Black Family Matters: The Story Of Strength and Resilience

October 2024

We are Dante and McKenzie Pearson, parents fighting to protect the well-being of our boys, Roman and Gianni. Dante, their biological father, still has his parental rights, but despite this, our relationship with them has been severely restricted by their maternal grandparents, who have been controlling their access to us. The harm this is causing our boys is heart-wrenching, and we need your help to secure the future they deserve. Last time we saw the boys in June 

Why do the boys live with the people that adopted their mom and not their parents? Find out more here

Roman and Gianni are suffering emotionally. They’ve been caught in the middle of a family conflict that no child should ever have to endure. Roman, once so open and trusting, now struggles with feelings of confusion and fear, unsure of what he’s allowed to share with us. Gianni, who has had limited time to bond with us, is growing up without the essential connection to his father and family that every child needs. The love and stability we offer as parents have been withheld from them, and it’s taking a toll on their emotional well-being.

Despite Dante’s legal rights as their father, we’ve been fighting an uphill battle to secure consistent time with Roman and Gianni. They’ve been kept from us for weeks at a time, missing out on family life and the support they need to thrive. The boys are spending the majority of their time with paid caregivers, robbing them of the chance to be with their father in a safe, nurturing home where they belong.

Every time we dropped them off, our hearts broke as we saw their tears. They cried for us each time, and it is painful to know they are in a situation where manipulation and control are being used to silence their cries and deny them the connection to their family. We can see how they are being pulled away from us emotionally, being taught to view their father, stepmother, and two little sisters as distant figures rather than the family that loves them deeply.

This is not just about reuniting our family—this is about saving Roman and Gianni from the emotional harm they are enduring. These custodians have relied on hired nannies for most of their care,  while they keep us from being in their lives. Recently, they’ve even suggested that the boys may not be allowed to attend their great-great-grandmother’s funeral, further isolating them from their heritage and the family they belong to. This is a manipulation tactic—one designed to alienate them from their family and roots, to break the connection that we have fought so hard to maintain.

As a Black and Native American family, this experience has forced us to confront the painful reality that many of us face—systems designed to tear our families apart, to strip away our connections and silence our voices. Roman and Gianni’s situation is part of a larger history of indigenous families being separated, controlled, and denied the right to be whole. We are fighting not only to bring Roman and Gianni home but to expose the injustice that continues to impact Black families like ours.

This is a fight for healing, for protection, and for empowerment. Roman and Gianni deserve to grow up surrounded by love, in a home where they are connected to their unique heritage, where they can learn their history, embrace their culture, and thrive as empowered young boys. We are determined to save them from the harm that has already been done, to bring them home where they belong, and to heal the wounds created by this manipulation.

We have petitioned the court multiple times, but each time, we’ve been told to “be adults” and work it out with the custodians. Now, three years later, we are still in the same position—Roman and Gianni have been kept from us for three months, and the custodians have shown no intention of letting them return to their family. Our lawyer has filed the correct petitions with the court, but we need your help. We cannot do this alone.

We ask you to stand with us, to raise your voice for Roman and Gianni, and to support our fight for family empowerment. They deserve to be reunited with their father, stepmother, and two little sisters who love them dearly. They deserve to grow up in a home where they are nurtured, healed, and protected from further harm.

Please sign this petition and help us bring Roman and Gianni home.

Oct 23, 2024

Hello everyone,

First, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have supported us in this fight for justice. Your signatures, shares, and words of encouragement have meant the world to us and have given us the strength to keep pushing forward.

We wanted to let you know that we have secured a court date. Unfortunately, the soonest date we could get is November 14th, despite telling the court that this is an emergency situation. While this is later than we had hoped, we are staying strong and preparing for that day to ensure our voices are heard. 

Take a look at just some of the concerns we have with their current living situation here. 

Thank you for standing with us, and please continue to share our petition and spread the word. Every bit of support counts in this fight to reunite our family.

Oct 25, 2024

We are relieved to share that the judge has ruled that Roman and Gianni should be allowed to attend their great-great-grandmother’s funeral. In addition, the judge has instructed that arrangements be made to ensure any lost parenting time for the affected parent is compensated. This is especially significant, despite going on 4+ months of not seeing our boys, given that we’ve repeatedly been told by the custodians that they were not required to offer us make-up time for canceled time with the boys. We hope this ruling marks a step toward more fairness in how our time with the boys is managed. Thank you all for your ongoing support.

Nov 13, 2024

Tomorrow, we head into court at 9 AM. Every affidavit has now been submitted. We took time to read the opposing affidavits, and our hearts ache even more deeply than before. It’s painfully clear that the boys are enduring far more than we initially realized. Rather than acknowledging their own actions, they continued to point fingers and tear down our character, while shockingly placing blame on the children for issues that aren’t theirs to bear. 

