This week, two of the leading voices on fatherhood, Fathers Incorporated and the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy, released their latest report: “The Dynamics of Atlanta Black Dads: Unpacking the Myths and Realities of Non-Resident Fatherhood in Fulton County, Georgia,” This one-of-a-kind research report addresses the unique challenges and triumphs of Black fathers. The findings were released at the “State of Black Fathers in Fulton County’ Forum” held Tuesday, February 20 at Pittsburgh Yards.
Key takeaways from the report include the following:
The Reality of Single Fatherhood: Think single fathers are rare? Think again. In the U.S., 3.3 million children live with their fathers alone.
Co-Parenting Challenges: The research highlights that a strained or hostile co-parenting relationship, especially when parents are not in a romantic relationship, can significantly deter a father’s involvement in his child’s life.
Lack of Support for Fathers: The report underscores the need for more father-friendly support from community agencies, as many fathers feel that these agencies are not equipped to address their specific needs.
Intergenerational Parenting Influences: Parental modeling can have an impact on
paternal involvement from one generation to the next, as the father-child relationship can be passed down or replicated, with this transmission having a significant impact on the next generation’s paternal engagement.
The forum was held to deliver research findings to attendees, including community leaders, policy makers, educators, and concerned citizens. At the forum, a call to action was issued and participants were given an opportunity, “to be part of a movement that uplifts the role of fatherhood, while dispelling myths and elevating the role of Black fathers in particular.”
Discussants included Kenneth Braswell, Founder and CEO, Fathers Incorporated and the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy; Dr. Matisa Wilbon and Dr. Jeffrey Shears, researchers and co-chairs, Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy and “Program Dads” of Gentle Warriors Academy, the training program of Fathers Incorporated.
Read the full study here.
Learn more about Fathers Incorporated here.
This post was curated by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on social media @Ntellectual.
Follow The Burton Wire on social media @TheBurtonWireNews
