Past Summits

Plenary 1: A Practical View of Fatherhood from the Bench (w/ Q&A)

Judge Gregory Pittman

The idea of being a party to a court case can be very intimidating. When the future of your relationship with your child(ren) is at stake, it creates an even higher level of stress and uncertainty. Hear “real talk” from the decision-maker’s perspective, how fatherhood is viewed & ask that decision-maker questions about fatherhood.

Entertainment: Spoken Word

Lemarr Jackson

Workshop 1: Dispelling the Myth about Non-custodial Fathers

DeAndre Carter

Non-custodial fathers face many challenges. Fostering a relationship with the child’s mother, navigating the legal system and policies, and managing their own emotions are among the foremost challenges. Join us to be inspired, educated, and empowered to address these challenges with innovative strategies for success.

Workshop 2: Mental Health & Fatherhood - You Cannot Quit Fatherhood!

Jonathan Lawrence

Fathers will leave with the understanding of how to manage the pressures of fatherhood, as well as how to identify their challenges as a father and how to address them from a place of healing.

Workshop 3: Government Intervention and the Generational Effect on Native Parenting (w/ Q&A)

Jason Cross

The effects of historical trauma as a result of the boarding school and adoption project experiences on Native American parenting, specific to fatherhood. Jason will present Native American history and trauma from a personal perspective as it relates to his grandmothers’ experiences at the Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School.

Plenary 2: Fatherhood Representation in the School System & Implicit Bias

Kwame Simmons

Entertainment: Solo Artist

Gerard Brooks

Workshop 4: Kingz Table Panel Discussion

Facilitated by Cole Williams

Workshop 5: State-Level Policies Affecting Fathers

Dwayne Barnes

This interactive presentation will teach participants how to research, frame, and advocate issues with lawmakers, media, and community. We will brainstorm issues and build an action plan to address them. In addition, you will learn more about Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) and how to access our research, data, and network.

Workshop 6: Co-Parenting (w/ Q&A)

Norman Young and Dr. Shayla Young

One Love, Two Homes is an interactive learning experience based on the emerging parenting style: co-parenting from two separate homes. As experts of experience, we encourage co-parents to positively engage while keeping a child focus and understanding the role of C.A.S.H. (Communication, Accountability, Setting Boundaries, and Healing).

Plenary 3: Fathers and Vaccination Hesitancy (w/ Q&A)

Dr. Kwame Francis

A general overview of how vaccines work, an introduction to our body's natural immune system, and how we combat infections.

Workshop 7: Best Practices from Michigan Fatherhood Programs

Dr. Maria Muzik & Mike Acosta, Fraternity of Fathers

Adnoris "Bo" Torres, Strong Beginnings - Strong Fathers

• We will show how to use motivational interviewing, trust building, and culturally appropriate practices to successfully engage with fathers, father figures, and community men and will share relevant materials and resources.

Shon Hart, InvolvedDad

Workshop 8: Fatherhood Programs Panel

Moderated by Matt Haviland

Join fatherhood experts from across the state of Michigan for a live and interactive panel discussion. We will learn more about how to put best practices to everyday use when supporting fathers and families.