrangement is not in Roman and Gianni’s best interest. Yet, despite having professional support, my attempts to change this situation through the legal system have been met with resistance at every turn.

Since court in November 2024, I’ve come to learn to my sons are suffering far worse. They are now labeling my sons as special needs beginning a long road of fighting labels that disguise the true reality of their experience.

Why This Is Happening:

This isn’t just a personal battle. It’s part of a larger issue rooted in systemic bias and racial prejudice that disproportionately affects Black families. The legal system has failed to recognize me as a capable, loving father simply because of the racial dynamics at play. The custodians, who are white, have been granted a level of control over my sons that devalues my role as their father. The racial bias that permeates the family court system is not only harming me—it’s harming Roman and Gianni.

The ongoing separation is not just painful; it’s unjust. My sons deserve to be raised in a loving, culturally affirming environment, and I deserve to be their father in every way. But the system has failed us.

What Roman and Gianni Deserve:

Roman and Gianni deserve stability. They deserve love. They deserve a relationship with their father, free from manipulation and harmful narratives. They deserve to grow up with their cultural identity intact and with the security of knowing that their father is fighting for them every day.

I am not giving up on my boys. I have never stopped fighting for them, and I will continue to do whatever it takes to bring them home. This fight is not just about my right to be a father; it’s about Roman and Gianni’s right to be loved and protected by their family.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your support means the world to us.

Danté