'Strollin’ with The Homies': 100 dads took their kids for a stroll through a park in NYC – and the pictures will make you melt

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. 

View this post on Instagram

Sending love to all of the Dope Dads that came out to our “STROLLIN’ WITH THE HOMIES” Dad walk last week. We set out to make history and change the narrative and that’s what we’re doing. Enjoy today #DADGANGSALUTE ???????????? . ?? Stay tuned for details on the next city on the tour. . ?? by @shotbyjussobrooklyn @jussobrooklyn . #THEDADGANG #DADGANGSTROLL #STROLLINGWITHTHEHOMIES #100BLACKDADSTAKENYC #DADGANGTV #HAPPYFATHERS

A post shared by THE DAD GANG ™ (@thedadgang) on Jun 16, 2019 at 4:36pm PDT

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. 

via GIPHY

Check out the heart-melting pictures from the day here:

View this post on Instagram

We’re still tripping off of yesterday’s Dad walk. The support was too real. Imagine walking up to the park and you see this. ?? Yeah...we turned a few heads. Some people started cheering...one lady even started crying. . What a day to be a proud black dad. #DADGANGSALUTE to all who came out and all who support #TheDadGang! We’re hitting a new city next month. Stay tuned! ???????????? . We’re going to change the narrative. We’re just getting started. More pics to come....we tired. . ?? @hdsvisions_sp @visualsbysade #DADGANGSTROLL #strollinwithmyhomies #dopedadslinkup #iamdadgoals #dopedadsonly #BLACKFATHER are active AF

A post shared by THE DAD GANG ™ (@thedadgang) on Jun 10, 2019 at 3:47pm PDT

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