By Mona Austin
SUMMARY: On May 22, 2023, gospel G.O.A.T Kirk Franklin found his biological father after 53 years. Within the same timeframe, he reclaimed his relationship with his son Kerrion, to whom he had not spoken after a public fall out two years ago. The journey was documented while the Grammy winner was recording his upcoming thirteenth album leading some critics to accuse him of exploiting his family issues to promote the project, "Father's Day."
Mr. Franklin was adopted by an elderly woman from his church at 4. He occasionally interacted with his biological mother Barbara who had abandoned him. She told him that another man he had met was his father. That man died thinking he was a "deadbeat dad. Franklin's relationship with his mom completely fizzles as she refuses to acknowledge the facts when Kirk shows her proof of his discovery from a second DNA test she requested -- that a man named Richard Hubbard is actually her son's father. Although it was initially taken aback, Hubbard has accepted the news of having a son who happens to be a huge celebrity with open arms.
While the footage he shared focuses on his personal family struggles, at the conclusion of the 35-minute doc Franklin views his story as a metaphor to how slavery broke the Black family, linking his ineptness as a father with ramification of it. The documentary is a powerful look into the pathology of fatherlessness in the Black community and the challenges of healing when root causes of trauma are unexpectedly unearthed. "Father's Day" coils repentance, resentment and rejection into an uncomfortable quilt of circumstances that may be threaded with curse-breaking sensitivity. It shows that the Black love, something J California Cooper once called "home made love."
Richard Hubbard, you are the father -- of world famous gospel star Kirk Franklin. Franklin gave an exclusive to People magazine to tell the world that he has found his biological father after 53 years. The Ft. Worth, TX born artist determined his paternal lineage by an oral swab DNA test, resulting in 99.9% accuracy. We know from a video he posted on his socials that he'd taken a paternity test but the video ended with a cliff hanger -- with fans did not known what the results were related to.
The article in People confirmed that the "What You Lookin' for Artist" found his father and they have reunited. Mr. Hubbard did not know he had a son but already had a daughter. A tip from a family funeral led to the inquiry. Franklin's birth mother denied Hubbard is the father despite the test results being doubly confirmed. He has gained two new family members through this revelation.
Franklin, who was raised by a woman from church who adopted him at 4, said his dad lives down the street from his studio. Both men are adjusting to the newfound relationship, which Mr. Hubbard has accepted with open arms. Imagine having a parent within arms reach and not knowing it! Kirk has been emotionally overwhelmed by this news, requiring time alone to process it. He is seen shedding tears several times in the doc.
The artist has also re-connected with his son Kerrion after a public fall out that further alienated them. He apologized to Kerrion who erupted in tears after learning that he had a grandfather. He accepted to apology has begun to communicate with his father again. The details are shared in a documentary that was released on YouTube.
The Slice is sincerely excited for Mr. Franklin and his family!
The article in People confirmed that the "What You Lookin' for Artist" found his father and they have reunited. Mr. Hubbard did not know he had a son but already had a daughter. A tip from a family funeral led to the inquiry. Franklin's birth mother denied Hubbard is the father despite the test results being doubly confirmed. He has gained two new family members through this revelation.
Franklin, who was raised by a woman from church who adopted him at 4, said his dad lives down the street from his studio. Both men are adjusting to the newfound relationship, which Mr. Hubbard has accepted with open arms. Imagine having a parent within arms reach and not knowing it! Kirk has been emotionally overwhelmed by this news, requiring time alone to process it. He is seen shedding tears several times in the doc.
The artist has also re-connected with his son Kerrion after a public fall out that further alienated them. He apologized to Kerrion who erupted in tears after learning that he had a grandfather. He accepted to apology has begun to communicate with his father again. The details are shared in a documentary that was released on YouTube.
The Slice is sincerely excited for Mr. Franklin and his family!