June 15th 2025.
Meet Ryan Jor El, a wardrobe consultant, author, speaker, and event host from Charlotte. In 2017, he founded Black Fathers Rock!, an organization inspired by Black Girls Rock!, with the mission to challenge negative stereotypes about Black fathers and provide them with the support and resources they need to empower their families. As Father's Day approaches, the organization continues to strive for a future where Black fathers are celebrated, regardless of their job or social status.
On June 14, the organization will hold its annual awards ceremony, as reported by WCNC. This year, the ceremony will be held at the newly opened Event Masterz, where Black fathers will be recognized and awarded in different categories such as Father of the Year, Activist of the Year, Dapper Dad of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Comeback Father of the Year. After accepting their awards, honorees will also have the opportunity to connect with some of Charlotte's most accomplished individuals.
Ryan Jor El shared with the outlet that at the core of Black Fathers Rock! is the idea of reshaping the narratives surrounding Black fathers. He believes in celebrating the achievements of Black men in their communities and homes, in order to combat the harmful stereotypes that have been perpetuated. He stated, "Not all of us are absent, not all of us are in jail." He also emphasized the importance of recognizing unmarried fathers who are doing an exceptional job in raising their children, in order to break any negative stereotypes.
As reported by The Charlotte Post, Black Fathers Rock! was initially conceived as an awards show. However, after three months of its debut, Jor El, who grew up without a father, saw the potential for a larger impact within the Charlotte community and transformed it into a nonprofit organization.
Although the name of the organization is Black Fathers Rock!, similar to how the Black community celebrates non-biological mothers, the fathers that Jor El's organization aims to honor do not necessarily have to be biological fathers. He explained, "I typically say that the things you lacked in your childhood, you tend to overcompensate for in your adulthood." He added, "Now, I went from having an absentee father to being an active, present father and honoring active and present fathers. It's truly amazing to hear stories and see people wearing our organization's merchandise in different countries. This movement has truly touched many people's lives."
One of the stories that stand out is that of Desmond Wiggan, who won the Father of the Year award in 2025. Wiggan shared with the outlet that the pandemic made him realize the importance of giving his children more grace as they all navigated through uncharted territories. He also acknowledged the role of technology in connecting families during this time. He stated, "My son went six weeks without seeing or touching his grandparents. They weren't there to support us and build relationships with my children." He believes that as fathers, it's crucial to mold and nourish their children's minds and emotions, while also showing them grace and having open communication.
Ricky Singh, an artist and the executive director of My Brother's Keeper Charlotte, who won the Activist Father of the Year award in 2024, shares Wiggan's perspective on communication and connection with children. He believes that finding moments of joy and laughter, even in the smallest things, is essential in fatherhood. He stated, "Fatherhood is more than just providing for your family. It's about creating experiences and cherishing them, because even as your children grow up, the father-child relationship evolves but never ends."
In conclusion, Black Fathers Rock! is making a positive impact in the community by celebrating and honoring Black fathers and breaking harmful stereotypes. Their work is a reminder that fatherhood is a lifelong journey filled with love, communication, and growth. As we celebrate Father's Day, let's also recognize and appreciate the important role Black fathers play in their families and society.
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