As a self-professed Daddy’s girl, my admiration for the father figures in my life knows no bounds. Throughout the year, I make it a point to celebrate their strength, wisdom, and love.
But as June rolls around and Father’s Day approaches, I find myself compelled to amplify their voices and stories. Helping in my small way to ensure that the Black fathers we cherish – and who cherish us in return – take center stage.
Embracing the Spirit of Celebration
I firmly believe in embracing a “go big or go home” approach when honouring our dads who significant roles in our lives. Whether it’s my own father, uncle, or the father figures who have imparted invaluable life lessons, each one has left their mark on who I am.
From mastering the art of cooking saltfish on Sundays to tenderly knowing the exact spot to tap on a baby’s back to lull them to sleep, the fathers I love have not only enriched my life but have also contributed to my journey as a mother.
The Essence of a Boss Dad
Indeed, being a stellar father requires a unique blend of qualities – resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. It takes a special kind of man to be what I affectionately call a “boss” dad. These are the fathers who not only excel in their roles within their families but also captivate and uplift communities at large.
As I scroll through my social media feed, I am inundated with images and stories of remarkable fathers.
Boss dads are pillars in our Black communities. They are trailblazing business leaders, accomplished athletes, insightful journalists and visionary artists. There are also those everyday hero dads who tirelessly navigate the lives of their Black families without celebrity status.
It takes a Special Man to be a Boss Dad
My admiration for Boss Dads knows no bounds, and it’s not lost on me that they don’t always get the praise and support they deserve.
Extending from the famous Black fathers whose achievements grace the headlines to the unsung heroes quietly shaping the next generation, boss Black dads contribute to a vibrant tapestry of Black fatherhood, showcasing its depth, resilience, and beauty.
Let’s celebrate and elevate Black fatherhood – a journey filled with laughter, love, and the profound impact of remarkable Black men. From famous fathers to everyday dads, they all have in common the ability to inspire with humour, humility, or boss dad moves.
These folks show us how good Black fatherhood looks on a man.
Five Black Fathers We Love
Brandon Hay
No celebration of Black fatherhood would be complete without recognizing the trailblazing efforts of Brandon Hay, or as I call him – Mr. Black Dad himself!
As a father of three and the visionary founder of The Black Daddies Club, Brandon leads a powerful movement dedicated to uplifting and honoring Black fathers. Through initiatives like his renowned Sunday dinners and thought-provoking dialogues on Black masculinity and mental health, Brandon embodies a beacon of support and guidance for dads of all walks of life. His tireless work is reshaping the narrative around Black fatherhood, shifting the spotlight to where it rightfully belongs.
It’s impossible not to admire and applaud his efforts, as they inspire a new generation of fathers and redefine what it means to be a dad in today’s world.
Tyrone Edwards
In the realm of Canadian television, Tyrone Edwards shines as one of the brightest stars. As the anchor of CTV’s entertainment magazine show eTalk, he commands attention with his charismatic presence and engaging interviews.
As one of the few younger-skewing, Black men on a national broadcast, Tyrone’s visibility is significant. His interviews with everyone from Rihanna to Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay no doubt show him at his professional best – but it’s his role as a dedicated dad that truly steals the spotlight.
Here at Parenting While Black, we can’t help but admire his genuine pride and love for his daughters, which radiates through every post and comment he shares. In a world where celebrities often take center stage, Tyrone reminds us that the most important roles we play are those of parent and mentor, and his daughters are the true stars of his life’s show.
Wes Hall
When we think of prominent figures in business, Wes Hall’s name often comes to mind long before “Dad” does. Renowned for his business prowess, Mr. Hall might not initially seem like the quintessential addition to a list celebrating Black fatherhood.
However, as a Dragon’s Den dad, he embodies everything I admire in a father-figure from a distance.
