2020 Arts Mentors Collaboration
The summer of 2020, The Manhood Tree collaborated with Arts Mentors to create stories with 60 high school students virtually. The program consisted of 5 writing coaches that worked with groups of 12 youth. Over five weeks, the writing coaches provided examples, trained and listened to the young people's stories about their lives, family and fathers. In addition to working with the youth, the coaches were asked to write a Fatherhood Manologue.
Below, are the videos from the coaches from the summer program (Cohort #2 of the Fatherhood Manolouges) featuring Frederick Douglass Knowles II, Khaiim Kelly (RapOet), Laugh Sanchez, Mathew Rivera and our founder Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad. Check them out!
Below, are the videos from the coaches from the summer program (Cohort #2 of the Fatherhood Manolouges) featuring Frederick Douglass Knowles II, Khaiim Kelly (RapOet), Laugh Sanchez, Mathew Rivera and our founder Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad. Check them out!
Frederick Douglass Knowles II-For a Day
Khaiim Kelly-The RapOet-So Close
Saving Time-Laugh Sanchez
Happy Birthday, Dad-Matthew Rivera
Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad-
Do you remember...?
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.
