By Andrea Smith
Father’s Day 2025 has come and gone. Hopefully, most—if not all—of Chicago’s Black fathers were honored, appreciated, and celebrated on June 15.
But the ongoing reality is that Black male fatherhood is an everyday experience. And as many know, good Black fatherhood in Chicago isn’t easy—there are no instruction manuals.
That’s why the 12th Annual “Block-by-Block: Fatherhood in the Neighborhood” event takes place Saturday, June 21, 2025.
This year marks another community-focused chapter for 7th District Congressman Danny K. Davis—a dynamic, committed public servant continuing his mission with renewed energy.
The 12th Annual “Block-by-Block: Fatherhood in the Neighborhood” Resource Fair & Festival, sponsored by Congressman Davis in collaboration with nonprofit partner A New Beginning Starts Now (ANBSN), will be held Saturday, June 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 2815 West 5th Avenue.
The event encourages Black fathers to bring their sons and children for a free, informative, and family-friendly day that honors Black fatherhood, celebrates Black culture, and promotes togetherness. Dozens of city, state, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations will be on hand to offer vital services. More than 50 local fathers will be honored with special awards.
This local celebration of Black fathers was initiated by Congressman Davis and ANBSN, based in the West Side’s Austin neighborhood. The goal: highlight that Black male excellence exists—and that fatherhood is an everyday responsibility worth celebrating.
According to ANBSN Founder and Executive Director Eric McKinnie, the event is vital because “the majority of media portrayals of Chicago’s Black men, youth, and fathers are overwhelmingly negative—depicting them as troubled, educationally challenged, violent, or absent.”
McKinnie adds, “The truth is there’s a brighter story to tell about our Black men—fathers, husbands, uncles—who defend their families, work hard, and serve their communities. At ANBSN, we offer programs that uplift these men, support at-risk youth, and promote generational change.”
Congressman Davis views the initiative as a “new launchpad for life,” especially for low-income residents and formerly incarcerated men struggling to re-enter society. The event also includes youth forums to engage young people in honest conversations about their futures.
For over 12 years, Congressman Davis has maintained a deep commitment to Black fathers and the broader community. “There’s no way to forecast how deeply these individual situations affect our people,” he said. “That’s why ‘Fatherhood in the Neighborhood’ is so important—it brings hope and independence to thousands of families.”
Eric McKinnie adds, “This event comes at a crucial time. As federal pandemic relief funds phase out—affecting programs like guaranteed income, housing, and anti-violence initiatives—we need initiatives like this more than ever.”
ANBSN will also host a youth panel titled “Forward Into the Future Starts Today,” facilitating intergenerational dialogue among Black youth and elders.
For more information about the June 21 event, contact: Cherita Logan at the Office of Congressman Danny K. Davis, 773-533-7520 or [email protected]; Eric McKinnie, ANBSN Executive Director, at 773-719-8363 or [email protected]; or Pamela Collier, ANBSN Deputy Director, at 773-405-5170 or [email protected].
