https://vimeo.com/25519715]
In 1989 Bilal Qayyum led the creation of an organization called the Father’s Day Rally Committee. From its inception the FDRC has sought to promote responsible fatherhood in African-American communities across Philadelphia. Over two decades after its founding the FDRC is considered one of Philadelphia’s most active grassroots organizations working to stop the negative attitudes that destroy families and neighborhoods across the city.
Seeing a landscape of problems the FDRC held its first citywide rally in 1989 to focus attention issues impacting black males in Philadelphia. That year the organization held five other rallies where men brainstormed solutions. That brainstorming helped shape the FDRC’s structure and it gave substance to the scope of its work.
The FDRC currently operates a series of programs designed to promote more productive interaction between African-American males and their communities. Project Lifeline is a citywide effort to support the growth of strong family relationships. Black Men in Crisis is an initiative created by the FDRC to unite black men across the city to confront issues regarding the criminal justice system, economic development and health education. The FDRC also manages the David P. Richardson Rites of Passage Program, the Universal Men’s Health Initiative and the Fathers Fed Up Program.
One of the FDRC’s most popular events is its family picnic in Fairmount Park held annually on – what else – Father’s Day.
For more information on the FDRC or to get involved, visit their website at https://www.fdrc.net/.
References
U.S. Census Bureau
2009 Annual Statistical Report, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Counseling and Empowerment Consulting Group
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