I found this to be very insightful on the feelings of some black men...I just wonder why there seems to be this on going cycle of fathers neglecting their kids, is this a social issue or does it stem from the non graduating statistic, which then causes the family disconnect..I have 3 kids, 2 from previous relationships and I make the effort to stay in touch and see my kids and know what is going on in their lives and make sure they can reach me at a moments notice and I try to put forth a positive model for them..you don't have to stay in a bad situation or stay with someone you don't like or love anymore to be a dad..kids want "LOVE" and "UNDERSTANDING", also they need to have validation of their efforts and positive feedback that they are progressing in a positive and meaningful way.

how can i find out more about this program?

Black men are great sons, brothers, fathers and lovers. We need to hear more positive messages about the black man in the media. This is how we can combat the negative messages, stereotypes and stigmas that are perpetuated in our society. Thank you for sharing your message!

Thank you Brandon for starting this very important and significant forum for all Black Daddies (single or married) can have an avenue through which they can communicate and bond and learn to be good, better and the best father's they can be to their children.

Different than Black Daddies...More Than a Haircut is a program done by The Macaulay Child Development Centre and community leaders such as barbers on the Eglinton West strip the area is Eglinton/Oakwood neighbourhood of Toronto session are done monthly if anyone needs info call the office at 416-789-7441

I agree that it is a duty for fathers to search for the answer of what fatherhood is all about. As black men in this western culture seperated (disconnected) from their ancestral legacy searching is necessary. Black communities ideas of manhood have been heavily informed by whiteness which is heavily patriarchal that says a father is a man who is part of a monogamous heterosexual couple that abides in a single household, living with and raising his own biological children. therefore anything less don't not measure up. These strong messages about men providing for their family and the importance of fatherhood as a significant affect on a men masculinity. For black fathers these message intensify the conflict they face when they feel they cannot meet their own or society's expectations of fathers. Minimal educational opportunities worson the already restricted employment horixons they face by virtue of their ethnicity. These along with other long list of barriers systemical set for Black fathers impedes ability to establish and maintain strong familal bonds with their natal partner and children.

I am a black mother who recognizes and long to see change for our Black men who are loving and kind, helpless and willing to move, driven and held back, asleep and is slowly awakening. this is a start and I hope that it continues and not just a band-aid on a wound... I would like to help in whatever way I can