Fatherhood is more than a role — it’s a sacred responsibility, a lifelong calling, and one of the most powerful forms of leadership. In a world that often overlooks the everyday sacrifices and quiet strength of Black fathers, it’s important we pause to honor the men who show up — with love, with wisdom, and with intention.
This Father’s Day, Historically Black Since celebrates the beauty and power of Black fatherhood through the voices of eight proud HBCU alumni. These men were shaped by institutions rooted in purpose, tradition, and excellence — and they carry those same values into their journey as fathers.
We asked each of them to share what fatherhood means to them, how it has changed their lives, the lessons they’re teaching their children, and the advice they’d give to new dads. What they shared was honest, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring.Their words remind us that Black fatherhood is legacy in motion — it’s hugs after long days, showing up for every moment, passing on strength through quiet conversations, and pouring love into the next generation. Keep reading to learn more about fatherhood from their lens.
“To me, fatherhood means being a shepherd—a guide, a blueprint for your seed.“ –Chancer L. Smith III | Tuskegee University | Father of 1
How has fatherhood changed your life, and what lessons do you instill in your children?
Fatherhood has changed me in the most humbling ways. It’s made me more grateful, more observant, more patient—and definitely more kind. Knowing my son is watching everything I do, from how I treat his mom to how I move through challenges, has pushed me to lead with integrity. I’ve come to realize that what he’ll remember most won’t be what I say—it’ll be what I show him through the way I live.
What does fatherhood mean to you?
To me, fatherhood means being a shepherd—a guide, a blueprint for your seed. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present. Being fair, being firm, and showing up in a way that your kids can trust. It’s making sure they know that even when you stumble, your heart is in the right place. That you’ve got their back, and you’re rooting for them to win in every way that matters.
What advice do you have for new fathers or those aspiring to be?
My advice to new fathers is simple: be patient with yourself, trust God, and show up for your partner in every way you can. Stay present—each phase goes by faster than you think. And don’t forget to have fun. Fatherhood is one of the most beautiful journeys a person can walk. It’s not a burden—it’s a blessing. Not everyone gets to experience this kind of love, so soak it in while it’s here.
What do you wish the world knew more about fatherhood?
I wish the world knew that fatherhood is priceless. Every choice a father makes—big or small—can shape a child’s future in ways that aren’t always visible in the moment. Sometimes his decisions seem misunderstood by others, but they’re rooted in something deeper: a quiet, selfless hope to give his child more than he ever had. That’s what fatherhood really is—sacrifice today for a better tomorrow.
“Fatherhood has been the most humbling and transformative part of my journey.” –Anthony H. Brown | Behtune-Cookman University | Father of 1
How has fatherhood changed your life, and what lessons do you instill in your children?
Fatherhood has been the most humbling and transformative part of my journey. Becoming a dad shifted how I think, how I move, and what I prioritize. My son gave me a new sense of purpose—a reason to keep growing and healing. I often reflect on the things I didn’t have growing up and try to pour those lessons forward. I still reinforce to him that his voice matters, that kindness is strength, and that integrity should guide his steps.
What does fatherhood mean to you?
To me, fatherhood is about presence and purpose. It means being consistent, even when life gets unpredictable. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. I didn’t grow up with everything, but I was surrounded by strong, nurturing people who taught me the value of faith, resilience, and love. That foundation helped shape the kind of father I strive to be—one who leads with both strength and softness.
What advice do you have for new fathers or those aspiring to be?
Start where you are. You don’t need to have all the answers—just be willing to learn, to listen, and to love with intention. Your presence will always matter more than your perfection. And don’t be afraid to break cycles. You have the power to give your child something different—something better—by choosing to show up fully and love without conditions. That’s something I remind myself of often.
What do you wish the world knew more about fatherhood?
That it’s sacred. Not flashy or always visible—but deeply meaningful. There are so many fathers doing the work: quietly, consistently, and with heart. I wish more people could see that fatherhood is not just about provision, but about connection. Some of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned have come from simply sitting with my son, hearing his thoughts, and realizing I’m shaping how he sees the world. That responsibility is both heavy and holy.
“Fatherhood changed everything. It gave my life deeper purpose and made me more intentional about how I move in the world.”– Shean Cain | Virginia University of Lynchburg | Father of 4
How has fatherhood changed your life, and what lessons do you instill in your children?
It taught me patience, accountability, and how to love in ways I never imagined. The lessons I try to instill in my children are simple but powerful: always lead with integrity, never be afraid to speak your truth, and remember that kindness is a strength not a weakness. I want them to know that they are enough, that they’re deeply loved, and that they have the power to shape their own story.