These tactics only reaffirm why we are fighting so hard—to protect Roman and Gianni from further harm and to give them the nurturing, supportive environment they deserve. We ask for your continued support, as we stand firm in seeking justice and a better future for our sons.

Thank you for standing with us through every step of this journey.

Nov 14, 2024

OK, everyone court is adjourned. Very nerve-racking.. A lot of negatives things said about us so we really need everyone’s support right now!! Thoughts, prayers & positive energy please. If you have any statements to give, any words of encouragement or testimony to our abilities as humans, parents and partners in life we would greatly appreciate it! 

We will hear back from the judge soon and that could mostly likely take more than a week. 
 
You can write a testimony on our website here

Or blackfamilymatters.org 

you can also send an email to: thepearsonfamily627@gmail.com

Dec 2, 2024

The harm caused under the custodians care goes far beyond neglect—it is deeply rooted in the unhealthy dynamics they have fostered in their household. After months of documenting Gianni’s injuries, I witnessed Roman, his own brother, pushing on Gianni’s abdomen in the exact spot where the injury was. I immediately intervened and made it clear that this behavior was not okay. But a week later, when I followed up, I uncovered something even more troubling: all of the older children in the home were engaging in similar harmful behaviors.

This revelation was both heartbreaking and infuriating, and it is no surprise given the toxic environment the custodians have created. For years, we have seen the damaging effects of parental alienation in their home. The alienation has driven a wedge between Dante’s two biological children and their two older siblings, creating an unhealthy, divisive dynamic that has now spilled over into harmful interactions among the children.

Despite clear signs of injury and concerning behavior, the custodians have refused to take responsibility or provide explanations. Instead, they deflect, blaming us or even absurdly suggesting that our family dog caused Gianni’s injuries. Their refusal to address these issues head-on has allowed the harm to continue unchecked.

Even more troubling is CPS’s failure to hold them accountable. Instead of investigating the injuries thoroughly, CPS dismissed the concerns with the vague statement, “The children did not indicate being harmed by the custodians or their siblings.” How can such a blatant oversight occur when there is documented evidence of injury and harmful dynamics within the home? Bruises don’t appear without cause, and the lack of meaningful inquiry reflects a systemic failure to protect these children.

The custodian’s behavior, combined with CPS’s lack of action, has created an environment where harm is not only possible but allowed to persist. The older children’s harmful behaviors toward their younger siblings are a direct result of the unhealthy dynamics in the home—a dynamic shaped by the custodians’ failure to foster a safe and loving environment. Instead of addressing these issues, Kyle custodians have perpetuated an environment where division, harm, and neglect thrive.

The alienation between Dante’s biological children and their older siblings has created a toxic hierarchy within the household, leaving the younger children vulnerable. It is not enough for the custodians to deflect blame or for CPS to accept shallow denials. The injuries and harmful behaviors we have witnessed are symptoms of a larger problem—a household where accountability and care are fundamentally absent.

The custodians actions—or lack thereof—have had a ripple effect that has deeply impacted the boys. Their refusal to provide answers or be honest and CPS’s unwillingness to push for accountability have left the children in a vulnerable and harmful environment. This cannot continue.

We know the truth because we have lived it. We have seen the injuries, documented the patterns, and uncovered the dynamics that CPS and the custodians have ignored. The custodians’ refusal to take responsibility and CPS’s failure to intervene are a betrayal of the boys’ safety and well-being.

The lack of accountability and transparency in this case is unacceptable. These boys deserve answers, they deserve safety, and they deserve a home where harm is not a daily reality. Their failure as custodians cannot be ignored, and neither can the system’s complicity in allowing this harm to go unaddressed.

We will continue to demand accountability—not just for the boys, but for all children who have been failed by these very systems. It’s time for real answers, real responsibility, and real action to ensure that no child endures what Roman and Gianni have.

Mar 6, 2025

Dear Supporters,

We have updates in our fight to reunite Dante with his sons, Roman and Gianni. Several major court dates are fast approaching, and we need your support now more than ever. Meanwhile, the other side continues to use every tactic – even twisting our own advocacy against us – to justify this unjust separation. Below is a rundown of what’s at stake and how you can help make a difference.

Key Upcoming Court Dates

Mark your calendars – these dates could determine the future of Dante’s relationship with his children. It’s vital that we show support and stay focused as these proceedings unfold:

• March 10 – Critical Hearing: This pre-trial hearing will set the stage for the trial. The judge will review the latest motions and evidence. It’s a crucial chance to push for immediate relief – possibly even to restore some contact between Dante and the boys before trial. Why it matters: What happens on March 10 could influence the entire trajectory of the case. A positive outcome here could ensure the truth about the custodians’ behavior is spotlighted early, and it may help Dante regain some connection with Roman and Gianni while the trial is underway. We are petitioning the court to reinstate visitation.

