The Proud Poppas Photo Exhibition
Donation protected
I am so proud to coordinate my first major solo show in New York in September of 2015 showcasing my work from the past 7 years. The photo essay is entitled “The Proud Poppas Photo Project.” My scope is to compose images celebrating and encouraging the pride of being an active father. Studies and statistics show that youth who grow up in the physical presence of their fathers excel higher academically; they have a higher perspective on life and they have higher self-esteem. When a father provides emotional support and moral guidance, the child is less likely to be involved in juvenile delinquency, early sexual activities and substance abuse.
For the past 7 years, I have served independently as a Fathering Specialist and Fatherhood Advocate through a community based group that I developed called, Proud Poppas United. We provide various resources, parenting and relationship information, host free community events and volunteer with a number of schools and other community development groups in Brooklyn, NY.
In 2011, we held our 2nd Annual Poppa’s Day Family Outing in which we received a Proclamation by Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz- officially declaring June 19th,’Proud Poppas Day’. And this year would like to do it again.
The Proud Poppas Photo Project was inspired by my encounter with some amazing fathers, all from different backgrounds and parental upbringing experiences. Each encounter became an inspiring testimony of their own personal pride of being an active participant in their children’s lives. All of this culminated into a wonderful photo essay capturing candid moments and reflections on what Fatherhood means and how it changed their lives.
With this event, exhibit and book, I aim to encourage a tradition of exemplary fatherhood and family. I want to bring to light the important elements we contribute to our children. Instilling the sense of physical and emotional presence within the well-being and development of our children, our families, our communities and our people as a whole. It is my hope that not only will these images celebrate fatherhood, but will encourage and become a source of inspiration in bringing all men closer to their families and Thrones.
"I've instilled the principles of honor, pride, respect. hard work and dedication to my daughter and son since the womb. I lead by example, being self motivated, showing self determination and being the reflection of what my Father taught me." ~ LoRon, LaReal and Shaolin
"For me, being a Father means being present both physically and emotionally; teaching your children how to navigate life's blessings and challenges" ~ John, Cole, Chase and Bryce
“On a deeply personal level Fatherhood is an opportunity to give my children that which was not given to me. My father did not raise me. His father did not raise him. I am raising my son and daughter. Unexpectedly, fatherhood has become a healing process.” ~Rod, Layla and Brock
My goal is to raise a minimum of $9,000 for the community event, the proud poppas photo book and photo exhibition, however, the more we raise the better it will be. Any contribution small or large is immensely appreciated!
The funds will be used for hiring a curator, printing, rental space, framing, invitations, marketing, installation, scanning and all of the other things that go along with launching a major solo exhibition.
The funds will also be used to coordinate the Poppa’s Day family outing, This will be free event and open to the public. There will be food, games, activities, giveaways, prizes, goody bag, storytelling, arts and crafts, card making, sports, karaoke and more.
Thank you in advance for your kind consideration of this request to support the efforts of Proud Poppas United and bringing change to our families and communities.
Any donation is greatly appreciated and no donation is too small. As a token of our Gratitude and Appreciation all donations over $25.00 will receive a photographic gift from Proud Poppas Photo Project catalog of images. All donations over $100.00 will receive a copy of the Proud Poppas Photo book. Thank You in Advance for your generosity.
For the past 7 years, I have served independently as a Fathering Specialist and Fatherhood Advocate through a community based group that I developed called, Proud Poppas United. We provide various resources, parenting and relationship information, host free community events and volunteer with a number of schools and other community development groups in Brooklyn, NY.
In 2011, we held our 2nd Annual Poppa’s Day Family Outing in which we received a Proclamation by Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz- officially declaring June 19th,’Proud Poppas Day’. And this year would like to do it again.
The Proud Poppas Photo Project was inspired by my encounter with some amazing fathers, all from different backgrounds and parental upbringing experiences. Each encounter became an inspiring testimony of their own personal pride of being an active participant in their children’s lives. All of this culminated into a wonderful photo essay capturing candid moments and reflections on what Fatherhood means and how it changed their lives.
With this event, exhibit and book, I aim to encourage a tradition of exemplary fatherhood and family. I want to bring to light the important elements we contribute to our children. Instilling the sense of physical and emotional presence within the well-being and development of our children, our families, our communities and our people as a whole. It is my hope that not only will these images celebrate fatherhood, but will encourage and become a source of inspiration in bringing all men closer to their families and Thrones.
"I've instilled the principles of honor, pride, respect. hard work and dedication to my daughter and son since the womb. I lead by example, being self motivated, showing self determination and being the reflection of what my Father taught me." ~ LoRon, LaReal and Shaolin"For me, being a Father means being present both physically and emotionally; teaching your children how to navigate life's blessings and challenges" ~ John, Cole, Chase and Bryce“On a deeply personal level Fatherhood is an opportunity to give my children that which was not given to me. My father did not raise me. His father did not raise him. I am raising my son and daughter. Unexpectedly, fatherhood has become a healing process.” ~Rod, Layla and BrockMy goal is to raise a minimum of $9,000 for the community event, the proud poppas photo book and photo exhibition, however, the more we raise the better it will be. Any contribution small or large is immensely appreciated!
The funds will be used for hiring a curator, printing, rental space, framing, invitations, marketing, installation, scanning and all of the other things that go along with launching a major solo exhibition.
The funds will also be used to coordinate the Poppa’s Day family outing, This will be free event and open to the public. There will be food, games, activities, giveaways, prizes, goody bag, storytelling, arts and crafts, card making, sports, karaoke and more.
Thank you in advance for your kind consideration of this request to support the efforts of Proud Poppas United and bringing change to our families and communities.
Any donation is greatly appreciated and no donation is too small. As a token of our Gratitude and Appreciation all donations over $25.00 will receive a photographic gift from Proud Poppas Photo Project catalog of images. All donations over $100.00 will receive a copy of the Proud Poppas Photo book. Thank You in Advance for your generosity.
Organizer
Tyrone Z. McCants
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
