As a self-professed Daddy’s girl, my admiration for the father figures in my life knows no bounds. Whether guiding hands or storytelling hearts, the Black dads I know are the backbone of their families. And they deserve to be celebrated — every day.
Black fatherhood doesn’t just matter—it shows up. It’s present in the hugs, the life lessons, the laughter, and even the stern talks after bedtime. Despite the outdated and damaging myth of the absent Black father, the truth is clear: Black fathers are active, loving, and playing an important role in their children’s lives.
Let’s Get Loud About Black Fathers
Every June, I feel the urge to amplify the real stories of fatherhood in Black families. Stories of joy, pride, discipline, and love. The truth? The overwhelming majority of Black fathers are deeply involved in their kids’ lives. Yet, too often, we only hear about absenteeism, especially when it comes to Black men. But statistics—like those from the Pew Research Center and even the Centers for Disease Control—consistently show that Black fathers are just as likely, if not more likely, to be involved in the daily lives of their children.
They’re tying shoelaces, packing school lunches, teaching daughters how to ride bikes, and sitting through endless dance recitals. These dads are role models, providers, disciplinarians, and the best kind of goofy. They’re raising sons and daughters with intention. They are showing up for Black children —at home, at the school gate, and on the sidelines. They are the example.
Let’s call it what it is: a cultural shift. One where Black men are no longer seen through the narrow lens of absence but through the expansive, powerful truth of presence. Of fatherhood. Of pride.
Embracing the Spirit of Celebration
Whether it’s my own father – or Papa as he is now known – or anyone who’s crushing the daddy-ing game, I celebrate them with intention. From mastering the art of Sunday saltfish to knowing exactly how to soothe a colicky baby, these Black dads are more than present—they are everything.
So yes, Father’s Day is special. But so is every moment a dad shows up on a daily basis. It’s the little things that build a child’s sense of self—those quiet moments of just being there.
What Makes a Boss Dad?
To be a Boss Dad is to move through the world with the perfect mix of softness and strength. These are the men who don’t just father—they parent. They pour into their children. They talk, they teach, they listen, they play.
Boss Dads aren’t just in the house—they’re building it, emotionally and spiritually. They nurture Black children’s dreams, soothe scraped knees, and lead by example. These Black men understand that being a father isn’t a status symbol—it’s a daily commitment. They take responsibility. They lean in. And yes, they dance at family BBQs like nobody’s watching (and everybody’s recording).
The real story—the one we see and live—is about Black fathers who are present, consistent, and powerful in their love.
These are the dads I see all over my feed, and in real life. The good fathers who show up not just for their kids, but for their communities. They’re building legacy and shaping culture.
From trailblazing business leaders to thoughtful journalists, from artists to athletes—and of course, the everyday dads holding it down without a headline in sight—these men represent what Black fatherhood really looks like in the lives of Black children. And they deserve their flowers.
So here’s to a few of our favourite Boss Dads. Black fathers who lead with love and show up with purpose, both at home and in the world.
These folks show us how good Black fatherhood looks on a man.
Famous Black Father Figures in Canada Who We Love to Love
Brandon Hay
No celebration of Black fatherhood would be complete without mentioning Brandon Hay—the visionary behind The Black Daddies Club and the blueprint for what fatherhood advocacy can look like in our communities.
Brandon’s work challenges the tired narrative about Black dads and, more importantly, creates space. Space for Black men to connect, to reflect, and to sit in community without judgment. As a father of three, he leads with lived experience—hosting legendary Sunday dinners, sparking real conversations about Black masculinity and mental health, and showing up for black families in ways that matter.
He’s not just shifting the narrative—he’s rebuilding it, piece by piece. And whether you’re a dad yourself or just someone who believes in the power of presence, it’s hard not to admire the path he’s paving.
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, 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.
From red carpets to school runs, Tyrone Edwards brings style, warmth, and dad energy to every room. As a proud father of daughters, his posts are a celebration of Black fatherhood and proof that raising girls in this world with love, humour, and Black pride is revolutionary work. His daughters are the true stars of his life’s show.
Wes Hall
Wes Hall is known as Canada’s King of Bay Street, but his impact goes far beyond the boardroom. As the first Black Dragon on Dragon’s Den, the founder of the Black North Initiative, and now a bestselling author, he’s built a reputation for breaking barriers and bringing others along with him.
And while most people know him for his business moves, it’s his role as a father that adds a whole other layer to the story.
