Dr. Derrick BroomsAllison Joyner
"We want to account for things like a social father or a community father who might also be a 'father on the block,'" said Dr. Derrick Brooms, executive director of BMRI and professor of Africana Studies. At the first day of the convening on Wednesday, Brooms emphasized the distinction between "fatherhood" as a status and "fathering" as active engagement in nurturing youth.
The two-day symposium on "Black fathers, fatherhood, and fathering" represents a cornerstone initiative for the BMRI, which was established to reframe narratives surrounding Black men's experiences in their families and communities. According to Brooms, the institute aspires to have both national significance and international reach by fostering meaningful conversations between researchers, scholars, community members, and thought leaders.
"The BMRI is committed to advancing understanding beyond stereotypes and misconceptions that have historically dominated discussions about Black fathers," Brooms told attendees during his opening remarks. "Our goal is to highlight the diverse ways Black men contribute to child-rearing and community building, often in circumstances that remain unacknowledged in mainstream discourse."
Featured speaker Dr. Aasha Abdill, author of Fathering From The Margins: An Intimate Examination of Black Fatherhood, presented findings from her decade-long ethnographic research conducted from the mid-2000s to early 2010s. Her qualitative approach, which studies culture and social relations from the perspective of the people directly involved, revealed significant trends challenging popular narratives about Black fatherhood.
"My data showed an increase in fathers serving as primary escorts for their children to school, and a corresponding decrease in fathers who were never seen," Abdill explained. "Because something happening doesn't necessarily mean that people are aware of it, this research helps make visible what has been occurring beneath the radar of public perception."
The presentation was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Yohance Murray, an assistant professor of Psychology at Morehouse. Panelists included Abdill, Dr. Darryl Brice, professor of sociology and Diversity and Globalism Studies at Highline College, and Morehouse Sociology major Jackson Buckner (Shabazz), who provided a student perspective.
Throughout the discussion, audience members—comprising Morehouse students, faculty, and administrators—raised questions about cultural manifestations of Black fatherhood. Some cited the highly visible example of NBA star LeBron James and his supportive relationship with his son, Bronny. Others addressed the harmful impact of pejorative terminology like "dead beat dad," "baby daddy," and "baby momma" on perceptions of Black family structures.
"These terms don't just describe, they prescribe limited roles and expectations," noted Dr. Brice during the exchange. "They become self-fulfilling prophecies that constrain how we view Black fathers' contributions and potential."
As the first day of the symposium concluded, Abdill offered reflections drawn from her experience as a Black mother. She emphasized that supporting Black families requires continued growth in understanding the societal changes needed to nurture children across generations.
"We must acknowledge that race and class remain formidable barriers to the success and well-being of individual families," Abdill stated. "Our research and conversations must translate into policies and practices that support rather than undermine Black fathers in fulfilling their essential roles in family and community life."
The symposium continues Thursday with additional speakers and workshops focused on practical strategies for supporting Black fatherhood in various contexts.
