On a sunny April morning in 2025, the auditorium at Morehouse School of Medicine buzzed with pride and possibility. Over 100 Black fathers, dressed in sharp caps and gowns, walked across the stage to celebrate a life-changing milestone. These men, 112 to be exact, graduated from the FIRE 100 program, a transformative initiative by Fathers Incorporated’s Gentle Warriors Academy.
And yes, this was history in the making. It was the largest graduating class ever from Fathers Incorporated’s Gentle Warriors Academy. These men didn’t just earn certificates—they earned a second chance at being present, engaged, and empowered dads.
This ceremony was a bold statement about fatherhood, resilience, and rewriting the future. These dads, many of whom faced tough challenges like homelessness or time in jail, showed up for their kids and themselves. They spent months learning to be better parents, tackling everything from communication to conflict resolution. And on April 12, they proved that any dad can step up and shine with the proper support.
A Creative Journey to Fatherhood
The FIRE 100 program isn’t your typical class. It’s more like a creative workshop where fathers craft their path to being the dads their kids need. Think of it as a songwriter pouring their heart into lyrics that hit just right. These men were encouraged to dig deep, reflect on their lives, and build skills that resonate with their families. The Gentle Warriors Academy gave them the tools—parenting classes, life coaching, job and housing support—to create something powerful: stronger bonds with their children.
Take Marcus, a 34-year-old dad who joined the program after struggling to reconnect with his daughter. “I wanted to give her the kind of dad I never had,” he shared, his voice steady but emotional.
“This program was like writing a new song for my life. I learned how to listen to her, how to show up every day, and how to keep my cool when things get tough.”
Marcus’s story isn’t unique. Every graduate had to get creative, finding ways to overcome personal hurdles and deliver the “strong lyrics” of love and commitment their kids deserve.
The event’s special guest was NFL legend Dorsey Levens, who knows about perseverance. As a Super Bowl champ and Fathers Incorporated board member, he spoke straight to the dads’ hearts.
“You’re here because you chose to show up,”
He said.
“That’s what makes you warriors. Keep pushing, keep healing, keep being there.”
So, how did these dads get here? The FIRE 100 program is like a carefully crafted album, each track designed to help fathers grow. They learned practical skills through programs like FIRE NextLevel Fatherhood and the Gateway Program for unhoused dads. Classes covered everything from setting family goals to managing stress. They practiced talking to their kids in ways that build trust. They even explored what it means to be a man in today’s world, finding healthy ways to express themselves.
But it wasn’t just about parenting. The program knew these dads needed more than lessons to succeed. Many got help finding jobs, securing housing, or sorting out child support. Life coaches checked in, offering guidance like a producer fine-tuning a song. This support was a game-changer for dads like Jamal, who was part of the jail reentry program.
“I thought I’d lost my chance to be a dad,” he admitted. “But they believed in me, and now I’m back in my son’s life, stronger than ever.”
The graduation wasn’t the end—it was a beginning. These dads left with more than a certificate. They carried new confidence, practical tools, and a community of brothers cheering them on. Judge Keisha Wright Hill, who spoke at the event, shared simple but powerful advice: be humble, face problems head-on, and focus on making memories with your kids. “You don’t need to buy them the world,” she said. “Just give them your time.”
The impact of these 112 fathers will ripple far beyond their own homes. Kenneth Braswell, the CEO of Fathers Incorporated, put it best:
“This is about resilience and redemption. These men are redefining fatherhood, and that’s going to change Atlanta for generations.”
Atlanta’s fatherhood scene is vibrant, and the FIRE 100 program is just one part. Groups like Fathers Matter ATL and the Annie E. Casey Foundation pitched in to make the graduation happen. Other organizations, like 100 Black Men of Atlanta, also work to lift dads through mentorship and support. Together, they’re building a city where fathers are celebrated and empowered to lead.
As the ceremony wrapped up, the auditorium erupted in cheers. Families hugged, kids beamed, and the graduates stood a little taller. They’d worked hard, gotten creative, and delivered something extraordinary: a promise to be the best dads they can be.
