Evidence Based for Cultural Competency

When we speak about being a "culturally competent" program for black fathers, we are strictly speaking about the "black experience or the "African American" experience of our people, which encompasses our African roots and our American experience, put historically and collectively. We realize and understand that we have a culture that is within our very nature, that is innate and part of our being, regardless of our American experiences. Every person has a culture and they learn their culture from their community and how to be in this society. We are the only people in America who suffer from a lack of self-knowledge.  We have adopted a culture that is not ours and does not blend with our cultural history, nor does it work with our ability to be ourselves. Culture is everything one is or will become!   

1. Shared Beliefs and Values: Culture often involves a common set of beliefs, values, and principles that guide the behavior and decision-making of its members, but we misunderstand each other and destroy each other through violence.
2. Language: Language is a fundamental element of culture, as it serves as a means of communication and a carrier of cultural heritage and identity, but we lost our identity in America and we have allowed others to define us. 
3. Traditions and Rituals: Cultures have unique traditions, rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations that are passed down through generations and reflect the group's history and identity, but we only pass down bad memories of our suffering and will not speak about our tribes.
4. Social Norms: Cultural norms dictate acceptable and expected behaviors within a given society, covering areas such as social interactions, etiquette, and gender roles, but we have adopted a social interaction that threatens our own families and destroys our future and our children and we don't value each other or our black woman.
5. Symbols and Artifacts: Cultures often have specific symbols, artifacts, clothing, and iconography that hold cultural significance and convey meaning or identity, but we have come accustomed to pleading allegiance to the American way, which has been destroying us and we have lost the true meanings of our artifacts that tell us who we are. 
6. Cuisine: Food and culinary traditions are integral to the culture and can provide insights into the history, geography, and values of a particular group, but we eat anything and we do not understand why we eat everything.
7. Worldview: Culture shapes the way people perceive and interpret the world, including their beliefs about the nature of reality, morality, and the human condition, but all we think about is how good others are doing in the world and how bad the world looks at us as a people because we are lost and nobody recognizes us and we can't recognize ourselves either. 
8. Social Structure: Culture influences the organization of society, including family structures, social hierarchies, and systems of governance, but our social structures have been created for us, like the acceptance of single-parent families, and we ignore the fact that we cannot function properly under the current social conditions and that it has destroyed our family lifestyle and black people in America. 
9. Arts and Expressive Forms: Cultural expression through art, music, literature, dance, and other creative forms reflect the cultural identity and aesthetics of a group, but we allow ourselves to be exploited, in other words, taken advantage of, so we down each other to please others. We hate to support each other under the American culture that we have adopted.
10. Adaptation and Change: Cultures are dynamic and can evolve over time through interactions with other cultures, technological advancements, and changing societal conditions, we are able to adapt, but we have not accepted ourselves as one.

Certainly, here are some research sources that delve deeper into evidence-based culturally competent fatherhood program approaches:

1. "Culturally Competent Fatherhood Programming: Lessons from the Field" - This research paper by Jeffery Shears and Darrell Spence examines the importance of cultural competence in fatherhood programs and provides insights from successful program implementations.
2. "Cultural Competence in Child Welfare: What is it? How Do We Achieve it?" - A research report by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) that discusses the significance of cultural competence in child welfare, which includes fatherhood programs.
3. "Engaging Fathers in Child Welfare Services: A Review of Factors and Strategies Across Ecological Systems" - This research article by Anna Soli et al. explores strategies for engaging fathers from diverse cultural backgrounds in child welfare services.
4. "Promoting Cultural Competence and Cultural Respect in Programs Serving Children, Youth, and Families" - This report from the Child Welfare Information Gateway provides an overview of the principles and strategies for promoting cultural competence in child and family services, including fatherhood programs.
5. "Cultural Competence in Social Work with Diverse Populations" - A book by Karen K. Kirst-Ashman and Grafton H. Hull Jr. that provides an in-depth exploration of cultural competence in social work, which can be applied to fatherhood programs.
6. "Engaging African American Men and Their Families in Early Childhood Programs" - A research brief from the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) that discusses strategies for culturally competent engagement of African American fathers in early childhood programs.
7. "Father Involvement in Early Childhood Programs: A Comprehensive Literature Review" - A comprehensive literature review by the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network (FRPN) that includes insights into culturally competent approaches to engaging fathers.
8. "Engaging Latino Fathers in Children's Literacy Development" - A research study by Lina Guzman and Maria Cristina T. Morales that explores strategies for engaging Latino fathers in literacy development programs with a focus on cultural competence.
9. "The Impact of Fatherhood on African American Adolescents’ Participation in Family Life" - This research article by Allen Barton and Robert L. Coard examines the role of African American fathers in the lives of their adolescent children and highlights the importance of culturally competent approaches.
10. "Cultural Competence in Fatherhood Programs: A Theoretical Framework" - A scholarly article by Armon R. Perry and Mallory Black that presents a theoretical framework for integrating cultural competence into fatherhood programs.

These research sources can provide a solid foundation for understanding and implementing evidence-based culturally competent fatherhood program approaches, taking into account diverse cultural contexts and populations.

