Black Father-Daughter Dance chance to make memories
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Creating memories that will last a lifetime was the goal of Saturday's second annual Black Father-Daughter Dance. Hundreds gathered at COSI for a night of fun and an opportunity to match your daughter. While the dance may be about letting your hair down and having fun, it’s part of Black Girl [...]
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Creating memories that will last a lifetime was the goal of Saturday's second annual Black Father-Daughter Dance.
Hundreds gathered at COSI for a night of fun and an opportunity to match your daughter.
While the dance may be about letting your hair down and having fun, it’s part of Black Girl Dad Week, a week of activities and events highlighting the roles Black fathers and father figures play in the lives of Black girls and women.
“I’m excited to hit the dance floor,” said Ivy Lewis.
Fathers and father figures spent hours on the dance floor with their daughters and loved ones.
“Honestly, I’ve just never seen men smile as much. You know, when we have a problem smiling, people think something’s wrong with us. But to see men genuinely enjoy themselves because daughters, in particular young girls, force you to do that,” said Jewel Woods, founder of Male Behavioral Health.
According to Woods, research shows that the more fathers that are in women and girls' lives, the better the outcome is.
“The reality is the reverse for men. We become better. We become healthier. The research shows when fathers are absolutely pouring into their children, particularly daughters, they end up benefiting physically, emotionally, psychologically. So the other added benefit of this is actually seeing healing happen in real-time,” said Woods.
Gary Lewis brought his daughter Ivy to the dance but he got to spend time with other family members as well.
“We'll get to spend a great evening. I also have my son and my granddaughter with us. So it's just a great family event,” said Lewis.
His son Nate Lewis brought his daughter Gia.
“Family comes first before anything, so this is awesome that you get to celebrate and just be dad for a little bit,” said Nate Lewis.
Organizers said it’s important to have a father figure and people in your life to look up to.
“Weeks like this help us to reflect upon how important it is to have fathers in the family and great role models that our daughters can look up to,” said Derrick Clay, co-chair for Black Girl Dad Week.
The week wraps up Sunday with an event at the King Arts Complex.