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In our culture, there are unsung heroes among us. Their capes are disguised as everyday attire, their superpowers emanate from love, dedication, and unwavering commitment. These heroes, often overlooked by mainstream narratives, are the modern Black dads — pillars of strength and compassion who redefine what it means to be a superhero.

Picture a bustling Walmart on a Saturday afternoon. Shopping carts weave through aisles, children giggle with excitement, and families gather to stock up on necessities. Amidst this vibrant scene, one can easily spot a modern Black dad, happily navigating the aisles with his family.

Despite what the media tells us, we have all seen this visual. Black fathers are present. They’re forming cohorts and meet-up groups like The Dad Gang or Donuts with Dads. And given superhero status through a project that we are excited about, the upcoming short film “The League of Black & Unlimited Dads,” created in partnership with Walmart and producer/director Carl Jones, and premiering at the American Black Film Festival 2024.   

Statistics tell the true story of the Black father’s impact. According to recent studies, Black fathers are highly involved in their children’s lives. “Seventy percent of Black fathers who live with their children were most likely to have bathed, dressed, changed or helped their child with the toilet every day, compared with their White (60%) or Hispanic (45%) counterparts,” CBS News reports, citing the CDC. 

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Moreover, research indicates that Black fathers are more likely to engage in activities that promote positive child outcomes, such as reading to their children, attending school events, and providing emotional support.

But beyond the numbers lies a narrative of resilience and empowerment. Modern Black dads defy stereotypes and misconceptions, rewriting the script handed to them by society. They shatter the myth of absentee fatherhood, standing tall in their families’ lives.

Consider the story of Black Love Co-Founder Tommy Oliver, who is a present and loving father to three sons he shares with wife and Black Love Co-Founder Codie Elaine Oliver. In the midst of his busy career as a multi-hyphenate filmmaker, producer and financier, Tommy creates the time to pour into his three sons. 

In the journey of fatherhood, modern Black dads embody the resilience and determination of superheroes. They navigate the complexities of parenthood with grace and humility, confronting adversity with unwavering resolve. They are the unsung heroes who walk among us, their superpowers hidden in acts of love, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. Don’t believe us? Just ask this group of dads who formed an organization to lessen gun violence at their kids’ Shreveport, Louisiana, school. 

So, the next time you stroll through the aisles of Walmart or any other store, take a moment to acknowledge the Black dads who grace our communities with their presence. Celebrate their strength, honor their sacrifices, and recognize them as the everyday superheroes they truly are. For in their stories lies a powerful message of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of love.

Beginning on Thursday, June 13, Walmart’s short film “The League of Black & Unlimited Dads” can be found at Walmart.com/BlackandUnlimited. This film will also premiere at the 2024 American Black Film Festival on Saturday, June 15.