Proud Poppas United

A former Youth Division Aide and Mental Health Therapist with the Office of Children and Family Services turned his reduction-in-force experience into a win-win situation, and many are reaping this harvest. When Tyrone “Zire” McCants, who is also a versatile services photographer and visionary in the Phoenix, AZ, lost his job; he took his youthful interest in photography and his prior knowledge from working in a family-centered position into new ventures. He even figured out a way to coincide his two passions into meaningful opportunities to advance his cause. The layoff he faced freed him up to develop his photography business (Zire Photography & Graphics) and to showcase his skills as a prolific artist. One of those ventures that McCants created was an initiative called Proud Poppas United; which is a community-based group designed to strengthen the bonds between fathers & their children. It aims to encourage a tradition of fatherhood and family, increasing the number of active fathers in our community. When McCants isn’t intellectually cultivating his repertoire of talents, he manages to merge his interest in photography with his desire and passion for fatherhood. Using the Proud Poppas Photo Project, as his flagship initiative, he displays images which celebrate and encourage the pride of being an active father. In many minority and ethnic communities, there is a progressive concern of absentee fathers and the devastating effects of this challenge on our children, our families, and community. He also believes that by displaying these images will help to shed light on and celebrate the gift of fatherhood. He hopes that this movement will also become contagious and bring other men closer to their children and families, and encourage a presence of well-being and development in our children, our families, our communities and our people as a whole. McCants quotes that “My scope is capturing the energy between a father and his children” and that’s what he is creating through his community development initiatives. Through, a first look into the reality concerning “Responsible Fathers” many disturbing statistics and contributing factors related to absent fathers. But, to the credit of McCants, he has been able to overlook the negative stereotypes and prejudices that have perpetuated his community and rise to the occasion. Although, he wears many hats that provide guidance and leadership to the infrastructure of his life’s purpose. To all of the fathers out there with the silent victories of triumph and the principle-centered leadership; who fight depression, financial woes, relationship conflicts, the penal system and the racism of our day; McCants say’s “Thank you” for all that you have been able to get accomplished behind your veil of anonymity. You have just endured the last 13 years of this millennium, and you are still here to tell about it. Although some will say that these last few years have been amazing they are still asleep to the fact that; we (The black community) must work with higher ideals versus dollars and cents. We must look within ourselves and see us as being brave, black, accountable, and reliable. The truth of the matter is that you are embracing fatherhood but at a frequency that may not be understood. I am with you as we will not look at the diluted statistics but at the “transformational leadership” that is displayed by all black fathers and role models everywhere. Don’t give up now as our families are leaning on you in these times of difficulty to represent us to the best of your ability as the “Mighty Men of Valor.” You are the man for the job, and now it’s time to come out of hiding and show the world what real black men look like; and we represent as a tribe of Intellectual builders, teachers, warriors, leaders and Kings. “Fatherhood is not a right; it’s a privilege. Your children are the best part of you. I send my love to this new generation of fathers who have learned from the sins of the past and take a very active role in the lives of our children. ~RAPPER TALIB KWELI, FATHER OF TWO
Proud Poppas United has written 85 posts for Proud Poppas United

Black Women Have Betrayed Black Men But We Still Love Them Says Caller

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A caller gives his outlook on why modern day women dislike being told they are also accountable for bad relationship from YouTube personality Kevin Samuels on the Obsidian Media Network 2 show. Continue reading →

Proud Poppas Talk With Fathers In Arizona: Lavi-Judah

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In this short edition of the Proud Poppas Project, we talk with Proud Father, Levi from Phoenix, Arizona. Continue reading →

South Fulton Ga Welcomes Poppa and Son Home-Improvement Franchise To The Community

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Warren Pegram and his stepson, Charlston Austin, have opened an Ace Hardware franchise in their neighborhood in the city of South Fulton, Georgia. It is one of the first hardware stores in their community. According to the City of South Fulton Observer, the new store is a great addition to the current retail lineup at the … Continue reading →

Self Defense Class 1, The Basics – Intro Follow Up With Michael Jai White and Gillian Iliana Waters

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Self Defense Class 1, The Basics – Intro Follow Up With Michael Jai White and Gillian Iliana Waters Available exclusively at patreon.com/JaiMethod #jaimethod #selfdefense #selfdefensetechniques #selfdefensetraining #selfdefensetips #martialarts #martialartist#tuesdaythoughts  

Save Our Sons – Calling All Black Men To Action Town Hall Meeting

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St. Louis, MO / USA – In the aim to reduce the violence and shootings of the youth in St. Louis, the Urban League and Harris-Stowe University hosted a panel discussion with some of St. Louis’s most notable men to find a solution to save our sons.

“Vibrations: Interview with Shahrazad Ali” | WFSU-TV (1991)

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Video interview with Vibrations host Raven Geary and featured guest writer Sharhzad Ali. They discuss her book – The Black Man’s Guide To Understanding The Black Woman. Shahrazad Ali (born April 27, 1954, in Atlanta, Georgia, US), raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an author of several books, including a paperback called The Blackman’s Guide to … Continue reading →

Positive Messages: For Young Men Growing Up Without Their Fathers

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An excerpt from Positive Messages for young men growing up without their fathers by Marc Anthony Butcher When I was six and seven I constantly wondered why I didn’t deserve to have a father, the other half of my biological parents. I knew what my mother told me. She had left him. “But why?” “He … Continue reading →

Father’s Day With Gary Russell Sr. And His Sons

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AJ and Barak of the Sweet Scientists Boxing Talk Show by DANZ USA Sports sat the Gary Russell Sr. and his four sons, Gary Russell Jr, Gary Antonio Russell, Gary Antuanne Russell and Gary Allen Russell. They talked about their upbringing, boxing, and fatherhood.

“In Home Banking” Documentary with Derrick Grace Two

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The “In Home Banking” documentary is officially releasing to the public. Following months of adversity, preparation, and challenges from the powers that be… It’s here! From the concept, curriculum, to the board game. Continue reading →

James Baldwin & Nikki Giovanni, a LOVE conversation [FULL]

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A LOVE discussion between James Baldwin & Nikki Giovanni
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Proud Poppa Stories – Izzi From Chandler Talks About Fatherhood

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In this short edition of the Proud Poppas Project, we talk with Proud Father, Izzi from Chandler, Arizona. He talks about changes in his life after losing his dear father and uncle, and then suddenly becoming a father of a baby girl named Angelica. Continue reading →

History of Black Men: A Philosophical Approach

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A deep look into the history of black men on the planet. Presented by HomeTeam History Continue reading →

Dr. Da’mond Gadson Talks About How to communicate better with your partner and solve relationship problems.

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Your partner is your biggest asset you need to learn how to communicate with your partner in a more supportive way. You must share your dreams and goals with your partner and have conversations about how your partner fits into your plans to help you reach your dreams and goals. Continue reading →

ALPHA MALE Lifestyle Development

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Introducing a new kind of support group that focuses on the challenges of becoming Alpha Male. We’ll be discussing any issues or concerns men have about parenting, relationship, communication, and leadership within our training group. Continue reading →

African Love – Connecting Your Love And Your Culture Through Marriage

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Marriage in African culture, from North to South, East to West is hands-down one of the most significant rites of passage between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. It is the most celebrated ceremony in all African cultures. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding … Continue reading →

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