GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — A North Carolina organization is helping young Black fathers better their lives and the lives of their children.
Black Dad University, a coaching and training program, offers courses, webinars, and community for other dads.
The founder, Alfred Smith, is aiming to provide a steady lesson plan for parents.
“A lot of Black dads who love their children just never had a dad themselves," Smith says. "Either their dad was not there at all, absent, or who were present but what we call presentee, as in when you’re there but still not involved.”
The program is dedicated to teaching fathers like Earl Guidry parenting and life skills to become positive role models.
“By being a Black man in my household, I feel like I'm not only helping my kids out but also being an example for others," Guidry says.
In 2017, The Census Bureau reported more than one-quarter of children under age 18 live in a household with just a mother. For Black children, it's 56%.