What does fatherhood mean to you?
Fatherhood to me means being a steady presence someone my children can trust, learn from, and lean on. It’s not just about providing, it’s about showing up emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It means breaking generational cycles where needed and creating a safe space where my kids can be fully themselves. It’s a lifelong commitment to grow with them, protect them, and prepare them not just for the world, but to know their worth in it.
What advice do you have for new fathers or those aspiring to be?
My advice to new fathers or those aspiring to be is this: show up with love, not ego. You won’t always have the answers, and that’s okay. Just be present, be patient, and be teachable because your child will teach you as much as you teach them. Don’t underestimate the power of small moments they build the foundation. Above all, lead with consistency, not perfection. Your presence is the greatest gift you can give.
What do you wish the world knew more about fatherhood?
I wish the world understood that fatherhood is more than just being a provider it’s being emotionally available, nurturing, and intentional. Too often, fathers are boxed into roles of discipline or duty, when in reality, we carry just as much heart, vulnerability, and love. There’s a quiet strength in showing up every day, in listening, in protecting without control, and in loving without condition. Fatherhood isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a sacred opportunity to shape lives with presence and purpose.
“Fatherhood means standing in your calling and in your purpose.“ -Johnathan Irvin | Grambling State University | Father of 1
How has fatherhood changed your life, and what lessons do you instill in your children?
Fatherhood has given me a purpose in life. I instill self respect, principle and tradition into my daughter.
What does fatherhood mean to you?
Fatherhood means standing in your calling and in your purpose. It’s my job and responsibility to prepare my daughter to be the best she can be, by providing the opportunity for her to do that.
What advice do you have for new fathers or those aspiring to be?
Seek guidance from your father or older fathers to help show you the ways of fatherhood.
What do you wish the world knew more about fatherhood?
That we are here more than they think or the media portrays and we are very important as needed for our children.
“It’s okay to tell your children no every once in a while.” – The Honorable Vernon R Matthews Jr. | Bethune-Cookman University | Father of 3
How has fatherhood changed your life, and what lessons do you instill in your children?
That it takes a special kind of man to be a girl dad. Because they watch everything you do and are their first loves. Honesty will get you further in life, then going through life living a lie.
What does fatherhood mean to you?
It’s a blessing from God that you are allowed to raise your children to be the best they can be. Not letting them fail and if they do, pick them up and tell them it’s okay try again.
What advice do you have for new fathers or those aspiring to be?
Fatherhood isn’t a game nor a joke. Only the strong survive and grow a lasting bond with their children in.
“Fatherhood has always given me the drive to go harder in my purpose, as well as being even more cognizant of my personal decisions.” –Keith L. Brown | Savannah State University | Father of 1
How has fatherhood changed your life, and what lessons do you instill in your children?
Fatherhood has always given me the drive to go harder in my purpose, as well as being even more cognizant of my personal decisions. I have always instilled the following lessons in my son: Put God first in all things. Respect your mom, all women, and all people. Most importantly, respect yourself. Believe in yourself and you are valuable. Treat others like they’re valuable too. Speak to Everyone, as you never know what they’re going through and the person you speak to could be God’s Blessing to you. Operate in excellence. Choose your friends wisely and if you ever feel uncomfortable or out of place, you probably are. Real men DO cry. I’ve always given my son a safe space to express his emotions. I’ve done my best to show him examples of how to treat himself and others and how he should be treated as well. And in this day and age, I encourage him to seek therapy if needed. We have a family therapist, as Mental Health Matters and Black Men’s Mental Health Matters!
What does fatherhood mean to you?
Fatherhood means everything to me. I’ve always believed “My Spirit is Greater than My Sperm.” I see myself as a father to my son and many others who see me as a father figure. Fatherhood also means owning my many mistakes and being transparent about them. One of the things I did when my son Keon, was growing up, is often asking him what type of father have I been( during a certain time frame) and sometimes I liked the answer and other times I didn’t. So self reflection and Improvement are keys in being an effective father. Fatherhood also means I must be willing to apologize when I am wrong and listen more. I am still working on listening more. My son is almost 30 and his voice is important too. Fatherhood means I must never stop learning, loving, lifting and leading. It means acknowledging that I am not perfect, and I must continue to lean on my village of other dads for support, encouragement and guidance as well. As I encourage other dads, I too seek help.
What advice do you have for new fathers or those aspiring to be?
