Shaping Futures: Dr. Alvin Thomas on Revolutionizing Black Fatherhood by Rewriting the Narrative

I Am Dad

In this episode of the I Am Dad podcast, host Kenneth Braswell interviews Dr. Alvin Thomas, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of Human Development and Family Studies. Dr. Thomas discusses his work at the intersection of positive child and youth development and father involvement, with a focus on black children and black fathers. He explains the importance of challenging the negative narratives surrounding black fathers and highlighting their positive contributions to their families and communities. Dr. Thomas also emphasizes the need to address the mental health of black men and fathers, as well as the impact of their environment on their well-being. He advocates for a holistic approach to fatherhood that takes into account the various social, cultural, and institutional factors that shape the experiences of black fathers.