Like father, like son

Stephen Munford shares lessons from his fatherhood journey.

BY KIMBERLY BAILEY-TUREAUD

Stephen Munford is a busy man. He is a candidate for State Senate, works in real estate and as a substitute teacher, and is the father of sons Jonathan and Montana.

The son of retired assemblyman Harvey Munford, Stephen puts a premium on character — and he’s raising his sons that way. “I have invested in the time spent with my sons and instilling the things that my parents instilled in me,” he said. “The development of values, along with a little discipline, has assisted in their growth to become positive young men. Also, my wife and I have given them a sense of their identity coming from both an African American and Native American heritage.”

In the raising of children, Munford stresses the importance of quality time and staying in the moment. “As my boys get older, we don’t spend as much time as we did when they were younger,” he said. “I have been blessed with a career that gives me the flexibility to spend time with my boys and my wife.”

Munford also reflected on his father’s influence.

“My father always wanted to make sure that I was independent and strong,” he said. “What some people are unaware of is that my father was the kind of father who would show me what I needed to do, and then he left the rest up to me to accomplish things on my own. He wanted me to experience the process. What I received from my father is something I try to pass on to my boys — which is to go out into the world and make a positive impact on other’s lives. I hope my sons know that they always have to give back.”