Dope Black Dads: dispelling myths and biases about Black

A group that began as 23 Black fathers from London on WhatsApp is now a worldwide digital space where 40,000 men discuss being Black and a parent

Dope Black Dads was formed by Marvyn Harrison on Father’s Day 2018, initially as a WhatsApp group of 23 Black fathers he knew in London. It has since developed as a digital safe space for some 40,000 fathers from the international community to discuss their experiences of being Black, being a parent and masculinity in the modern world.

The group brings together men who are navigating fatherhood, societal pressures and the age-old stereotype of the absent Black father. Far too often societal biases perpetuate the myth of absent or disengaged Black fathers. The photographer sees this portrait series as an opportunity to uplift the ideology of Black men, especially in their role as fathers. The work is a celebration of joy, pride and love, and a tribute to the strength, resilience and beauty of Black families, amplifying their voices and contributing to a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of Black fatherhood.