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Event Description

Black fathers have long been pillars of love, leadership, and resilience within their families and communities—often without the recognition they deserve. This event is a powerful gathering dedicated to honoring their legacy, amplifying their stories, and uplifting their impact.

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Through inspiring speakers, fatherhood tributes, impactful discussions, and community engagement, we will highlight the many ways that Black fathers strengthen homes and heal entire communities. This celebration will center the strengths of Black fathers and the many ways that they contribute to the well-being of their families.

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Join us as we connect and commit to building a future where Black fathers are fully seen, supported, and celebrated.

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Because when fathers thrive, families heal. And when families heal, communities rise.

Event Recommended Hotels

PLEASE NOTE: to allow for flexibility and affordability, there is no "official" hotel for the event. These are just a few recommendations for lodging based on proximity to the event venue. Please feel free to select any hotel that best suits your needs.

Driving Directions/Parking

​From I-285 SE

  • I-285SE to I-20 West
    I-75/85N to I-20 West
    I-20 West to Atlanta University Center/Lee Street Exit (Exit #55B).


At end of exit ramp (at stoplight), turn right onto Lee Street. Go one block to the first driveway on the right and turn in to the parking garage (by the Security Gate). After parking, take the elevator down to the ground level and sign in at the Security Desk in the Public Safety Office. Security will direct you to your destination.

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From I-285 SW

  • I-285SW to I-20 East
    I-20 East to Lowery Boulevard/Atlanta University Center/Lee Street Exit (Exit #55A&B).


Go to second red light at Lee Street. Turn left onto Lee Street and go through the red light to the first driveway on the right and turn into the parking garage (by the Security Gate). After parking, take the elevator down to the ground level and sign in at the Security Desk in the Public Safety Office. Security will direct you to your destination.

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Public Transportation

  • MSM is accessible by the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). The closest stop is the West End.

 

For more information about public transportation, visit MARTA at https://itsmarta.com/

Campus Map

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Schedule for Thursday, March 26, 2026 (8:00am-5:00pm)
"Celebrating the Contributions of Black Fathers to Family Well-Being" (Day 1)
Sponsored by: The Black Female Fatherhood Scholars Network

Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center 
720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

  • Coffee, Tea, and Water Served

  • Opening Prayer & Remarks--Bruce D. Edwards, Esq., Juvenile Family Magistrate, Maryland Judiciary

  • Introduction of Panelists--John Sterling, Fayette Pregnancy Resource Center

  • Panel Discussion: “Celebrating the Contributions of Black Fathers to Maternal and Child Health”

    • Moderator: John Sterling--Fayette Pregnancy Resource Center

    • Panelists: 

      • Kelly R. Little, The Urban Institute for Strengthening Families, Fathers Haven

      • Antoine Johnson, National Fatherhood Initiative

      • Kenn L. Harris, The Aspen Institute

      • Carl Route, Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere

      • Brandie Bentley, Ph.D., University of Michigan Medical School

  • "Protecting Black Families Through Birth Advocacy Part I," Kyra Betts-Patton, Washington University, St. Louis School of Public Health

  • Lunch Served (FREE for the first 50 People)

  • "Protecting Black Families Through Birth Advocacy Part II," Kyra Betts-Patton, Washington University, St. Louis School of Public Health

  • Closing Remarks--Brandie Bentley,Ph.D., University of Michigan Medical School

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ATTIRE: business AND/OR cultural chic. We welcome guests to wear attire that reflects professionalism AND/OR cultural pride — whether that’s a suit, dress, or traditional African or cultural garments that honor our heritage.

PLEASE NOTE: you will need to register yourself and each of your guests in Eventbrite. If you experience any trouble with registering, for assistance, please email admin@bffsn.com.

Registration is open from November 6, 2025-February 1, 2026. Please bring your Eventbrite tickets (by phone or on paper) with you to the event. Everyone in your party must have their own ticket.

**ALL EVENTS ACTIVITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

Schedule for Friday, March 27, 2026 (8:00am-8:00pm)
"Celebrating the Contributions of Black Fathers to Family Well-Being" (Day 2)
Sponsored by: The Black Female Fatherhood Scholars Network

Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

  • Continental/Buffet Breakfast (FREE for the first 64 people)

  • Opening Prayer--Mrs. Stacie Harden, BFFSN Chaplain; First Lady, Eber Memorial Baptist Church 

  • Welcome & Purpose of Occasion, Brianna P. Lemmons, Ph.D., Baylor University 

  • Introduction of Plenary Speaker, Matisa Wilbon, Ph.D., Wilbon Enterprises

  • Opening Plenary, Mr. Kenneth Braswell, Fathers Incorporated

  • Presentation of “The Strengths of Black Fathers: A Narrative Synthesis of the Literature, 1990-2025” and Announcement of Special Issue on the “Strengths of Black Fathers” with the Journal of Black Studies, Derrick Brooms, Morehouse College

  • Opening Remarks & Introduction of Panelists, Armon Perry, Ph.D, University of Louisville

    • Panel Discussion: “Celebrating the Contributions of Black Fathers to Healthy Co-Parenting Relationships”

