In Honor of

The Huckleberry Alliance, Inc. was created to honor my father, Howard F. Langley, Jr., who passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2020 from COVID. My Dad, known fondly by many as Sonny, was raised in Washington D.C. and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1963. As a Marine, my Dad served in Vietnam and worked at Arlington National Cemetery upon his return. He suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and was honorably discharged from the military.

My grandfather, Howard F. Langley, abandoned my Dad when my Dad was six years of age. My grandfather made no attempt to connect and develop a relationship with my Dad. One day, my Dad received a phone call that his Dad had passed away and that was it.

My Dad and my Mom divorced when I was seven years old. Looking back, I am able to observe the patterns. Generationally speaking, my Dad was unable to be a Dad to me as he did not have a Father himself.

My Dad did better than his Dad, in that, he tried. Visits were sporadic and lacked engagement, however, he made the effort. I was always left wanting more. More conversation, more affection, more love. I just don’t think he knew how to connect.

Our mission, therefore, is to create a safe environment whereby older fatherless teenagers can garner the support, encouragement and inspiration they so desperately need. We define “fatherless” as one who has an emotionally unavailable and physically absent father. We aim to teach teens their value through increased self-esteem and an examination of limiting beliefs and thoughts. We want fatherless teens to have the confidence to pursue opportunities they are deserving of.

Our goal is to end this epidemic.

Please join me in remembering my Dad as that little six year old boy; scared, sad, angry and fatherless. I want him to know his suffering was not in vain.