Fathers Incorporated Executive Director Kenneth Braswell on recent mission trip to Ghana, Africa to work with boys and men.
Photo Credit: Daniel Bonsu
Atlanta, GA — It has been nearly 20 years since the historic Million Man March in October of 1995. Much has transpired over this time with the nation’s Black Men and Families. Recent Pew research indicates that black fathers are engaged more than any other population of fathers in the day-to-day activities and rearing of their children. “We have a long way to go, however we have made some significant progress in challenging and disproving the societal view of black fathers,” says Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director of Fathers Incorporated.
Beginning the first week in August and up until the march, the Atlanta based not-for-profit will encourage at least 20,000 black fathers across the nation to sign “the Honorable man” pledge on its website (www.millionblackfathers.com) in order to represent the new 21st Century dad at the October 10th, twentieth anniversary celebration of the Justice or Else Million Man March in Washington, DC.
“In the first couple of weeks (pre-launch) we already have signatures from fathers in 33 cities in 13 states presenting nearly 100 children. This is a clear indicator that black fathers understand both the significance and importance of having their voices represented on the platform of this historic and memorable occasion,” says Braswell.
For eleven weeks leading up the march, activities will include a comprehensive social media campaign to generate conversation around the principles of the “Honorable man”, to include “word of the week,” video of the week and contest challenges to sign up fathers to take the pledge. The hashtag #honorableman will be used to capture the excitement created by the effort.
FI is also proud to announce its National Advisory Council. These progressive thought leaders from around the country will advise and assist the development and implementation of the campaign. “The Campaign for Black Male Achievement believes that Black men are assets to their families and communities, particularly as caring, loving fathers in the lives of their children. That’s why were are thrilled to partner with Fathers Incorporated’s Honorable Man campaign to encourage 20,000 Black fathers to be engaged in the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Million Man March. We envision that this campaign will revive and encourage thousands of Black fathers to elevate their impact in the lives of their families and community,” says Shawn Dove, CEO, Campaign for Black Male Achievement.
National Advisory Council:
Joel Austin (Daddy University)
Thabiti Boone (White House Champion for Fatherhood)
Ali and Arlene Brathwaite (Brathwaite Publishing)
Matt Crews (United League of Hip Hop Fathers)
Shawn Dove (Campaign for Black Male Achievement)
Rev. Darren Ferguson (Starve The Beast)
Cheryl Ford (Black Butterfly)
Lamont Jones (The Furthering Fathering Corporation)
Franklyn Malone (100 Fathers Inc.)
David Miller (Dare to be KING)
Patrick Patterson (Global Partners for Fathers and Families)
Derek Phillips (Real Dads Network)
Stephen Powell (Mentoring USA)
Daryl Rolle (The Catalyst League)
Kimberly Sears Allers (Mocha Manual)
Ron Williams (Fathers Incorporated)
The campaign launched on Monday, August 3rd. For more information to support or promote the campaign, send an email to info@millionblackfathers.com. You can also join them on Twitter @millionblkdads, Facebook at www.facebook.com/millionblackfathers and their website at www.millionblackfathers.com
About Fathers Incorporated
Fathers Incorporated is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit (S) corporation and is dedicated to strengthening the community and family infrastructure by encouraging and enabling the positive involvement of fathers in the lives of their children.
PRESS CONTACT:
Deven Trowers
510-220-7860
deven.trowers@gmail.com