For generations, harmful stereotypes have painted Black fathers as absent or disconnected from their children’s lives. Ahead of Father’s Day, Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott is challenging that narrative in the most visible way possible: by organising the city’s first Father’s Stroller Walk.
The 42-year-old mayor and father of three has frequently spoken about how fatherhood changed his life. Alongside his wife Hana Pugh and their children Ceron, Charm and Camden, Mayor Scott is modelling the engaged parenting he wants to see across his city.
“Black fathers despite the rumours are more involved with their kids than their counterparts,” Mayor Scott told theGrio. “Black Baltimore fathers have another level of fatherhood swag, and this event is a place for us to display that and fellowship with each other.” His claims are backed by data.
A 2013 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Black fathers who live with their children are the most likely of any racial group to bathe, dress, feed and help with homework on a daily basis.
The Father’s Stroller Walk, scheduled for June 18th and announced via an Instagram video showing Mayor Scott pushing a pushchair alongside Baltimore City Councilman Paris Gray, is a call to action.
“Fathers, this is our opportunity and our chance to step up,” Mayor Scott says in the announcement. “We are here to show out and show up.” Councilman Gray described fatherhood as one of the greatest honours and privileges of his life, noting that “the big moments are built from the small ones nobody sees.”
By creating public space for Black fathers to gather with their young children, Mayor Scott is offering a different image – one centred on presence, love and joy. The event invites all dads, uncles, grandfathers and father figures to bring their pushchairs, their children and their favourite snacks for a celebration of Black fatherhood at its most authentic and involved.
