I Am Dad

What the State of Kentucky and Appalachia is Teaching us about Fatherhood w/ David Cozart

For nearly three decades, David has been a father and family advocate, a community organizer, a minister, and an influential leader. He has successfully guided and grown a local direct service program for 11 years. Over time, he has coordinated multiple events, activities, and programs aimed at the acknowledgement, enhancement, appreciation, and promotion of the institution of fatherhood and raising awareness of the challenges related to father absence. This most notably includes the 2021-established Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families (CCFF), which is poised to enhance positive fatherhood engagement and programming across Kentucky and beyond. As Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of CCFF, David leads statewide efforts and beyond. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to the field and was most recently appointed to The National Fatherhood Initiative Board of Directors.
David is widely called upon for his work around fatherhood and its correlated issues, including educational performance, violence prevention and intervention, implicit bias, black male achievement, strengthening families and communities, child maltreatment reduction, and other related matters. His work and efforts have impacted policies, procedures, and practices and served thousands of fathers, children, and families. He is the recent recipient of the Governor's Annual Services Awards, receiving the honor of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dontaye Carter: Navigating the Beat of Fatherhood and Advocacy

A Husband and Father's Journey
Hey there, I'm Dontaye Carter. My story is one of love, family, and a quest to make the world a better place.
Eight years ago, I set out on an incredible journey, leaving behind Valdosta, Georgia, to follow my heart to Atlanta. My only mission was to marry the woman who had stolen my heart at a Valentine's Day party years earlier. At that time, I was working as a reporter in Valdosta, and she had just completed her residency, preparing for an interview with Women's Health Associates. 
Our love story began with a dance, and it's been a dance to our own beat ever since. When I asked her to dance, she hesitated, saying, "You don't understand, I have two left feet." But I replied, "I have two right feet. Let's see if we can find our own rhythm." And from that magical night, we've been finding our way together.
Karen got the job, we got married, and together, we've poured our hearts into building a loving home for our beautiful daughter in Atlanta.
I wear many hats - I'm a husband, a father, a business owner, an author, and an activist. But my greatest joy comes from being a husband and a father, cherishing every moment with my family.
As the Founder and Lead Communication Strategist at Carter Media Group (CMG), I've harnessed my professional skills to make a difference. My journey has taken me from small-town stories to big-time recognition in Public Relations and Communications. I'm proud to have given a voice to survivors and their families in high-profile cases, like R. Kelly and Ahmaud Arbery, earning three prestigious awards from the 26th Annual Communicators Awards.

Uncovering Nonresident Fatherhood: Dr. Shears & Dr. Wilbon Discuss Black Fathers in Fulton County

In the "I Am Dad" podcast, host Kenneth Braswell engages in a profound dialogue with Dr. Jeffery Shears and Dr. Matisa Wilbon about the "Dynamics of Atlanta Black Dads" report. They delve into the transformative role of Black fathers in Fulton County, challenging stereotypes and underscoring their indispensable role in family and community. Dr. Shears and Dr. Wilbon shed light on the internal and external challenges fathers face, emphasizing their capability and resourcefulness despite societal narratives that often overshadow their desire and efforts to be involved parents.
They highlight the necessity for community support and policy changes that address barriers such as legitimation policies and lack of social services, advocating for a holistic approach to fatherhood support. Personal reflections reveal the emotional depth and commitment of these fathers, with poignant acknowledgments of their own paternal relationships shaping their views. The conversation concludes with a call to action for more research and community engagement to better support Black fathers, with a hopeful look towards the initiatives planned for 2024.

From Dadvocacy to Daddying: Allan Shedlin is Advancing the Narratives of Fatherhood in Film

Allan Shedlin has devoted his life's work to improving the odds for children and families. He has three daughters, five grandchildren, as well as numerous "bonus" sons/daughters and grandchildren. Trained as an educator, Allan has alternated between classroom service, school leadership, parenting coaching, policy development, and advising at the local, state, and national levels. After eight years as an elementary school principal, Allan founded and headed the National Elementary School Center for 10 years. In the 1980s, he began writing about education and parenting for major news outlets and education trade publications, as well as appearing on radio and TV. In 2008, he was honored as a "Living Treasure" by Mothering Magazine and founded REEL Fathers in Santa Fe, NM, where he now serves as president emeritus. In 2017, he founded the DADvocacy Consulting Group.
In 2018, he launched the DADDY Wishes Fund and Daddy Appleseed Fund. In 2019, he co-created and began co-facilitating the Armor Down/Daddy Up! and Mommy Up! programs. He has conducted daddying workshops in such diverse settings as Native American pueblos, veterans groups, nursery schools, penitentiaries, Head Start centers, corporate boardrooms, and various elementary schools, signifying the widespread interest in men in becoming the best possible dad. In 2022, Allan founded and co-directed the Daddying Film Festival & Forum to enable students, dads, and other indie filmmakers to use film as a vehicle to communicate the importance of fathers or father figures in each others' lives.
Allan earned his elementary and high school diplomas from NYC’s Ethical Culture Schools, BA at Colgate University, MA at Columbia University’s Teachers College, and an ABD at Fordham University. But he considers his D-A-D and GRAND D-A-D the most important “degrees” of all.

