Recently, Illinois father Cervante Floyd-Nicks shared his bittersweet emotions over his ongoing custody battle.
While he secured joint custody of one of his sons, Ace, he lost custody of another, Jayce, a young basketball player he continues to fight for.
Floyd-Nicks, who has been actively involved in mentoring and guiding young men even before becoming a father, expressed his heartbreak publicly on Facebook.
On what would have been Jayce’s birthday, he posted a heartfelt message addressing the struggles he faces in trying to maintain a relationship with his son. He wrote,
Today is bitter sweet as yall know I’ve been fighting in courts for my boys I won joint custody of Ace but I lost custody of Jayce. Today is his bday and this will be the first bday I will miss do to his mother trying to hurt me. I just wanna say son I love you I will never stop fighting for you. Me and your siblings wish you a happy bday and when this is all over we def gone get back to our dope lives. Again any woman that lets another man take away an active and loving father is a Bum B-word. Love you son and enjoy your day
Cervante Floyd-Nicks
The father’s message emphasized his ongoing commitment to Jayce and his hope for a future where they can resume their close-knit family life.
Floyd-Nicks shared that despite the challenges, he, along with Jayce’s siblings, wished him a happy birthday and remains optimistic that their family will eventually return to “our dope lives.”
His post also included a pointed commentary on the emotional difficulties fathers face when separated from their children, noting that “any woman that lets another man take away an active and loving father is a Bum B-word.”
The post grabbed hundreds of reactions from friends, family, and supporters, many of whom offered prayers, encouragement, and birthday wishes for Jayce.
Memi Love, a friend and supporter, wrote,
Happy Birthday to your son 🎉🎉🎉
Memi Love
Cervante Floyd-Nicks keep fighting for your son. Your reputation alone has already shown the world what type of man you are. I’ve seen you mentor so many young men over the years and set great examples even before you had children. God knows your heart and you will overcome this battle ❤️
Similarly, Courtney Mc offered a message of patience and hope, encouraging Floyd-Nicks to remain steadfast in his pursuit of justice and fatherly connection.
Messages ranged from simple birthday greetings like “Happy Birthday Jayce” to heartfelt reassurances.
Sharon Banks commented, “Praying that God will work it out for you,” while Desiree Jackson praised Floyd-Nicks’ perseverance, noting,
Never stop doing what you do. He will never forget that you didn’t make excuses and just did
Desiree Jackson
Others, including Lisa Travis, Patrice Trina Moore, and Kimberly Huddleston, extended birthday wishes to Jayce while expressing support for the father’s fight.
Jenn Taylor, rote, “Smh. Keep fighting brother. The good will always prevail. Happy birthday nephew!!!” while Nicole Dotson highlighted the broader implications of Floyd-Nicks’ struggle, she emphasized the importance of paternal involvement, saying,
She doesn’t understand the damage she’s about to do. And this is what the white man wants. God bless you King. May peace be with you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR SON.
Nicole Dotson
