Black Daddies Club hosts Family Hike and Health Day

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been 16 years now that the Black Daddies Club (BDC) has been at the forefront of providing culturally appropriate programming to Black families of all variations. It is constantly thinking of creative ways to build solidarity, unity and promote community. It was founded by Brandon Hay who has been co-creating spaces for Black men. The Family Hike and Health Day was held on Sunday, August 27^th, and it marked the culmination of summer hikes for Black and racialized families which provided opportunities for them to spend time as a family in nature, foster well-being and take up/reclaim green spaces.

BDC’s mandate/guiding principles are:

• Develop a continuous support system for Black men and fathers to share their challenges and/or experiences.
• Work with Black fathers and the community at large to address issues facing Black fathers, children, and families.
• Work with the media to provide alternate images of Black fathers and assist in the creation of our own media that depicts Black fathers in a positive light.

This special day witnessed the participation of several members of the Black community. The overall aim was stated as, “A way for Black and racialized families, as well as allies, to take part in a day filled with various nature and healing modalities focusing on Black families.” The utilization of Evergreen Brick Works was a fitting location for: this day of appreciation of nature, expression of Black joy and interaction with diverse individuals.

The day commenced when the participants met at Tiffany Commons at the Evergreen Brick Works. Brandon invited the attendees to participate in a welcome circle. Traimaine Cato engaged in various exercise activities prior to the nature hike. I spoke to her. and she told me that she teaches at Oxygen Yoga and Fitness in Durham region. She offers meditation on an app called Insight Timer. You can follow her on Instagram @yogawithtramaine.

After an introduction by the Evergreen Brick Work team, the participants started the nature hike. After the hike, there was a period of cool down and stretches by Traimaine for about an hour after which a sumptuous and delicious lunch was provided to the participants.

Being exposed to various nature and healing modalities that catered to the diversities of Black families where families enjoyed: yoga activities, children participated in nature play activities, and Black parents engaged in circle discussions was truly empowering. At the conclusion of the event, registered participants received BDC T-shirts and completed a feedback survey.

On Saturday, November 25^th, 2023, BDC will be celebrating its 16th year anniversary with a panel discussion entitled “Finding a Partner after 40: A Conversation amongst Black Folks.” The event is open to Black men from North America and seeks to elicit information from them regarding their experiences dating in heterosexual and queer communities. Black therapists will be present to speak on the challenges that Black individuals encounter in their search of love and partnership after the age of 40.

Anyone interested in learning about upcoming Black Daddies Club’s programs check: Website:www.theblackdaddiesclub.com