    • Panelists:​

      • Cassandre Hudson, LCSW, Connection Haven Child & Family Therapy

      • Cassandra Bolar, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of West Georgia

      • Avis Files, Brothers & Sisters United

      • Kevin Lavender, Jr., MBA, The Fatherhood Network

      • Christina Grange, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Clayton State University 

  • Black Fatherhood and Family Well-Being Research Scholars Showcase

    • “Celebrating the Contributions of Black Fathers to Strengthening Homes and Healing Communities,” Coordinator: August Jenkins, Ph.D., Auburn University

  • Lunch Served

  • Luncheon: "Celebrating the Contributions of Pioneering Black Women to the Field of Fatherhood"

(***THIS PART OF THE EVENT REQUIRES PAYMENT. PLEASE SEE THE PAYMENT LINK AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS BELOW***)

  • Opening Remarks, Brianna Lemmons, Ph.D., MSW Baylor University

  • Presentation of the "Charles A. Ballard Fatherhood Legacy Award" to the Center for Urban Families (CFUF)

    • Video Presentation Highlighting the Work of CFUF

    • Presentation of Award, Mrs. Frances Ballard

    • Remarks from Joe Jones, Executive Director, CFUF

  • “Celebrating the Contributions of Pioneering Black Women to the Field of Fatherhood"

    • Recognition of Honorees, Wykinia Jones, Equity for Health Consulting

    • Panel Discussion with Honorees/Q & A, Moderator: Qiana Cryer-Coupet, Ph.D., Georgia State University

  • Closing Remarks, Latrice Rollins, Ph.D., MSW Morehouse School of Medicine

  • Benediction, Mrs. Stacie Harden, BFFSN Chaplain, First Lady, Eber Memorial Baptist Church

  • Southwest Dekalb High School Band Closeout, (TENTATIVE)

  • Social Hour & Door Prizes

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ATTIRE: business AND/OR cultural chic. We welcome guests to wear attire that reflects professionalism AND/OR cultural pride — whether that’s a suit, dress, or traditional African or cultural garments that honor our heritage.

PLEASE NOTE: you will need to register yourself and your guests for the event AND purchase tickets for yourself and your guests.

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PLEASE FOLLOW THE 2 STEP PROCESS BELOW.

 

Step 1: Please register yourself and each of your guests using Eventbrite at the link below (use the link that says: "Register for Day 2 Here")

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Step 2: If you would like to attend the luncheon and social hour, please pay for tickets for yourself and each of your guests below using the secure payment link (use the link that says: "Purchase Luncheon and Social Hour Ticket Here"). See the video below for assistance. You may use the QR code to pay for your tickets also. 

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We apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused by using 2 separate links for registration and payment. To avoid the processing fees attached (and increasing ticket costs to cover these fees) to using Eventbrite to collect payment, we have chosen to use a separate platform for payments only.

 

  If you experience any trouble with registering or payment, for assistance, please email admin@bffsn.com.

 

Registration is open from November 6, 2025-February 1, 2026. Please bring your Eventbrite tickets (by phone or on paper) and proof of payment with you to the event. Everyone in your party must have their own tickets.

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**ALL EVENT ACTIVITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

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Tutorial Video for Purchasing Tickets

Schedule for Saturday, March 28, 2026 (12:00pm-2:30pm)
"Annual Roosevelt Muhammad Leadership Summit" 
Sponsored by: Fathers Matter ATL

Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care Atrium

720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

  • Lunch Served (FREE)

  • Welcome

  • Purpose, Wykinia Jones

  • Fathers Matter ATL Leader Presentations, Latrice Rollins

    • Connecting Fathers, Carl Route

    • Reaching Fathers, Reginald Johnson

    • Improving Relationships, Chris White

    • Supporting Inner Healing, Gamel DeWese

    • Implementing Father-Friendly Policies, Sundjata Aya

    • Addressing Mass Incarceration, Lease Youmans

    • Reclaiming the Narrative, JL Adolph

  • Q & A/Discussion, Latrice Rollins

  • Introduction & Remarks by Mrs. Muhammad, Latrice Rollins

  • Presentation of Annual Roosevelt Muhammad Fatherhood Leadership Award, Ermine Muhammad

  • Acceptance of Award, TBD

  • Remarks from 2024 Awardee, Chris White 

  • Evaluation & Closing, Latrice Rollins 

  • Photos & Networking

Donate to the Event

Research shows that children with engaged fathers are more likely to succeed in school, have higher self-esteem, and avoid risky behaviors. Studies also confirm that Black fathers are among the most involved and nurturing of all demographic groups — yet their contributions remain vastly underrepresented and under-supported.

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Your donation can change that.

 

When you give to Celebrating the Contributions of Black Fathers to Family Well-Being, you’re doing more than funding an event — you are investing in the healing, dignity, and legacy of Black fathers.

 

Your donation helps to:

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  • Honor fathers who have shaped generations through love, guidance, and sacrifice

  • Provide free access for community fathers who otherwise could not attend

  • Amplify positive narratives that counter harmful stereotypes

  • Support resources that help to strengthen Black fathers

  • Invest in family strengthening efforts that research links to improved child and family well-being

 

By contributing, you are standing in solidarity with Black fathers who have long poured into their families and communities — often without recognition.

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