In No Bootstraps When You’re Barefoot, Wes shares how his journey—from growing up in Jamaica to leading in Canada—is shaped by the kind of dad he’s tried to be: present, proud, and purposeful.
From the outside, it looks like fatherhood – like business, for him, is about more than just being around—it’s about showing up in a way that sticks. Grounded, intentional, and full of heart—and we love to see it.
Dwight Drummond
Dwight Drummond has been a familiar face in Canadian households for decades. His interviews have been a steady presence – so much so that every time he appears on screen, it feels like a favourite uncle or cousin is stepping into my living room. He brings a calm confidence and thoughtful perspective to every broadcast.
From the outside looking in, it’s easy to imagine that the same qualities—warmth, relatability, and consistency—extend into his role as a father. Balancing the demands of public life with private responsibilities is no small feat,. But I feel like he would carry both with quiet strength.
He represents a kind of fatherhood that’s rooted in presence. A calm reliability, and showing up with integrity—on screen and, we can imagine, as a dad.
Casey Palmer
In the realm of Black fatherhood, Casey Palmer, known as , 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.
Known affectionately as Canadian Dad Casey Palmer has carved out a unique space in the online world—one that’s full of heart, humour, and hands-on dad energy. Through his blog – one of our Favourite Canadian Parenting Blogs — along with his social media, he’s offered up an honest, often hilarious look at what modern Black fatherhood can look like.
From what he shares, it’s clear he’s not just present—he’s plugged in. Whether he’s navigating food battles, tackling back-to-school prep, or deep in father-son bonding mode, his storytelling is grounded in love, patience, and a whole lot of play.
As an observer, what stands out is his consistency. His posts reflect a deep investment in the day-to-day of daddy-hood — not just the highlight reel. It’s a quiet kind of leadership, the kind that reminds us that showing up with intention matters.
Adrian Holmes
Okay, listen —I’m not entirely sure if Adrian Holmes is a dad in real life. But he earns an honourable mention for stepping into one of the most iconic fatherhood roles on TV: Uncle Phil.
As the Canadian actor portraying Philip Banks in the Bel-Air reboot, Holmes brings a whole new depth to our favourite TV dad—balancing power, protection, and that same steady, “I got you” energy we loved in the original. His performance gives us a version of Black fatherhood that’s layered, complex, and deeply human.
So while I can’t speak to his parenting off-screen, on-screen? He’s absolutely dad goals.
Honourable mentions
I tried to keep this list strictly Canadian—I really did. But there are a few Black dads doing their thing south of the border who deserve a shoutout. Whether they’re showing up with love, laughs, or full-on dance routines, these fathers are putting on a masterclass in what it means to parent with pride and presence. So here are a few honourable mentions I just couldn’t leave off the list.
Terrell and Jarius Joseph
I don’t know how I stumbled on Terrell and Jarius Joseph, but I’m so glad I did. These men 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.
This dynamic duo of Black dads are raising their kids with style, grace, and a whole lot of dancing. They’re redefining what parenting looks like for African American fathers—publicly and proudly.
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. More than an NBA legend, Dwayne Wade gives the ultimate blueprint of what it means to father with purpose. His unwavering support for his children, particularly his daughter Zaya, shows how daddy-hood can be a radical act of love and allyship.
Shifting the Conversation, Changing the Culture
Too often, society tells a one-sided story about Black fatherhood. We’re bombarded with statistics about single mothers, poverty, and absent fathers, while rarely talking about the real, joyful, and daily work of Black dads in their children’s lives.
But the messages are shifting. Because we are shifting them.
From birth to bedtime routines, from tough talks to TikTok trends, these dads are parenting with pride. They are re-writing what it means to be Black fathers living and loving on a daily basis.
We know that when Black fathers are supported, empowered, and celebrated, everyone benefits—especially our kids. Boys see what it means to be a strong and loving man. Girls know they are worthy of respect and support. And communities thrive when the myth of the absent father is replaced by the truth of the involved, joyful, present dad.
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 them show us what it means to be a boss dad.
At Parenting While Black, we uplift the stories that don’t get told nearly enough. So whether you’re shopping for a Father’s Day gift, cheering on a dad in your life, or simply taking a moment to reflect on what it means to be a good father—we’re here for it.
Because the presence of Black fathers in their children’s lives isn’t just powerful—it’s necessary. Their love is a powerful force, their commitment a daily act of resistance, and their impact immeasurable.
Check out our list of Unique Gifts for Black Fathers and make sure the Daddy, Uncles or Father-figures in your life feel celebrated—on Father’s Day, and every day after that.
