UFC fighter Michael Chandler has faced criticism for his recent comments about raising his Black sons to not see color. Chandler and his wife, Brie Chandler, are parents to seven-year-old Hap and two-year-old Ace, whom they adopted. During an interview, Chandler emphasized the importance of virtue and character in being a good man, regardless of race. He mentioned that his wife has always wanted to adopt an African-American boy since she was a teenager, which influenced their decision to adopt.
Chandler clarified his remarks about not raising Black children during a podcast, explaining that he believes the most important aspect of a person is their character, not their skin color. While some critics have questioned his approach to discussing race with his sons, Chandler expressed his intention to have conversations about race with them as they grow older. He highlighted the importance of age-appropriate discussions and emphasized that his sons’ well-being and character development are his top priorities.
In another part of the interview, Chandler shared that his wife’s desire to adopt an African-American boy stemmed from her experiences doing inner-city mission work and mission trips to Jamaica. He recounted how she always knew she wanted to adopt and that it was a shared goal for their family. The couple’s decision to adopt their sons has been a significant part of their family journey, with their first child born in 2017 and their second son adopted in 2022.
Despite facing backlash for his comments, Michael Chandler remains steadfast in his belief that character and virtue are the essential qualities that define a good man, regardless of race. He continues to navigate discussions about race and parenting with the goal of raising his sons to be compassionate, empathetic individuals who value integrity and kindness. As Chandler and his family move forward on their adoption journey, they remain committed to providing a loving and supportive home for their children, focusing on what truly matters – their well-being and growth as individuals.
