By Doug D. Sims
Photos by Vaughn Stevens II
On Friday, June 13th, the Boston Soul Café in Grand Rapids was filled with warmth, wisdom, and the unmistakable energy of brotherhood. In celebration of Father’s Day, the local organization Every Kid Deserves a Dope Father (EKDADF) hosted its fifth annual Father’s Day Dinner and Workshop—a free community event designed to uplift, connect, and equip fathers from across West Michigan.
More than just a meal, this event served as a powerful reminder of the critical role fathers play in shaping the lives of their children and communities. Founded by William Braylock, EKDADF is a movement that helps men embrace fatherhood with confidence and compassion. With a mission to build stronger families by developing dope dads, the organization offers support systems, resources, and real-talk conversations that encourage personal growth.
The theme for the evening, “Unearthing Your Dopeness,” reflected a deeper call to action—inviting fathers to dig into their potential and purpose. The night kicked off with a vibrant networking hour where attendees shared stories, laughs, and handshakes that felt more like reunions than introductions. Fathers from different walks of life came together with one shared goal: to grow.
Following the meet-and-greet, the program opened with a powerful segment titled “How Are the Children?”—a question rooted in African traditions that challenges communities to measure their wellness by the well-being of their youth. The question set the tone for the evening: fatherhood isn’t just about presence—it’s about purpose.
Dinner, catered by local favorite Sumna Eat, was both soulful and satisfying, adding flavor to an evening already rich with connection. As plates were cleared, minds were fed with insight from a lineup of impactful speakers:
- Darryl Jackson spoke from the heart on “Unearthing Your Dopeness in Fatherhood,” encouraging men to embrace their individuality and emotional intelligence.
- Cory Ward brought the heat with a candid conversation on “Accountability,” challenging fathers to show up consistently for their children—and themselves.
- Hughmartin Robinson II closed the speaker series with a deeply moving session on “Navigating Parenting with a Justice-Involved Child,” offering guidance and grace for fathers walking difficult paths.
By the end of the night, new friendships had formed, phone numbers were exchanged, and plans were already being made for future gatherings. What started as a dinner became a movement—another step forward in the mission to ensure every child has a father who shows up, not just as a parent, but as a man constantly evolving.
In a world that often overlooks the emotional lives of men, EKDADF created a space that was honest, healing, and whole. And as the night wrapped up under the glow of café lights, one thing was clear—these fathers aren’t just raising kids. They’re raising the bar.
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