Fatherhood Manologues- Cohort #1
The first cohort of the Fatherhood Manologues was nothing short of transformative. At the time, it was just a dream, an idea sparked by a simple yet profound question: Would men be willing to write and share their stories about being fathers or being fathered? We didn’t know if anyone would show up to write. We didn’t know if they would return to rehearse. We certainly didn’t know if an audience would come out to witness a performance of men from our own community speaking openly about fatherhood.
But what we discovered was powerful: the men showed up, the brotherhood grew, and the community stood with us.
The stories they told were raw, honest, and healing. The weekly practices turned into bonds, and the vulnerability sparked a new kind of strength. Our first show took place at the end of February 2020, just weeks before the world shut down due to COVID. And yet, the Fatherhood Manologues didn’t stop. If anything, it was just getting started.
Eight of the original ten cast members stayed connected and committed. Since then, they've performed on stages, led workshops, and continued to spark conversations that rarely happen in public spaces. What began as an experiment has become a movement—powered by purpose, brotherhood, and the belief that fathers’ voices deserve to be heard.
Below are videos that cohort #1 created after the show highlighting their Fatherhood Manologues beyond the stage.
But what we discovered was powerful: the men showed up, the brotherhood grew, and the community stood with us.
The stories they told were raw, honest, and healing. The weekly practices turned into bonds, and the vulnerability sparked a new kind of strength. Our first show took place at the end of February 2020, just weeks before the world shut down due to COVID. And yet, the Fatherhood Manologues didn’t stop. If anything, it was just getting started.
Eight of the original ten cast members stayed connected and committed. Since then, they've performed on stages, led workshops, and continued to spark conversations that rarely happen in public spaces. What began as an experiment has become a movement—powered by purpose, brotherhood, and the belief that fathers’ voices deserve to be heard.
Below are videos that cohort #1 created after the show highlighting their Fatherhood Manologues beyond the stage.
Fatherhood Manologues Videos
Jesse White III:
Lessons from my father's generation
Kevin Booker, Jr.:
I love you
Demetrius Chamblee:
Father's Perseverance
Jean Amos Lys:
Fatherhood a Sacred Calling
Malik Champlain:
My Son
Keith Davis:
Blood doesn't make you a father
Tariko Satterfield, Sr.:
The Fatherless Checklist
Elbert Gray:
1-2-3-Moments with my Dad
About the Fatherhood Manologues
The Fatherhood Manologues is a storytelling initiative created by Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad through The Manhood Tree and My People Community Services. The program brings individuals together to reflect on their experiences with fatherhood; whether that experience comes from being a father or from being fathered.
The concept began in January 2020 as a way to create a meaningful space where people could explore the emotions, lessons, challenges, and triumphs connected to fathers and fatherhood. Participants come together over several weeks to write and develop their personal stories in a supportive environment that encourages honesty, reflection, and growth.
During the process, participants engage in group discussions that help them unpack their experiences, consider different perspectives, and sometimes work through unresolved feelings connected to their father or their role as a father. For many, the process becomes both a creative and healing experience.
The program culminates in a live performance where participants share their stories with the community. Each show is followed by a panel discussion that allows performers to reflect on their stories and discuss the deeper themes connected to fatherhood, family relationships, and personal identity.
Since its creation, the Fatherhood Manologues has brought together fathers, sons, daughters, and community members to share powerful stories that spark conversation, build understanding, and highlight the many ways fathers influence the lives of their children and families.
The Fatherhood Manologues is a storytelling initiative created by Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad through The Manhood Tree and My People Community Services. The program brings individuals together to reflect on their experiences with fatherhood; whether that experience comes from being a father or from being fathered.
The concept began in January 2020 as a way to create a meaningful space where people could explore the emotions, lessons, challenges, and triumphs connected to fathers and fatherhood. Participants come together over several weeks to write and develop their personal stories in a supportive environment that encourages honesty, reflection, and growth.
During the process, participants engage in group discussions that help them unpack their experiences, consider different perspectives, and sometimes work through unresolved feelings connected to their father or their role as a father. For many, the process becomes both a creative and healing experience.
The program culminates in a live performance where participants share their stories with the community. Each show is followed by a panel discussion that allows performers to reflect on their stories and discuss the deeper themes connected to fatherhood, family relationships, and personal identity.
Since its creation, the Fatherhood Manologues has brought together fathers, sons, daughters, and community members to share powerful stories that spark conversation, build understanding, and highlight the many ways fathers influence the lives of their children and families.
