Van Lathan, a prominent social and political commentator, recently championed what he termed the “gay agenda,” arguing that media companies should intentionally promote same-sex storylines to young viewers. His reasoning is straightforward: Gay individuals exist and form relationships, so such content must be deliberately encouraged in youth-targeted media.
While recognizing media’s powerful role in shaping societal norms and values, Lathan’s focus on adult desires rather than children’s needs overlooks critical priorities. Applied consistently, his perspective points toward promoting relationships that increase childbearing and strengthen bonds between mothers and fathers.
These efforts could help restore stable family environments in communities where some Black boys believe marriage is reserved for white people.
In 2024, nearly 40% of U.S. births were to unmarried women. By 2019, almost one-quarter of children under 18 lived with a single parent and no other adult. Since 1970, the share of married adults has declined, while the average age for first marriage has risen. Marriage is increasingly treated as an optional pathway to family formation. Given the strong association between family structure and child outcomes, these trends should concern policymakers, religious leaders, commentators, and parents alike.
Given his frequent commentary on racial inequality, Van Lathan and other progressives should be the most vocal advocates for a “Black Wives Matter” campaign that promotes marriage and robust families.
Data from 2023 reveals that 69.3% of births to non-Hispanic Black women occurred outside marriage—a rate significantly higher than the national average of 40%. The disparity is even starker in specific urban areas: New York City reported approximately 65% of such births were to unmarried mothers; Washington, D.C., recorded 77%; and Baltimore reached 83%.
