A group of black fathers has launched the website and podcast Dope Black Dads, aimed at “changing narratives of black fathers.” In the short BBC film that you are presented with on the website’s home page, young black fathers discuss the stereotypes of black fathers that the site hopes to challenge, such as that they are “angry”, “aggressive”, and “absent”.
Over 27 episodes so far, the podcast has covered subjects such as “Raising kids while black”; “Is knife crime the fault of absent fathers?”; and “Fear of white women.” The podcast is available on platforms such as Spotify and Anchor, and once a month the team invites black fathers from all around the UK to an MGM (Monthly General Meeting) to share their experiences.
Dope Black Dads was established earlier this year by Marvin Harrison – an advertising executive from London – following the success of the WhatsApp group he set up in 2018. Possibly because of his professional background, the branding is strong, and since the site and the podcast have no external funding, there is an online shop selling T-shirts for men women and children with the logo on, and prices ranging from £12 to £40. Alternatively you can support the cause by donating via a link on the website.