EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
After my first colonoscopy and the removal of a few polyps at the age of 26 I realized that I was statistically and genetically screwed. It was then that I decided I wanted to live to see my son turn 80. You are all invited to my 104th birthday in 2083. As my hero Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “longevity has its place” and I am hoping that it is with me. And with you. -Keith D. Morton, Executive Director
Over the years Keith has been lucky enough to experience many unique things. He has held director titles at prestigious organizations like The Children’s Aid Society in New York City, been the administrative manager of a mental health clinic, joined the founding leadership team of a wonderfully ambitious public charter school, and he has coached parents through difficult times in their family’s growth.
At various points Keith has been interviewed by the Associated Press, Time Magazine, and National Public Radio. He was once featured in a documentary, recorded a couple dozen podcasts that have been listened to over one hundred thousand times, and even took part in filming the pilot for a TV talk show that never was. The thing that opened the door for all of this was his blog, African American Dad, which was the first daddy blog in the world to identify itself as being black. Surprisingly, Keith made friends of many races through that blog and hopes to continue in that spirit as he moves forward. That blog inspired the book Not Superdad, which serves as a reminder of where he has been and where he wants to be.
Of all the things Keith has done, and continues to do, none are more important, or pride-inducing than being a dad and having a family. He has learned much through his 9 to 5 jobs, and earning his degree at Hunter College, but he learned about life, and love, and sacrifice through being a dad.
The natural progression for him was to create this non-profit organization so he can bring the Not Superdad movement to scale as well as introduce other programs and ideas with the sole purpose of helping dads.
This is only the beginning for BDC and the future is filled with possibilities.
OUR MISSION
Black Dad Connection was created to impel black fathers and the fathers of black children to take action steps toward living the best, most connected, and longest lives possible for the sake of their children.
Black Dad Connection is managed as a program of the national men’s health nonprofit organization, Malecare.
HEALTHIER LIVING AWARENESS INITIATIVE
BDC’s Healthier Living Awareness Initiative (aka “Bullet Proof Dad”), is here to help fathers find their life balance so that they can be a better parent. A major factor in finding the balance is health. We have specific interest in two common killers of black men: diabetes and hypertension. They are typically controllable, and often preventable, or reversible if screened for early and often. Since these diseases disproportionately impact black men, and therefore fathers, we address them in our work and advocate solutions to getting rid of the inherent disparities in black male health. We also have a commitment to fighting cancer in black men, because, well, cancer really sucks.
In addition, we take a realistic approach with helping fathers find their own personal balance in life through healthier eating, exercise, and positive thinking. This is where the Bullet Proof comes in. We know you are busy and in the age of Twitter and Facebook and blogs we know you just speed through life gathering the info you need and moving on. BDC can help. We will provide most if not all of our “proof” on wellness in “bullet” form. Quick and to the point is the name of the game.
Black fathers already have to tackle a unique set of challenges as it relates to being good fathers without having them unnecessarily compounded by illnesses that are manageable and even preventable in many instances. Dads simply cannot be who they need to be if they are distracted by health issues and personal imbalance and we will do all we can to advocate and educate dads towards healthier living, and try not to take up too much of your time doing it.
Get Involved
– Are you a dad who can write?
– Do you know anything about “The Five” (diseases) listed on the website?
– Do you have photos of you and your child(ren) bonding while riding a kick scooter?
– Do you own a related topic blog or website that would like to link to us and help get the word out?
If you say yes to any of these questions, then we may be best friends soon. BDC is looking for volunteers to help move this nonprofit to the next stage of development. If you are interested please email keith@blackdadconnection.org. You do not have to be black to support and show us love, but you do have to be a firm believer in good fatherhood.