Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

As we celebrate Father's Day all across America, did you know that it first began on the 3rd Sunday of June, in 1972. At first, a day being dedicated to them was not easily accepted. Now the day is spent celebrating fathers, grandfathers, uncles and father figures that are in our lives with gift giving and food.

It's been told, that nothing compares to the day when a man becomes a father. He finally experiences a love that he didn't know existed. Some fathers credit that having a child, helped to change their lives and for others it's even saved their lives. Fatherhood takes a lot of work, time and effort and it's important but, there's no real-life training manual for it! Some fathers handle it with ease, while others, consider it to be challenging. Within recent years, there has been more attention drawn to fathers and fatherhood. With the help of social media, more fathers are connecting and groups are forming so that fathers have a community of their own. For years, women have had support groups and mom clubs and as men, we too, can benefit from fellow fathers.

That's exactly what Defined by Fatherhood was created to do. It's a new organization here in Metro Detroit created by 35-year-old, father, George McCollum to be a safe space and a community where fathers can benefit from one another. In an interview with the Telegram News, the creator and founder of Defined by Fatherhood gave us insight on his inspiration and how he came up with the concept.

Clifton: What is Defined by Fatherhood?

George McCollum: It is a network for fathers, a support system for fathers and it's ultimately in the process of becoming a nonprofit organization that will provide services to Fathers. Our mantra is Empowering Dads to be Fathers. We want to implement modeling fatherly behavior and make Fatherhood dope by bringing awareness to the community.

Clifton: What is your goal with this organization?

George McCollum: We want to provide financial resources so that we are able to do positive things in the community. We will also implement a mentorship program for those who may not have fathers active in their lives. It's important that we help those fathers who had a troubled past, so that they will learn how to create healthy relationships with their child(ren). I also believe it's important to break down barriers and gender norms so that we normalize what it really means to be a dad, refining what it means to show love, support and nurture to our family.

Clifton: Tell me about what inspired you to create Defined by Fatherhood?

George McCollum: It's inspired by my own journey in fatherhood. My daughter inspired me to change my life and helped me to find my purpose. Being a big believer in Christ, I learned how to learn more and when I became a father, it taught me how to sacrifice more. When I found out I was having my daughter it was the same year my father passed away. At that time, having her, it helped me to redirect my energy from grief. The movement is not just helping other fathers with resources but it helps to create a support system.

Clifton: Do you have any upcoming community events?

George McCollum: Yes, in fact, next month on July 17th, we will have a free screening of Space Jam 2 for single mothers and their children. Then on July 24th, we will have a community beautification event with the fathers.

If you are a father or know of a father that can benefit from this organization, you can contact them on Facebook, Defined by Fatherhood or call 831-298-9154.

To all the Father's out there Happy Father's Day!!