By ColumbusBlack.com Staff
As the second week of June approaches, excitement is rising for one of the most heartfelt and impactful cultural celebrations in Central Ohio: Black Girl Dad Week 2025. This annual weeklong experience, founded by community leader and behavioral health advocate Jewel Woods, honors the bond between Black fathers and daughters while addressing vital issues such as mental health, fatherhood visibility, and generational empowerment.
This year, the initiative is co-chaired by two influential civic leaders: Gayle Saunders, CEO of The Saunders PR Group, and Kenneth Wilson, Franklin County Administrator. In an exclusive ColumbusBlack.com interview hosted by Kevin Lloyd, both chairs reflected on their personal motivations and the transformative potential of the week’s programming.
✨ Why It Matters
“I’m a proud Black Girl Dad,” said Wilson, who spoke with passion about his daughters, Kamaya and Gayle. “This week is about uplifting not just our own daughters—but all the daughters in the community. It’s about helping young girls build expectations rooted in love, respect, and visibility.”
Saunders echoed that sentiment with deep emotion, recounting tender memories of her late father. “My dad made breakfast, took us to school, and shared life lessons on the way. That foundation shaped my confidence and values. Black Girl Dad Week celebrates that quiet but powerful presence fathers bring.”
📅 A Week of Purpose-Driven Events
Black Girl Dad Week is more than symbolic—it’s a full slate of activities designed to inform, inspire, and uplift:
- Monday – Take Your Daughter to Work Day (with Central Ohio Chamber of Commerce)
- Tuesday – STEM Education Day (with Hammer OSU)
- Wednesday – Healing & Reconciliation Day (featuring behavioral health partners)
- Thursday – A Call to Men (featuring national speaker Tony Porter) – RSVP Link
- Friday – The State of Black America 2 (featuring Roland Martin) – RSVP Link
- Saturday – The Black Father-Daughter Dance at COSI 🎶💃🏾 Buy Tickets
- Sunday – Black Love & Date Night
💃🏾 The Dance That Changes Lives
Without question, the signature event is the Black Father-Daughter Dance (see video), an evening filled with elegance, joy, and generational healing.
“I’ve been to a lot of events in my life,” said Kevin Lloyd, “but that was the most powerful event I’ve ever experienced. The love in that room—the energy—it’s unforgettable.”
For many girls, it’s their first formal dance. For some fathers, it’s a chance to rebuild or rekindle a connection. For all who attend, it’s a space of affirmation and pride.
🧠 Mental Health, Brotherhood & Belonging
This year’s week also tackles critical issues affecting Black men and families. “It’s okay not to be okay,” Wilson reminded us. “We have to embrace self-love and reject the idea that we always have to carry it all without support.”
The Call to Men event will bring brothers together in a space of vulnerability and strength, while the State of Black America with Roland Martin will anchor discussions about the future of our families, communities, and leadership.
💡 A Vision for the Future
“I can see Black Girl Dad Week becoming Black Girl Dad Month,” Wilson shared. “We need to amplify this energy year-round.” Saunders added, “My dream is that we outgrow COSI, move to larger venues, and continue creating moments that shape the trajectory of girls and fathers for years to come.”
🖤 How You Can Support
All events (except the dance) are free. To attend or contribute to this powerful movement, visit BlackGirlDadWeek.com. Proceeds from the dance support programs for underserved youth.
As Gayle Saunders so perfectly said, “Great ideas require great support.” Let’s come together to uplift our fathers, our daughters, and our future.
By Kevin Lloyd | ColumbusBlack.com
Note: This article was created with assistance from ChatGPT to support drafting and editing.