Reframing Fatherhood Through Storytelling While Grieving of Loss of a Child w/ Jermaine Wong

In this inspiring episode of "I AM DAD," we welcome Jermaine Wong, a storyteller whose life and work transcend the boundaries of art and activism. An award-winning filmmaker and Artistic Director, Jermaine's passion lies in crafting narratives that celebrate and challenge the human spirit.
As a dedicated Learn To Live activist, he channels his personal journey of loss into empowering others, particularly through his work in conflict management. Hear Jermaine discuss the power of storytelling in shaping the identities of fathers and sons, and the importance of creative expression in overcoming adversity.
His multifaceted approach to healing and growth offers a unique perspective on fatherhood—a role he believes is central to fostering harmony and understanding in diverse communities. Tune in for a conversation full of heart, art, and transformative wisdom with Jermaine Wong on "I AM DAD.

Leading the Charge: Shawn Dove on Revolutionizing Black Male Achievement & Community Impact

Embark on a journey into the heart of fatherhood with Shawn Dove on the "I AM DAD" Podcast. Shawn, a titan in community-building and advocacy, shares his seasoned insights on nurturing leadership within ourselves and our children. As the founder of the Corporation for Black Male Achievement and a leading figure at New Profit, Shawn champions transformative change and highlights the critical role fathers play in society. In this episode, he unfolds the layers of his leadership mission mantra, discussing the powerful intersection of personal legacy and community impact. Listen in as Shawn Dove articulates a vision where fathers are the vanguard of change, curating a brighter future for Black men and boys. This is a conversation that ignites the spirit and calls all dads to rise as the iconic leaders they are meant to be.

Daddies and Daughters: Dr. David Miller on Crafting the Future of Black Fatherhood

Join us on the "I AM DAD" Podcast for an enriching dialogue with Dr. David C. Miller, a visionary at the vanguard of redefining Black fatherhood. Dr. Miller merges academic expertise with real-world experience to empower generations through literature and life lessons. His poignant children's books offer vibrant portraits of Black fathers, filling a crucial gap in contemporary storytelling and providing rich cultural narratives for young minds.
In this episode, we delve into Dr. Miller's groundbreaking "Dare To Be King" curriculum, designed to inspire young Black males to lead lives marked by thoughtful decision-making and emotional resilience. As a strategist with Fathers Incorporated, Dr. Miller's voice is a clarion call for fathers to embrace their role with courage and authenticity.
Tune in to uncover the transformative potential of fatherhood as Dr. Miller shares strategies for nurturing strong, compassionate, and engaged fathers for today's challenging world. This is an episode for anyone invested in the heart and soul of parenting.

Voices of Resilience: Unveiling the Strength in Fragile Families with Dr. Ronald L. Mincy

In this episode of the I Am Dad podcast, host Kenneth Braswell interviews Dr. Ronald L. Mincy, a professor of social policy and social work practice at Columbia University. Dr. Mincy discusses his journey into the field of fatherhood research and his work on the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the challenges faced by low-income fathers, particularly black men, and the impact on their children. Dr. Mincy also highlights the need for more resources and funding in the field of fatherhood research and practice, as well as the importance of integrating community-based practice with research. He concludes by expressing his hope for the field to become more institutionalized and for more collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

Dawning Horizons: Embracing the Journey into 2024 with Fathers Incorporated

As a new year dawns, it brings with it a horizon of hope and a path of potential. The New Year is our canvas to paint with courage, growth, and deeper connections in our journey of fatherhood. I invite you to join me for an inspiring New Year's message on the 'I Am Dad Podcast'

Guiding Fathers to Success: Tracy Braswell’s Visionary Approach at Fathers Incorporated

Join us on a profound journey with Tracy Braswell, the seasoned Chief Operating Officer at Fathers Incorporated, as we delve into the transformative world of fatherhood and financial literacy. In this podcast series, Tracy unveils her inspiring story of overcoming adversity and harnessing her financial expertise to empower fathers and strengthen families. Discover how Tracy's strategic vision and innovative approach have revolutionized the organization, driving unprecedented growth and setting new standards in the industry. Each episode is a mosaic of wisdom, packed with actionable insights on parenting, financial management, and personal development.
Tracy's commitment to excellence and integrity shines through as she shares invaluable lessons on breaking generational cycles and fostering responsible fatherhood. Whether you're a new dad seeking guidance, a seasoned parent looking to connect deeper with your children, or simply interested in financial empowerment, this podcast is your gateway to a wealth of knowledge.
Tune in to be motivated, educated, and uplifted as we explore the keys to a fulfilling and prosperous life as a parent. Embrace the challenge of fatherhood with the expertise and passion of Tracy Braswell guiding you every step of the way.