Not only is he celebrated as Canada’s @KingofBaySt, but his founding of the non-profit Black North Initiative demonstrates his commitment to lifting others up alongside him. In his book, “No Bootstraps When You’re Barefoot,” Wes Hall shares a narrative that not only highlights his remarkable journey but also underscores his unwavering dedication to his roots. His distinctive style, steadfastness, and humility render Wes Hall one of my favourite dads to observe and emulate. In him, I see a shining example of excellence in both business and fatherhood, a reminder that success is measured not just in achievements, but in the lives we touch and the legacies we leave behind.
Dwight Drummond
As someone who values representation and the power of seeing faces that mirror my own experiences, Dwight Drummond epitomizes the kind of father figure I resonate with. From his beginnings as a news anchor to his current role as a primetime host, I’ve grown up watching him grace the screen.
His interviews have been a constant presence in my life, and each time I see him engage with guests, it feels like a favourite uncle is stepping into my living room through the television screen.
Dwight Drummond embodies a relatability and warmth that transcends the media barrier, making him not just a journalist, but a cherished presence in the lives of many.
Casey Palmer
In the realm of Black fatherhood, Casey Palmer, known as Canadian Dad, stands out as a beacon of relatable wisdom and everyday adventures in parenting. While he may not boast the same level of fame as some others on this list, his storytelling prowess and genuine authenticity make him a cherished voice of supreme daddy dedication.
Through his anecdotes of navigating the trials and triumphs of raising two kids, Casey invites us into his world, sharing worries and joys unique to the Black parenting experience. Beyond parenting, he even opens up about his fitness journey, offering inspiration and insight into personal growth.
With each post, Casey’s natural charm and down-to-earth demeanour leave readers craving more, reminding us of the richness and diversity of Black fatherhood stories that often go unheard.
Honourable mentions
Adrian Holmes
Ok, so listen – this next addition to my list might raise a few eyebrows, because as far as I can tell, Adrian Holmes may not be a dad in real life – but boy, does he even play one well on TV!
As the iconic Uncle Phil in the revamped series Bel-Air, this Canadian actor brings a fresh perspective to the role. While he may not have fathered children off-screen, Holmes earns his spot on this list because his portrayal of this beloved father figure resonates deeply with audiences.
He embodies the essence of a Black father we all cherish, showcasing warmth, wisdom, and strength in every scene. So, while he may not be a dad in real life, Adrian Holmes deserves recognition for bringing to life the kind of father we all love to love on the small screen.
I wanted to keep this list Canadian, but I have to throw in a few honourable mentions to Black dads I love who are doing their thing across the border.
Terrell and Jarius Joseph
I don’t know how I stumbled on Terrell and Jarius Joseph, but I’m so glad I did. They describe themselves as ‘stereotype breakers’, but they are pretty much the most stereotypical doting dads ever. I don’t know who they’re fooling – they are firmly wrapped around their babies’ fingers and I’m here for it. Showcasing parenting antics, real life moments and killer dances with their Mother-In-Laws, their posts do not disappoint.
Dwayne Wade
As a basketball fan, I’ve been following Dwayne Wade’s career for years, but it’s his journey into fatherhood that truly captivates me now. Wade has seamlessly transitioned from his role as an athlete to a father figure we can all admire.
Beyond his fame, he uses his platform as a community leader who champions important causes like inclusion and 2SLGBTQ+ rights, advocating for acceptance and understanding. As a father, he’s not just a provider but a fierce protector of his family’s peace, setting a shining example of fatherhood that I’m proud to witness and celebrate. Dwayne Wade isn’t just a famous Black father; he’s a beacon of love, empathy, and integrity in a world that sorely needs it.
Black Canadian Fathers We Love to Love
In celebration of Black fathers and Black fatherhood, these PwB-approved dads are doing their thing.
From famous Black leaders to everyday dads sharing their genius, these Kings make family their priority and for that, they are worthy of uplifting in June and all year round. They earn the honour of being on this list by making the role they play as daddy front and center in their lives.
Each of these remarkable men embodies the essence of what it means to be a boss dad. They are an example of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication not only enriching their own families but also inspiring communities far and wide.
Of course if you are in need of more than words to honour the father in your life, check out our list of Unique Gifts for Black Fathers. Because after all, their presence in our lives is a gift worth cherishing every day.
