With the rise of many empowering – and completely necessary – female-led movements, men have gotten a bad rap as of late. But while we’re sure there are many who give weight to #menaretrash and are the living embodiment of toxic masculinity, there are also dads learning how to braid their daughters’ hair, fighting for baby-changing tables in men’s toilets too and dressing up in Elsa Costumes to sing with their sons.
Also read: Fathers make society better and 12 other facts from the first State of SA’s Fathers report
Here’s another heartwarming story about dads – over 100 dads, to be exact – that will melt your heart: On Sunday, 9 June, over 100 dads gathered for ‘Strollin’ with The Homies’ – an initiative created by The Dad Gang – and saw dads show up with their kids to take a walk through Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
Also read: WATCH: SA men talk to us about their dads, and we're not crying, you are
The Dad Gang was founded in 2016 by Sean Williams in the hope of changing the way the world views black fathers.
“I’m a pretty active dad, as are most of my friends. Sadly, this still comes as a surprise when most people see us out,” he says on The Dad Gang site. As a result, he established The Dad Gang, and organises monthly events, such as Strollin’ With the Homies.
On Strollin’ with The Homies, Williams told Because of Them We Can, “We’re all about creating events that are not just fun for dads and their kids to participate in but also socially and visually impactful as well. We knew that as the weather in NYC warmed up, Sunday mornings at the park will get busy and give us the perfect opportunity to turn some heads and start the conversation around Black fatherhood.”
Williams said many welcomed the thought and cheered at the sight.
“People started cheering, some waved and our kids smiled and waved back.
“A few women who saw us cried...”
It’s us...
We are a few women.
Check out the heart-melting pictures from the day here:
Chat back
In South Africa we could do with a change in the way society sees dads too. Everyone meet at Cheltondale Park, Seapoint Promenade and Durban beachfront promenade this Saturday. What do you say?
Also read:
- New research confirms involved dads enjoy healthier, happier lives
- Higher self-esteem for girls, lower levels of machismo for boys: Wits says fathers need to get involved in the first 1000 days of their kids’ lives
- "Men in South Africa get no real support": A dad's story about his life as a single parent, fighting for his kids