Black Daddies Club

The Black Daddies Club (BDC) was founded in 2007 by Brandon Hay in response to the lack of forums and spaces for Black men to discuss parenting issues as well as the issues facing the Black Community as a whole. The main goal is to change the image of the black father in the media, from a neglectful figure to a responsible, involved and loving role model.

BDC mandate/guiding principles

Develop a continuous support system for Black fathers to share their challenges and or experiences
Host events featuring various speakers both high-profile and “everyday” people who can inspire and encourage positive practices for Black fathers and community members generally
Work with the media to provide alternate images of Black fathers

How Black Daddies Club was Formed: A personal journey

At the age of 24, I discovered I was about to become a dad for the first time. Being raised by a single mother and without the presence of a consistent father figure, I was filled with anxiety and fear about my own ability to be a great father. I was inspired by many “t.v. dads” such as Bill Cosby’s Heathcliff Huxtable. I knew that I wanted to be a father like this but wasn’t quite sure how.

Knowing of other men in my situation, a forum whereby we could share ideas, struggles and victories seemed like it could be very helpful. Using the opportunity to learn from older and more experienced fathers was something I thought to be valid. Creating this space for open and honest discussion became extremely relevant at the time. I thought if not now, when? BDC will help us men become better fathers, which will ultimately help our children become better role models and leaders in our society.

Check out Black Daddies Club on

Click here to check out the latest entries and commentary from BDCs’ very own Brandon Hay

Black Daddies Club At Onyx Barbershop
The Importance Of Fathers Parenting

Honouring the rich black culture of the present, rather than only highlighting the contributions from the past.

Click here for more details

Holistic Integration Programming (H.I.P.)

The HIP program is BDC newest initiative that is focused on taking a holistic approach to working with Black males in prison/ detention centers. Our aim is to assist incarcerated black males with the life skills, self-esteem needed to successfully transition back into society.

This is a very important project, because the aim of this project is to give these young men a voice, and help them with their communication skills as well open their minds up beyond the prison walls

BDC plans to do this by:

Screening specialty films and documentaries, and have a post film discussion (once a month) at the York detention centre.
Reading cultural books and having discussions after reading each chapter
Fathering programs to young men in prisons/ detention centers (this program is geared to fathers regardless of ethnicity, religion, skin color-as long as they show interest we will work with them)
Apart of this holistic programming will entail a mentorship program with positive male volunteers as mentors to those incarcerated
The idea behind this mentorship program is to expose those who are presently incarcerated to individuals outside of their normal social circle; in hopes that when they do get released from prison they will have new positive contacts.
This mentorship program is a great way to break old cycles and build new ones

Black Daddies Club receives trusteeship from the John Howard Society

We at the BDC are excited about this trusteeship/ partnership with the John Howard Society, it gives us (BDC) a great resource to do real significant work in our communities, JHS brings to the table of over 100 years of experience.

Read more about the John Howard Society www.johnhowardtor.on.ca

Black Daddies Club Partners with White Ribbon Campaign

The men that make up BDC (are fathers, sons, and spouses) feel it is one of our responsibilities to urge men to speak out about violence against women; which is why we partnered with WRC.

The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women (VAW). In over fifty-five countries, campaigns are led by both men and women, even though the focus is on educating men and boys. In some countries it is a general public education effort focused on ending violence against women.

Read more about WRC
www.whiteribbon.ca/about_us

BDC has partnered with Kids Up Front Foundation

BDC has partnered with Kids Up Front Foundation to provide tickets (concerts, sporting events, and local plays) for BDC program Daddies and Me, as well as other BDC initiatives, we are really excited about this collaboration-says Brandon Hay- BDC founder.

Read more about Kids Up Front Foundation www.kidsupfront.com

Black Daddies Club presents Jobs 4 Dads

“Jobs for Dads” is an ongoing program where BDC partners with various employment agencies and professionals. The vision of this program is to work with fathers who are currently un-employed; by sending them up to date job listing/ referring workshops/ etc. which results in gainful employment for these individuals. “We currently go into churches, high schools, Post secondary, Barbershops and prisons. Come hear about current job opportunities, and how to get into your dream job.

Black Daddies Club presents Daddies and Me

This event is geared for fathers and their children spending quality time, doing various outings throughout the city, we have partnered with Kids Up Front Foundation, who will be donating tickets to concerts, sporting events, and local plays. We at the BDC knows that it can be difficult as parents to come up with disposable cash engage our youth in the arts, this partnership alleviate that stress on parents.

General Inquiries
info@blackdaddiesclub.com

Public & Media Relations
rehema@blackdaddiesclub.com