Certainly, here is a list of promising practices for culturally competent fatherhood programs:

1. Cultural Sensitivity Training: Providing program staff with cultural sensitivity training to better understand and respect the cultural backgrounds and traditions of the fathers they serve.
2. Culturally Tailored Curriculum: Developing a program curriculum that incorporates elements of the participants' cultural heritage, values, and traditions to make it more relatable and engaging.
3. Cultural Liaisons: Employing cultural liaisons or community leaders from diverse backgrounds who can bridge cultural gaps and facilitate communication between the program and the fathers.
4. Language Access: Offering program materials, resources, and facilitators who are proficient in the native languages of the participants to ensure effective communication.
5. Flexible Scheduling: Providing flexible program schedules that accommodate the cultural and work-related obligations of the fathers, taking into account different cultural norms and time preferences.
6. Community Engagement: Collaborating with community organizations and leaders to build trust and credibility within the targeted cultural communities and encourage father participation.
7. Family-Centered Approaches: Recognizing the importance of extended family and community support systems within certain cultures and involving them in program activities.
8. Peer Mentoring: Implementing peer mentoring or support groups where fathers from similar cultural backgrounds can share their experiences and offer guidance to newcomers.
9. Cultural Celebrations and Events: Organizing cultural events, celebrations, or workshops within the program that allow fathers to connect with their heritage while learning and bonding.
10. Cultural Needs Assessment: Conduct ongoing cultural needs assessments to understand the evolving preferences and needs of the participants and adjusting program activities accordingly.
11. Adaptation of Parenting Practices: Helping fathers adapt and apply positive parenting practices within their cultural context, respecting cultural differences in child-rearing.
12. Cultural Competence Evaluation: Regularly evaluating the program's cultural competence through feedback from participants and making necessary adjustments.
13. Inclusivity: Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where fathers of all backgrounds feel respected, valued, and supported.
14. Community Resources: Providing information on community resources and services that cater to the unique needs of fathers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
15. Cultural Awareness Workshops: Offering workshops that promote cultural awareness and sensitivity among program staff, participants, and their families.
16. Celebrating Diversity: Emphasizing the value of diversity and cultural exchange within the program, encouraging fathers to learn from each other's backgrounds.
17. Customized Outreach: Developing outreach strategies that are culturally appropriate and considerate of the communication preferences of the targeted cultural groups.
18. Research and Evaluation: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of culturally competent practices and making data-driven improvements to the program.
19. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborating with experts from various fields, including cultural anthropologists, social workers, and psychologists, to enhance program effectiveness.
20. Long-Term Engagement: Fostering long-term relationships with fathers by providing ongoing support and opportunities for their continued involvement in their children's lives.

 The Academy applies these approaches to our people,in this Academy of Black Fathers, in order to change the condition of our fathers and our families. Cultural competency is easy to achieve, when you are serving your own people. As black men and leaders of our families and communities, we protected our women and each other, cared for our children together and we were tribes,not gangs, loving each other not hating each other.

Sponsorship Through Non-Profit Agency or Private Funding

The Academy of African American Fathers (AAAF) is dedicated to empowering Black fathers through culturally competent training programs that address the unique challenges they face. Established in 1994 by Antonio Celester in Boston, Massachusetts, AAAF aims to reconnect Black fathers with their children and promote positive family dynamics. ​

Our Mission

At AAAF, we recognize that parenting is inherently cultural. Every ethnic group possesses distinct traditions and parenting styles rooted in their heritage and ancestry. Our philosophy emphasizes the importance of culturally competent approaches to fatherhood, ensuring that Black fathers receive support that resonates with their lived experiences. By integrating Black cultural norms into our programs, we address the specific needs of Black fathers, fostering effective parenting and strengthening family bonds. ​

AAAF offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to support Black fathers and their families:​

• Online Parenting Courses: Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, our courses provide culturally relevant parenting education. This initiative allows fathers nationwide and globally to benefit from our training programs. ​
• Father/Family Mentoring: We assist fathers in relationships where they may not be the biological parent, offering support groups and promoting best practices based on our culturally competent procedures. ​
   
• Incarcerated Black Fathers Program Model: Designed to support incarcerated fathers, this program aims to maintain and strengthen their relationships with their children during and after incarceration. ​
   
• Internet Radio Broadcast and Podcast: Launching soon, these platforms will discuss current topics and issues relevant to Black fathers and communities, providing accessible content via desktops, laptops, or mobile devices. ​ 

Our Community-Based Approach

As a Black community-based program, AAAF collaborates with other organizations to provide comprehensive services to Black fathers and their families. While we value partnerships, we remain steadfast in our principles and culturally competent approach, ensuring that our services authentically address the needs of the communities we serve. ​

Seeking Sponsorship and Collaboration

To expand our reach and enhance our services, AAAF is seeking sponsorship from non-profit agencies and organizations that share our commitment to strengthening families and communities. Your support will enable us to:​

• Develop and Deliver Resources: Create materials that promote responsible fatherhood and address the specific needs of Black fathers.​
   
• Expand Program Accessibility: Enhance our online platforms and outreach efforts to reach more fathers nationally and internationally.​
   
• Strengthen Community Partnerships: Collaborate with other organizations to provide holistic support services to Black fathers and their families.​
   

The Importance of Supporting Black Fathers

Research indicates that Black fathers are actively involved in their children's lives. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black fathers who live with their children are more likely to engage in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and reading to their children compared to their white and Hispanic counterparts. This involvement underscores the critical role Black fathers play in child development and the importance of providing them with adequate support.

Join Us in Empowering Black Fathers

By partnering with AAAF, your organization will play a pivotal role in fostering positive change and empowering Black fathers to become more engaged and effective parents. Together, we can work towards building stronger families and communities.​

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and how to collaborate with us, please visit our website at academyofblackfathers.org.

We provide Services in the following Community areas and more:

-As a Social Service agency and family support provider for fathers and their families. For example, we were the first black fathers contracted agency, a part of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families,DCF, formerly known as Department of Social Services,(DSS), providing black families, particularly fathers, receiving family services for children placed outside of the home, where the father may or may not been absent from the home, reconnecting and reuniting families back together in the best interest of the children, providing support and education to the parents for the betterment. 

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