BARBERSHOP TALK SERIES
Challenging the Narrative of Harmful Myths about the “Absent Black Father”:
📍 Location: 844 St. Mary’s Rd. Swish Barbershop
🕒 Time: ⏰ 2-Hour Conversation – 5p to 7p (CT) / 6p to 8p (EST / ONLINE ONLY VIA ZOOM)
FREE BBQ – ⏰ 7p to 9p
Free Haircuts
Free Food
Free Giveaways
The negative stereotype of the “absent Black father” has long overshadowed the real dynamics within Black families and communities. In truth, many Black fathers are present, nurturing, and deeply invested in their children’s lives. Yet, systemic barriers such as mass incarceration, economic disenfranchisement, and racial profiling have contributed to physical separations that are too often misread as emotional and physical abandonment of their children. The narrative of the “absent Black father” distracts from the structural issues affecting Black families and ignores the resilience, care, and influence many Black men do provide, even from a distance.
So, what can be done to change the narrative about Black men and fatherhood?
On July 13, 2025, the Barbershop Talks Series: Black Men & Misconceptions (BST) will host a two-hour event designed to give Black men and boys a space to openly explore what it means to lead positive lives as fathers to Black young boys. This community-centred gathering works to demystify the idea that Black men are unwilling to present for their children. As usual, BST encourages “uncomfortable to get comfortable” necessary dialogue that leads to educating, empowerment, and change.
Through these conversations, we move closer to dismantling harmful myths about the “absent Black father,” where Black men and boys are supported, not just in surviving, but in thriving.
Special guests will include CFL Blue Bomber linebacker Jonathan Jones and Ade Opanubi, founder and owner of Temini clothing company. Please note that the Barbershop Talk holds space for all our guests to be vulnerable and discuss and share their lived experiences. In doing so, BST commits to not exploiting our guests.
🎯 Who Should Attend: Black men, boys, fathers, mentors, and allies (ALL ARE WELCOMED)
💬 Format: Open dialogue, storytelling, insights about fatherhood, and resource sharing
🎯 FREE Event | FREE BBQ Provided | All Are Welcome
Join us for a powerful conversation designed to:
✔ Challenge the myth of the “absent Black father”
✔ Empower Black men and boys with knowledge of sexual health and parenting
✔ Create a safe space to talk openly about Black manhood and legacy
Why This Matters:
Too often, Black fathers are presumed not to be present in the lives of their children, which is based on negative stereotypes that have been normalized in mainstream society. We’re changing that with this conversation.
Let’s Get Uncomfortable—to Get Healthy. Together.