• April 3, 11, and 21 – Trial Dates: These are the multi-day trial sessions where the core issues will be decided. Over these dates, the court will hear full testimony and examine all evidence regarding custody and the well-being of Roman and Gianni. Why it matters: This trial is the culmination of over three years of struggle. By April 21, the court could finally rule on ending the unjust custody arrangement. In other words, these trial dates could decide whether Roman and Gianni get to come home to their father or remain in an environment that has kept them from him.Everything we’ve been fighting for will be on the line during these days.

👍🏽 What we’re doing: Dante’s legal team is preparing diligently, and we are rallying community support to demonstrate that this family belongs together. 👍🏽 What you can do now: Keep these dates in mind – share them with anyone who supports our cause. If you’re local and able to attend the courthouse, your presence could send a powerful message. At minimum, keep Dante and the boys in your thoughts and prayers on these days. We want the court to see that the world is watching and that we stand firmly behind reunifying this family.

Custodians’ Ongoing Alienation of the Children

Even as we head to court, the custodians (the boys’ maternal grandparents) continue to alienate Roman and Gianni from Dante. They have shown no intention of letting the boys reunite with their father— no visits, not even phone calls . It has now been many months since we have been allowed to see or speak to his Roman and Gianni, and every additional day of silence is another day of childhood stolen from both the boys and their family.

How they justify it: The custodians consistently come up with excuses to keep us away. They’ve claimed the boys are “not ready” or that contact with their father would be “too confusing” even “harmful,” despite evidence to the contrary. They even began labeling the boys as “special needs” to suggest the problem lies with the children instead of the situation. This is a blatant misdirection – an attempt to disguise the true source of the boys’ distress (being separated from a loving father) by pinning it on supposed developmental issues. We know Roman and Gianni’s emotional struggles are not because of Dante, but because of the confusing and hostile environment the custodians have created.

Let’s be clear: Dante is a devoted, caring father who has done nothing to warrant being kept from his kids. All the while, the grandparents have been using paid nannies for day-to-day care of the boys, allowing them more hours each week, rather than letting their father care for them. Roman and Gianni cry for their dad and don’t understand why he isn’t there – each handoff in the past ended with tears as they were pulled away from us. We will make sure the court understands their pattern of alienation and the urgent need to reunite these children with their dad for their well-being.

Attempts to Weaponize Black Family Matters Blog – Setting the Record Straight

During this fight, we have been as transparent as possible by documenting the truth on our blog, “Black Family Matters.” Unfortunately, the custodians and their legal team are now trying to weaponize our blog against us. They have gone so far as to submit the blog as an exhibit, attempting to mischaracterize it as something negative or irresponsible on our part. We want to address this head-on and make one thing absolutely clear: our blog exists to tell the truth and expose injustice – nothing more, nothing less.

What does the blog actually contain? It’s a factual recounting of our story, the challenges we’ve faced, and the systemic issues (like racial bias) that contextualize our struggle. Its purpose is honest and just: “to raise awareness about the injustice of our family’s separation” and to rally support to bring Roman and Gianni home. We started Black Family Matters to shine a light on what was happening behind closed doors – because without public awareness, it’s too easy for these injustices to continue unchecked. The blog has been a lifeline for telling our side of the story, especially when official channels failed to act. Every claim on there is backed by documented evidence (medical reports, expert opinions, etc.), and we have always spoken out in good faith to protect our children.

Why they’re attacking the blog: Simply put, the truth is inconvenient for those trying to keep Dante and his children apart. By highlighting the pain Roman and Gianni are going through and the questionable actions of the custodians, the blog threatens to hold the custodians accountable. Rather than address the issues we’ve raised – like unexplained injuries to the kids or the harmful emotional environment – they want to discredit the messenger. This is a classic gaslighting tactic: if they can’t defend their actions, they attack us for bravely sharing our story.

We will not be silenced by this. Using our advocacy against us shows the lengths the opposition will go to maintain control. It also proves why such advocacy is necessary in the first place. We stand by everything we’ve written. Truth and transparency are on our side, and we trust that the court will see that our speaking out is an act of love and desperation to save our boys – not any form of misconduct. Rest assured, we have strong legal arguments ready to defend our First Amendment right to speak about our lived experience and to show that nothing on the blog endangers the children. If anything, the blog has exposed the real danger – the trauma of a family being torn apart. We’ll continue to update it with honesty and integrity.

