Several years ago, I started an external evaluation firm now called En Común Research & Training which was intended to help organizations beyond issues on fatherhood. There are so many talented leaders, advocates, researchers, and committed professionals for children…. I say children because with more involvement from fathers our children are the benefactors. Our organizations cannot do it alone and I asked my colleagues of En Común Research & Training to become an affiliate to augment the efforts of ECRT and FFCA as we continue to develop effective services fathers….
Late in 2008, I had the opportunity to have a brief but life changing discussion with Dr. Narviar Barker-Calloway, then Professor at Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Barker-Calloway had submitted a workshop application for consideration for our 10th Annual National Fatherhood & Families Conference and as the Coordinator of the School of Social Work’s Ph.D. Program at CAU she wanted doctoral students to co-facilitate findings on the needs of African American Fathers. I was intrigued by her professionalism, her deep sense for commitment to making a difference. We quickly hit it off and her willingness to be a part of FFCA and our efforts in the enhancement of existing evaluation contracts; assistance with our E-Journal, “Healthier Fathers-Healthier Families,” developing proposals for funding considerations, speaking at statewide venues on behalf of FFCA was truly a blessing. Dr. Barker decided to join En Común Research & Training as Director of Research and augment efforts of FFCA through our affiliation. Narviar has hit the ground running for both ECRT and FFCA.
On a personal level, Narviar was a blessing as a blossoming friendship who can be counted on regardless of the circumstance. In late April, Narviar shared she was leaving CAU and wanted to make a priority working with us! I found out quickly she was a woman of faith and one who was not going to look back. I asked Narviar to relay to those who use both FFCA and ECRT as a resource a little information about her as the person. Narviar’s accolades are tremendous as an accomplished professional. My desire is that if you need FFCA to help you on any project that you know we have so many talented individuals and I am/ we are blessed to have Dr. Narviar C. Barker join our national team to make a difference in the lives of children, mothers and fathers. The following is an interview conducted by Smith College while Dr. Barker was a tenured professor.
I believe she is a genuine person not interested in self-acclamation from her kindness to her, “I declare” Southern perspective. To look at Narviar Barker, you immediately see a tall, statuesque, attractive, soft-spoken woman who engages you in conversation about life, children, and “ghee, ain’t it funny kinda talk”. Before you know it, you’ve spilled your guts and she is still listening with a calming, welcoming smile on her face. She sweeps you off your feet and you immediately know that this is someone you can trust, confide in, and simply be yourself. But don’t let her looks, easy-going nature and demeanor fool you. I have come to know Narviar as one of the most focused, determined, and spiritual persons on this universe. Her life is what many people would envy.
She is a Southern Belle, whatever that means. She is a go-getter. She is spicy, tangy and carries a whip when necessary. She grew up among two sisters and a brother. Her father, from Havana, Cuba, and her mother an American from North Carolina obviously instilled strong values and morals in Narviar. To know her is to get a glimpse of history. She was expelled from kindergarten at the age of four because she “couldn’t sit still and wanted to play and talk in class”. She had several bouts with the Principal in Junior High School for non compliant behavior. She and her older sister made history when they were the first “Blacks” to integrate the Orange County School System in Hillsborough, North Carolina. She was a mover and shaker when she entered North Carolina A & T State University and continued with the Civil Rights Movement. She was A & T’s Miss Freshman during her freshman year of college, graduated in three years, and entered the Graduate School of Social Work as that school’s youngest student in 1968. Action has followed Narviar wherever she goes and “backing down” is not in her character. She is full of life, energy and social change.
There is nothing traditional about Narviar and she does not seem to fit the mold of her affluent family, but she is indeed an extension of their character and dreams. While she enjoys reading, going for walks, and cuddling up to a good movie, the side that you don’t see is the thrill she use to get from flying a B-52 two-seater airplane, skydiving from a height that typically frightens others, or fishing for that big bass that no one else has caught! Jokes elude her; playing cards never interested her; extended phone conversations simply do not apply. She is quiet; she is private; and she is real. She is one of the most honest individuals you will ever meet and you will never find her judging others because of their differences or oppositions. She is unassuming but her presence is well felt. Once you meet her, you remember her. You either love her or you hate her but you will never be indecisive about her.
When asked what she wants to do when she grows up, she will tell you that she wants to write the greatest love story, murder mystery ever written. Four chapters of that book already have been written! She is meticulous so I am sure completing that book will take a while.
I asked her son, Gavin, what he liked most about his mother and he said, “She’s always there for me. I can count on my mother.” He describes his mother as an unyielding woman who is strong in her ideas and commitment to success. When asked what he disliked the most, he said “she’s always working. She has an agenda.” She works hard and the computer is always with her. Life has meaning for Narviar. She does not take life for granted.
She is well credentialed and has a wealth of degrees; but to be in her presence, she is unpretentious, untitled, and unassuming. Her 40+ years in academe, her degrees, her research, her publications, her television appearances, and even her certifications will never surface during conversation, unless requested. Her travels around the world, her work in Africa, and her contributions to her community and to those less fortunate than herself are her hidden treasures, for which she holds precious.
James C. Rodríguez, MSW
CEO/President |
