Sean Williams started “The Dad Gang,” a social community of dads on a mission to change the way the world views Black fathers, after an uncomfortable encounter with a white woman.
Williams, who is a parent in New York City, is one of 100 men who spoke with Oprah Winfrey for the special OWN Spotlight: Oprah and 100 Black Fathers.
In a preview clip, Williams said he created “The Dad Gang” after a white woman approached him as he walked with his daughter in a baby carrier on Long Island.
[Watch the video below]
“At first she said, ‘Is that your baby,’ which I thought was odd. Why would I carry someone else’s baby?” he recalled. “Then she said ‘wow, it’s so good to see that you’re active and you stuck around for your family.'”
Williams said he was floored by the conversation and decided he wanted to do something to change stereotypes about Black men.
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He is among 100 Black fathers who spoke with Winfrey about the current racial climate in the country.
The men discussed how they are having “the talk” with their children about police, the recent murders of Black men and women, and the challenges they face in a world that often sees them as criminals.
Other men taking part in the special include media mogul Tyler Perry; actor and producer Courtney B. Vance; Grammy award-winning rapper and songwriter Michael Render aka Killer Mike; and criminal justice reform activist and author Shaka Senghor.
OWN Spotlight: Oprah and 100 Black Fathers is produced by OWN. The executive producers are Oprah Winfrey and Tara Montgomery.
The special airs Tuesday, June 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.