19 minutes ago
This Is Us: Proud Dads
- In.It
- 19 minutes ago
- 4 min read
“Your presence matters more than your perfection.”
Redefining fatherhood. One story at a time.
What happens when a man decides to break the cycle? When he chooses to be present, vulnerable, and proud?That’s the heart behind Proud Dads — a powerful platform started by a father who grew up without one. This isn’t just another Instagram page. It’s a movement. A mirror. A message that your presence as a dad matters — more than perfection ever could.
We sat down to hear the story behind the story: where it started, what it means, and where it’s going.
What inspired you to start Proud Dads? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked the movement?
The inspiration came from a mix of personal struggle and observation. There wasn’t just one moment — it was more a feeling of missing something real.
Growing up without my father made me realise just how much I needed him. And as I was about to become a father myself, I knew I wanted to always be there for my child — the way I had wished someone had been there for me.
I went through an emotional rollercoaster building up to fatherhood, and that’s when I realised: a lot of men probably feel this way too. Some run away in fear. That moment pushed me to start Proud Dads — a space where fathers can be proud, vulnerable, and connected. A place to rewrite the story, together.
How did your own journey into fatherhood shape the creation of this platform?
Becoming a father shifted everything. It forced me to look inward, unlearn old patterns, and show up in ways I wasn’t taught growing up.
I realised being present wasn’t enough. I had to be emotionally available, intentional, and consistent. But I also felt the pressure, the isolation, and the lack of role models who looked like me and talked honestly about fatherhood.
That gap — between how fathers are portrayed and the reality of what we’re trying to become — pushed me to create Proud Dads. A space for real stories, real connection, and real celebration. It’s a reflection of my journey, my mistakes, my growth — and my belief that when we uplift fathers, we uplift generations.
What message do you want every person — especially other fathers — to take away from Proud Dads?
The message is simple but powerful:Your presence matters more than your perfection.
How do you see Proud Dads reshaping the narrative around Black fatherhood?
By celebrating every present dad and showing the reality of how they show up every day. We’re building creative positivity around Black fatherhood — across the globe.
How do you choose which stories to share?
It’s all about celebration. We don’t focus on the negative like the media often does. When we see beautiful moments, we reach out. We want to show raw, joyful, real fatherhood — without filters.
What’s one of the most moving or memorable submissions you’ve received?
A dad sent us a photo of him changing a diaper on the boot of his car — in public. That simple act? It spoke volumes.
How have the fathers and families featured responded to being highlighted?
With pride, gratitude, and often deep emotion. Many say it’s the first time they’ve felt truly seen and celebrated in their role as dads.
What kind of feedback have you received from outside your immediate community?
The feedback has been amazing — even from as far as the UK. Moms, children, and supporters regularly reach out. Many moms message us just to show encouragement for their partners.
How do you see Proud Dads growing beyond Instagram?
Proud Dads is more than a page — it’s a movement. We want to grow into:
A podcast
New merchandise designs
Yearly Father’s Day eventsWe’re building something that lives offline too — something that genuinely impacts lives.
If a brand or organisation wanted to partner, what would a meaningful collab look like?
Shared values & messaging — promoting fatherhood, positive male role models, and family wellness.
Sponsored events or drives — like Father’s Day community events.
Content collabs — podcasts, video series, or campaigns showing real engaged dads.
It’s got to be authentic and community-driven. That’s what makes it real.
What does being a “proud dad” mean to you — beyond just being present?
It means being intentional, consistent, and emotionally invested in your child’s life.
What advice would you give to fathers who want to be more involved but don’t know where to start?
Start small.Don’t make finances the goal. Just show up.Listen more than you speak. Build the bond through everyday moments. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What’s your biggest hope for the next generation of fathers?
That they embrace fatherhood as a powerful, emotional, lifelong commitment.
Finish this sentence:
“The world needs to see proud dads because their presence reshapes families, heals communities, and shows the next generation that love, strength, and fatherhood go hand in hand.”
Proud Dads isn’t just a movement — it’s a mirror for men becoming more. For every father who’s ever felt unseen, uncertain, or unready, this platform reminds them:You are needed. You are capable. You are enough.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
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