Refocusing on the Real Issue: Dante’s Unjust Separation from His Children

With all the legal maneuvers and distractions, it’s crucial to remember what this fight is truly about: a father unjustly being kept from his children. Dante loves Roman and Gianni with all his heart, and they love and need their dad. There is no valid justification for the indefinite, total separation that’s been imposed. By all accounts, Dante is a fit, caring parent – he has never abandoned his parental rights and has been fighting for years to remain in his sons’ lives. Yet here we are, three years later, and the boys are still not home where they belong.

Let’s cut through the noise: The blog is not the issue. The petitions and motions are not the ultimate issue. The issue is that Roman (6) and Gianni (5) have effectively been denied their father’s presence and love for nearly a year, on top of two years of extreme restrictions before that. They have missed out on countless bedtime stories, hugs, family dinners, and memories with their our family. We have missed birthdays, everyday moments, and the chance to comfort Roman and Gianni when they have nightmares or celebrate their little achievements. This is a profound injustice. Every child deserves the love and guidance of their parent, and every parent deserves the chance to love and guide their child – unless there is a serious reason to prevent it. Here, there is no such reason – no abuse, no neglect, no danger emanating from Dante. The only “danger” the custodians cite is essentially that they don’t like the father speaking up. That is not a legitimate reason to keep a father and his kids apart.

In court, our singular focus will be reuniting this family. We will present evidence of how Roman and Gianni are suffering emotionally without their dad. We’ll show research and cite professionals attesting that the current arrangement is harmful and not in the boys’ best interests. All of this will underscore a simple truth: the continued separation of Dante from his sons is utterly unjustified and deeply harmful.

What’s at stake: If we succeed, Roman and Gianni can finally be embraced by their father again, consistently and without meddling interference. They can begin healing from the confusion and pain of this forced estrangement, and rebuild a healthy relationship with Dante (and get to truly know their stepmom, McKenzie, and their two little sisters who also miss them dearly). If, we fall short, the boys could remain in a situation where they are deprived of a father’s love and a stable, loving home, possibly for years to come. We cannot let that happen. Their childhood and well-being hang in the balance. This is why we are fighting with everything we have – and why your support is absolutely vital at this moment.

How You Can Help – Sign, Share, and Support

We are so grateful for the wave of support thus far. Now is the time to double down and take action. Here are concrete ways you can stand with Roman, and Gianni in this critical period:

• Sign the Petition: If you haven’t already, please add your name to our Change.org petition calling to Bring Roman and Gianni Home. We’re nearing 200 signatures and climbing – let’s push that number even higher to show the authorities that people care and are watching. Every signature sends a message that this injustice has not gone unnoticed. (If you’ve signed, thank you! Please share it with others to sign as well.)

• Share Our Story Far and Wide: Spread the word on social media, in community groups, at church, social networks, school – everywhere. You can share updates from the BlackFamilyMatters.org blog or the petition link. When you share, mention the March 10 hearing and April trial dates – let everyone know that these are the decisive moments and that now is the time to speak up. The more public attention we draw to this case, the harder it is for the system to ignore what’s happening. Your voice can reach people we can’t, and someone with influence might see it at the right time. At the very least, awareness = pressure for a fair outcome.

• Offer Support & Solidarity: This fight is not just legal – it’s emotional and spiritual as well. Moral support means the world to us as they endure this ordeal. Leave a comment on the blog or petition with words of encouragement. Keep the family in your thoughts and prayers, especially on the court dates. If you’re local and can attend any court session quietly in support, or even stand outside with a sign, that solidarity speaks volumes. Media attention can also help – if you have contacts in press or know bloggers/influencers who would highlight this story, now is the time to nudge them.

• Support the Cause Further (if you’re able): Some of you have asked about ways to help beyond sharing and signing. We have a GoFundMe set up to help cover legal expenses and related costs . Any financial support is deeply appreciated (but please only contribute if you’re comfortable – sharing our cause is the most important thing you can do!). Additionally, advocate for change by talking to local officials or family court organizations about why cases like this need reform . This is bigger than just one family – it’s about challenging a system that too often sidelines loving fathers and ignores the best interest of the children.

In closing, we want to reiterate why we fight: Roman and Gianni deserve to grow up with their father, not apart from him. They deserve the love, culture, and family that Dante provides . And Dante deserves the basic human right to raise his own children. This is a fight for justice and family, and it’s far from over – but with your continued support, we are hopeful that truth and love will prevail.

Thank you for standing with us through this challenging journey. The next few weeks are going to be intense, but we know we’re not alone. Together, we can make sure that Roman and Gianni’s story ends in a reunion, healing, and justice – and in doing so, send a message that parental alienation will not be tolerated.

The Pearson Family (Dante, McKenzie, Roman, Gianni, McKayla, Kennady and Team)