Second Presbyterian Church was filled with laughter, tears and testimonies as 89 fathers crossed a symbolic threshold, one that led them back to their children, their families, and most importantly, to themselves.
The men made up Tuesday’s 21st graduating class of AFIRM (A Father’s Involvement Really Matters), an initiative Families Matter Inc. created to meet fathers where they are, and walk beside them as they improve or rebuild their lives, one choice at a time.
AFIRM’s graduation was the first of three programs recognizing Memphis fathers.
Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell Jr., invited more than 20 men to a ceremony Wednesday to honor their dedication to family.
Today, Commissioner Mickell Lowery, in partnership with the Memphis Urban League and Minding Your Mental Health, will present the Annual Salute to Fatherhood Awards Dinner honoring nine fathers at 2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis.
AFIRM’s graduation wasn’t a formal affair with caps and gowns but a grand family occasion still. Children clapped for their dads. Spouses wiped away tears. And for many men in the room, it was the first time in a long time that they felt seen, celebrated and forgiven.
Graduate Shantuwn Nabors, a graduate and father of six, spoke with quiet pride about the program’s impact on his life.
“They helped me get a job, (to) lower my child support, and now I’m about to start an electrician program. I’m a father of six… just having these resources really gave me a fresh start.”
That fresh start is at the heart of what AFIRM offers along with parenting workshops and job placement support to child support guidance and emotional healing. Classes are all led by men who’ve walked similar paths.
Since its founding in November 2022, AFIRM has helped more than 910 men reclaim their role as fathers. The program is a collaboration led by Families Matter, along with partners, including Maximus, CodeCrew, The Center for Urban Families and The Carter Malone Group.
Courtney Shorty, another graduate, said the changes went deeper than he expected. “I learned how to communicate better. How to properly channel my anger and deal with the issues I was having with my girlfriend. It’s been game-changing for us. I learned how to be a better human being overall.”
Beside him, his partner Kenesha Bennett smiled through tears.
“I’m really proud of him,” Bennett said. “A lot of young men, a lot of fathers, are scared to take this step and try to do better for themselves. But he did it. And I’ll support him to the end. I didn’t have a father growing up, so seeing him want to be a good one to our kids, I love it.”
Tyrone Ballinger, husband of this writer, said his wife introduced him to the program when he was at a low point in life. “I was struggling with child support and felt stuck,” Ballinger said. “This place didn’t just help me. It gave me a brotherhood. Men who understand. Men I can talk to.”
That sense of belonging is intentional, according to Miangelo Taylor, Families Matter’s lead facilitator and certified master trainer.
“So many of these fathers come from backgrounds where they didn’t have a father. Not all, but many. They weren’t taught how to love themselves, or even that they had worth,” Taylor said. “I believe self-worth is the cornerstone of behavioral transformation. And that’s what we’re offering them here,”
The fathers received certificates, and in some cases, financial stipends. Many will now join the Crusaders, a new grassroots initiative designed to spread awareness about AFIRM and reach more fathers in need of support, encouragement and a path forward.
During Commissioner Caswell’s ceremony at the Vasco A. Smith Jr. County Administration Building, each father received a proclamation acknowledging the work they’ve done to better themselves and create stronger homes and brighter futures for their children.
As the ceremony closed, AFIRM’s Executive Director Carol Jackson, shared a message about a father’s role.
“When God places the seed in a man and that seed creates a child, that father becomes essential to that child’s life. When a father doesn’t understand his value, it’s a loss for everyone — the child, the family, the community. We’re here to remind these men that they are not just needed — they are sacred.”
Caswell acknowledges fathers
“So many of these men have already achieved great milestones. “They’ve completed the steps laid out by this program,” Caswell said
“And far too often in our communities, moments like these go unnoticed. That’s why we took it a step further, honoring them through the county, putting their names in the official record and letting them know we see you. We recognize your transformation. We see you as leaders,” he added.
DeAndre McLeakes said in addition to skills training, the program was transformative and faith building for him.
“Honestly, this program was needed,” McLeakes shared. “The training has been great. My communication skills are better. My patience is better. I give a lot of the credit to the Families Matter AFIRM Program, but also to Jesus Christ for pulling me through. It feels amazing to be recognized for my efforts as a father and as a leader in my community,” McLeakes said.
Salute to Fatherhood dinner
Commissioner Lowery’s Salute to Fatherhood dinner today recognizes and rewards deserving, responsible and involved fathers.
Dr. J. Lawrence Turner, Senior Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, will be the keynote speaker.
“This special occasion is an extension of that reward and celebrates the commitment, love, and leadership of outstanding fathers, grandfathers, and father figures across Shelby County,” Lowery said in a press release.
Salute to Fatherhood honorees are: Hershel James, Edd Williams, Carlos Fifer, Daniel Watson, Andre Wharton, Charles Porter, Michael Hooks Sr., Andy Sawyer, and Darrell Cobbins.
Admission to the event is free and open to the public.
To learn more about the AFIRM, visit https://familiesmattermemphis.org/afirm/
