In 2020, we conducted our first Father of the Year Award exclusively for ‘deserving fathers’ residing in the city of Washington DC (District). In spite of impact of COVID -19, mandated mask wearing and social distancing, we were able to complete the nomination process, make the award, and hold a private ceremony, outdoors, in a public park with the awardee, his family, and a few of his friends. The time and conditions under which that award was held make it our most daring and memorable, to date.
Now, after identifying and acknowledging ‘deserving fathers’ in the city of Baltimore (2021), Prince George’s Cunty (2022), the seven cities of Hampton Roads, VA (2023), and the recent but abandoned attempt in Columbus OH, we are returning to the District and its surrounding communities in Maryland and Northern Virginia (DMV) to conduct the 2024 Father of the Year Award Program.
Given some the issues confronting the health, safety, security, and wellbeing of our families and communities, the need for ‘responsible’ men, fathers, and likeminded role models to step up and become a viable part of the solution is more apparent now than ever.
The 2024 award will seek to identify and acknowledge ‘deserving fathers’ in the DMV who changed the lives of their families and communities for the better; fathers whose challenges and triumphs are manifested in their life experience and personal journey, beyond their profession and career achievements – fathers who took risks and achieved what is needed to change the lives of those around them; and fathers whose leadership has had a positive impact on a wide range of people’s lives.
To be considered for the award, a ‘deserving father’ must be nominated by a family member or other interested party by completing and submitting the required nomination form. The form can be obtained from this page by moving your mouse over the words Nomination Form or go to the “Forms” page on this website and scroll down to the Father of the Year Nomination Form. The Form will be available for completion beginning February through March 2024.
For additional information about the Father of the Year Award Program 2024, go to Events – FATHERS INCORPORATED.
Helping Fathers serve as Role Models to their Children and Family, and Positive Viable Assets to Their Communities.
Nothing is more important than the love of family; not money, silver, or gold – no material thing made is its substitute. In today’s world of uncertainty, turmoil, mayhem, and perplexity it’s imperative that the love of family take its place at the top of our priority list and in the center of our hearts.
That’s why it is extremely important that all communities find ways to strengthen and support the love of family and encourage men who are in many ways the progenitors of family, to be positive viable role models to their children, providers and protectors of their family, and responsible respected members of their community.
From the very beginning of human existence, people have found ways to come together to enjoy the benefits of emotional, physical, economic, and shared support. There may be no relationship where you can enjoy those benefits more then with members of your family. It is through family that we learn the generosities of the spirits of tolerance, accommodation, forgiveness, and trust. Through family we learn to love ourselves and others; to help another in need; find meaning in our life and give purpose and support to the lives of others; and feel the value of being part of something beyond ourselves.
Over the years the concept of family has evolved as a result of family separations, divorce, cohabitation and the choice to not have children – the traditional two-parent family has seriously declined and families have gotten smaller as a result of the growth of single-parent households. But, the importance of family to the well-being of children cannot be stressed enough. From birth, children depend on parents and family for protection and their needs. Their mere existence and ability to live meaningful and prosperous lives depends of their mother and father, family, and the benevolence of those in the communities in which they are nurtured.
However, family is not just important to the growth and development of children, it is also important to the well being of fathers and mothers and extended family, like grandparents and long-term friends and acquaintances that find themselves welcomed, comforted and loved in a family without any biological relationship.
For all those who understand the importance of family and are actively seeking to encourage and sustain it, please know that it is a responsibility and calling from the highest authority and for that reason you deserve the utmost regard and consideration.
FATHERS INCORPORATED PROGRAM GOALS
Conduct the “Father of the Year Award” in urban communities throughout the USA.
Implement and conduct a “Returning Citizen Program” to assist formally incarcerated nonviolent fathers in their desire to reconnect with their children, families, and communities and live viable and productive lives.
Conduct an Intergenerational Program that bring the elderly and youth together for the common good.
Conduct a Scholarship Program that encourages males to become nurses to address the nursing crisis that’s impacting the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable communities.