'I want to make sure that his innocence is protected.'

Kenny Lattimore, singer, and his son, Kenny, Jr. (K.J.), 4

On a special connection: "K.J. and I share the same birthday, and after he was born, I remember wanting to be with him every second. Because I was molested as a child, I want to make sure that his innocence is protected. He was a very calm, quiet baby, and everyone said, 'Oh, he acts like his dad.' I wondered if we'd have the same personality, but I can see how his life experiences are beginning to take over."

On blending families: "My 10-year-old stepdaughter, Sophia, spends time at both our house and her dad's (actor Kadeem Hardison), and we all spend Christmas together. K.J. loves Sophia to death, and I spend quality time with her, look over homework, and make sure to give her hugs and kisses, just like her parents."

Kenny and wife Chante Moore's latest album is 'Uncovered/Covered' (Verity).

'Having kids gives you wings and makes you feel like a superhero.'

Boris Kodjoe, actor, with his daughter, Sophie, age 2, and son, Nicolas, 7 months

On being a dad: "Having kids gives you wings and makes you feel like a superhero. Fatherhood has taught me unconditional love, again and again, and a depth of emotion that I've never experienced. Sometimes I wonder, What was I doing before?" 

On raising a boy and a girl: "My older sister always kept me in check, so I knew having a girl first would provide a great influence on the behavior of my son. Their demeanors are different-she's very sweet and affectionate, and he's a real boy, very stoic. Sophie loves her little brother (mom is wife Nicole Ari Parker) and kisses him all day long. Nicolas is the happiest baby in the world."

Boris Kodjoe's next project is indie film 'Alice.'

Xzibit, rapper and MTV host, with his son, Tremayne, 12

On fatherhood: "I was 19 when I found out I was going to be a father, and I still had a lot of growing up to do. But kids are born with a clean slate; you have to help make the person. He has opportunities that I never dreamed of when I was his age. I can see his potential, and I'm proud." 

On raising a young man: "Tremayne's mother and I share custody, and I stay very involved in his life. He's asking about sex now. Instead of getting angry about where the questions are coming from, I give him the right information. I want to send a stellar human being into the world."

Xzibit is hosting his fifth season of MTV's Pimp My Ride; his latest CD is Full Circle(Koch).

'Everything they do amazes me.'

Coby Bell, television actor, with his 4-year-old twin girls, Jaena and Serrae

On fatherhood: "The day I found out my wife, Aviss, was pregnant I was running around screaming, dancing and acting a fool. Then when we realized we were having twins, I thought, We're getting the two-for-one special! Everything they do amazes me. When I look at them, I think, Wow, those are my kids."

On parenting girls: "I'm raising two young Black women in America, and I know I have to prepare them for that, one day at a time. 

Most of all, I want my daughters to be good people who are strong and proud of who they are. And I want them to be happy."

Coby Bell appears on The CW's 'The Game', with costars Wendy Raquel Robinson and Tia Mowry.

Share Your Own Father's Day Message

This is a shout-out to the Black Father. Monitor of homework. Braider of hair. Sultan of smokin' barbecue. Always accountable to the ones he loves. We offer our appreciation. 

Acknowledge the brilliance of the dads in your life by sharing a special memory or writing a personal message. Today we want you to help us sing our many fathers' praises. Be sweet. Be thoughtful. Be heard on our boards below.