Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP) hosts an initiative called Fathers in Tech for single fathers in Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Va. The program hosts several outings to foster ties between fathers and their children. (Photo Courtesy of Everette Mitchell)

By Kendra Bryant
AFRO Intern

Community-based programs within Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) are connecting Black single fathers to provide fellowship and guidance as they navigate parenthood.

“Through our bi-weekly mentorship gatherings, school-based programming and community support networks, we have helped hundreds of fathers re-engage meaningfully in their children’s lives,” said Markus Trent, executive director of Fathers Fighting 4 Fathers (FF4F). 

FF4F launched in 2022 and is in partnership with 31 Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS), including Calvin M. Rodwell Elementary/Middle, James McHenry Elementary/Middle and Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW). 

Everette Mitchell (right) and his daughter, Amauri R. Mitchell share quality time both inside and outside of the Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP). (Photo Courtesy of Everette Mitchell)

Trent’s inspiration to start the nonprofit stems from his own life experiences with the raising of his daughter, facing many obstacles despite being educated, and the lack of connection with the school system. He began hosting breakfasts and the Fatherhood Parent Teacher Association (PTA). 

“Many of the single fathers believed that they weren’t welcome into their children’s schools. It’s a common misconception that dads don’t get involved in their children’s education, but this is not necessarily the 1940s or ‘50s anymore, where dads were just particularly playing one little role,” said Trent. “In the program, we encourage fathers to introduce themselves to their children’s teachers and get to know their social workers.”

Having single fathers present in their children’s schooling has allowed many positive changes to occur. 

Everette Mitchell (right) and his son, Brandon J. Quattlebaum have overcome several trials since Mitchell earned full custody. Quattlebaum is now a father and a graduate of the Father in Tech program. (Photo Courtesy of Everette Mitchell)

“The fathers feel empowered, but the children feel a sense of pride when their fathers are there for breakfast or reading to them in the classroom,” said Trent. “We have letters of reference from over seven schools over the last two years showing how attendance has improved with the fathers being involved.”

Hazman Tarrant, a disabled veteran and single father of two children, is also a member of FF4F. The program has helped him overcome his challenges with parenting. 

“There were times when I was just frustrated–not so much at my children, but [at] the situation of me raising them by myself,” said Tarrant. “I viewed it as such a negative, but the program allowed me to view it as a positive.”

Many Black single fathers find themselves hesitant to work with the court systems because of the history of unequal treatment. 

Fathers Fighting 4 Fathers (FF4F), in partnership with 31 Baltimore City Public Schools sites, hosts a tour of the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum for fathers and children from the Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys. (Photo Courtesy of Markus Trent)

“Walking into the court system as a young Black man to take a paternity test felt like I was being criminalized,” said Everette Mitchell, a single father and programs manager of Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP). “But I faced it head-on.” 

“There’s no secret that the family court systems contribute to the emotional strain that single fathers go through,” said Trent. “The court often looks down on Black fathers with questions like, ‘Oh, you’re the custodial father or guardian?’”

CYEP provides career coaching, peer support and guidance to single fathers through programs like Fathers in Tech. They recognize that fatherhood involves emotional and financial responsibility. 

Fathers being present in their children’s schools gives them a sense of pride. Fathers Fighting 4 Fathers hosts breakfasts and Fatherhood PTAs to help single fathers, like Mr. Brooks, who is seen here with his son, feel more welcomed into schools. (Photo Courtesy of Markus Trent)

According to The Annie E. Casey Foundation, cus­to­di­al fathers were less like­ly to be unem­ployed, 9 percent ver­sus 22 percent for cus­to­di­al mothers.

“One father recently came into the program, having been released from incarceration, and is struggling to find steady employment,” said Mitchell. “After joining, he secured a job in the tech field and is not only financially stable, but he’s emotionally present.” 

As a young single father, Mitchell also experienced how financial struggles could impact parenting.

“The judge calculated my payments based on recent overtime wages I had earned, which gave an inaccurate picture of my income. At the time, I was working part-time at a local grocery store, and it was clear that I couldn’t support myself and my child on that salary,” said Mitchell. “I tried to explain to the judge that I had an opportunity to go to college and play football on scholarship. His response? ‘Don’t think about college. Get a job at McDonald’s.’”                   

Despite the challenges they face, many single fathers in these programs remain committed to being present and involved in their children’s lives.

“You can aspire to be a doctor, a lawyer, all of those things are great,” said Tarrant. “But the one thing that we should really push more is wanting to be a good parent.”

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