"Fathers' Uplift, Inc." (Charles Clayton Daniels Jr.)

In next week's episode of #IDTALK4EDLIVE, we have the honor of speaking with Charles Clayton Daniels Jr., co-founder and CEO of Fathers' Uplift, Inc. In our conversation, he shares about the importance of black fatherhood, the founding of Fathers' Uplift, his experience as an Obama Foundation Follow, and much more! To learn more about Fathers' Uplift, you can visit the website at fathersuplift.org or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

BIO:

Charles C. Daniels, Jr., co-founder/Chief Executive Officer of Fathers’ Uplift, Inc., grew up without a father in his life. Despite his mother’s love, Charles felt the impact of abandonment--guilt, shame, and embarrassment. He felt different than other kids. He had problems in school, turned to alcohol and drugs to hide those feelings, and came close to actualizing thoughts of suicide. Ultimately, he realized that his fractured relationship with his father was at the root of his despair. After finding his Dad, Charles recognized that his father had his own challenges and that he was not responsible for those or his father’s absence. That journey led him to his life’s work.

Charles holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bethune-Cookman University, a Masters of Social Work (Simmons University), a Master of Divinity (Boston University), and is a Ph.D. candidate in Social Work at Simmons University. While on the journey of founding and operating Fathers’ Uplift, Charles has taught at the college level (e.g. Harvard University and Simmons University), has been a national speaker and writer, and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including CNN, ABC, Good Morning America, and WBUR.

In 2019, Charles was chosen by the Obama Foundation as one of 20 Fellows selected worldwide as a civic innovator creating transformational change and addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems. He is also a Gerson Lehrman Group Fellow and a past Fellow of the Albert Sweitzer Fellowship. Charles is married to Samantha Fils-Daniels, who co-founded Fathers’ Uplift with him. Samantha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the person Charles calls his Rock. Together, they have one son, Clayton Charles Daniels.

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/identitytalk4educators/support