Allison Joyner
The symposium, held in the Bank of America auditorium on Morehouse's historic campus, centered on the theme "Black Fathers, Fatherhood, and Fathering" – a multidimensional exploration of how Black men function as fathers to both biological and non-biological children in their communities.
"These spaces created for discussions about Black fatherhood are under attack," Perry warned during his address. As professor of Social Work and BSW program director at the University of Louisville, Perry's research represents a critical counternarrative to stereotypical portrayals of Black fathers in American society.
Dr. Derrick Brooms, professor of Africana Studies and executive director of the BMRI, opened the second day by reflecting on the symposium's first day of discussions before introducing Perry.
"What we're witnessing today represents years of dedicated scholarship examining Black male experiences through an asset-based rather than deficit-based lens," Brooms said.
The symposium exemplifies Morehouse's ongoing commitment to creating scholarship by and about Black men. Dr. Clarissa Myrick-Harris, professor of Africana Studies and one of the architects behind the BMRI, provided historical context during her welcome address.