In 2019, I founded “Fathers not farther,” a Coaching and Training Program for Dads in general and Black Dads in particular. When working with new fathers in school districts, family advocacy agencies and other venues or in my daily travels, I provide them with the four principles of the “Fathers not farther,” program: We Must Reflect Our Children. We Must Protect Our Children. We Must Respect Our Children. We Must Not Neglect Our Children. I coach new and aspiring dads on the following: Reflecting means being the images of love, nurturing support, and examples we wish our children to be and deserve to have. Reflecting also means “Responding not reacting,” meaning when you’re upset with your children, take a moment and breathe and give feedback and yes discipline, but don’t be verbally abusive. Protecting doesn’t just mean making them safe; it’s also setting examples they can follow that will help them to grow into productive citizens. And it means saying “No” when we know their requests could damage them or bring harm to them. Respecting them means apologizing to them when we make mistakes as fathers, treating them like human beings and not robots we control. It means showing them their worth in how we treat them. Not neglecting them simply means, “Our presence is more important than presents(gifts). Nothing can replace time spent with our children. I had to learn that lesson the hard way. There were many times, I was there but not present. I had to be intentional about spending more quality time with my son. I encourage new and aspiring dads to be PRESENT. And I realize there may be issues with the mother of their children that causes separation from the children, which is why I encourage dads facing this reality, to seek legal counsel or mediation. I advocate for those fathers who sincerely wish to be in their children’s lives. And I am not casting any negativity on mothers when I say I advocate for responsible fathers.
What do you wish the world knew more about fatherhood?
I wish the World knew fatherhood is not something we Do! It’s something we ARE! We love our children and want the best for them. We Pray for them, Cry for them, Hurt when they hurt and we are protectors by nature as well. Fatherhood should not be viewed as primarily transactional, for we are more than what we can Give( meaning things). Our value is much deeper than that. I wish the World knew that Black Fathers ARE present, responsible, loving, caring and nurturing. The narrative in society may paint negative stereotypes that are universally accepted, but those stereotypes are not the norm. Studies by the CDC and other reputable sources show that Black Fathers are more present and committed in their children’s lives than any others. The World must know that more often than not, Black Dads are “Fathers not farther.”
“Fatherhood has completely reshaped my perspective on life, teaching me patience, purpose, and the power of leading by example.” – Terrell Hires | Albany State University | Father of 2
What does fatherhood mean to you?
Fatherhood to me means being a protector, provider, and guide someone who shows up with love, strength, and consistency no matter what. It’s about shaping the future by being present today, setting the standard, and leading with integrity. It’s not just a title, it’s a lifelong commitment to nurture, teach, and empower my babies to become the best version of themselves.
How has fatherhood changed your life, and what lessons do you instill in your children?
Fatherhood has completely reshaped my perspective on life, teaching me patience, purpose, and the power of leading by example. It’s no longer just about my success, but about building a legacy and being present for every moment that shapes my children’s growth. I constantly instill the values of integrity, self-respect, hard work, and faith reminding them that who they are matters more than what they have, and that their character will always open more doors than shortcuts ever could.
What advice do you have for new fathers or those aspiring to be?
My advice to new or aspiring fathers is simple: be present, be patient, and lead with love. You don’t have to have all the answers just show up consistently and be willing to learn alongside your child. Your presence means more than your perfection. Create a safe space where your kids feel seen, heard, and supported. And remember, how you treat their mother, how you handle challenges, and how you carry yourself will shape how they view the world. Be the example they can look up to, even on your toughest days. And most importantly give yourself grace; you are not always going to get it right.
What do you wish the world knew more about fatherhood?
I wish the world knew that fatherhood is more than just financial support—it’s emotional investment, daily presence, and unconditional love. Great fathers aren’t always in the spotlight, but they’re in the small moments: helping with homework, giving advice, showing up to games, and being a steady hand through life’s ups and downs. Fatherhood is powerful and transformative, and when done with intention, it builds stronger families, stronger communities, and a better future.
“Fatherhood means being a constant source of love, protection, and guidance. It’s about being there for my daughter even through my hardest moments as a man.” – Gary Wood Jr | NC Central University | Father of 1
How has fatherhood changed your life, and what lessons do you instill in your children?
Fatherhood has completely shifted my perspective on life. It’s made me more patient, more intentional, and more aware of the legacy I’m building each day. Having a daughter who looks up to me, literally reminds me that every word, every action, and every moment matters.
What advice do you have for new fathers or those aspiring to be?
Just be present, that’s half the battle. Our kids need to see and feel our love. It doesn’t take money to be a rich man in your children eyes.
