What does it mean to father well in a society that often devalues Black life and Black families?
This workshop provides a supportive and open environment to engage with the complex realities of Black fatherhood. Participants will reflect on how societal myths, structural inequities, and historical narratives influence both the representation and lived experiences of Black fathers.
We will interrogate the nuclear family as the default framework for caregiving, and honour the many ways fathers nurture and support families beyond its limits.
Topics of exploration include:
Acknowledging the everyday practices of love, tenderness, and vulnerability expressed by Black fathers
Accounts of absenteeism, abandonment and neglect
The impact of systemic racism and economic challenges on parenting
How expectations of masculinity shape expressions of care
The impact of intergenerational trauma
This is a space for honest and tender dialogue, so come as you are. Bring your questions, your wounds, your wonder. Here, we acknowledge and bear witness to experiences of abuse, neglect, and strained relationships. Whether you are a father, had a father, or support Black fathers, no matter your experience, you are invited to join this meaningful conversation.