CARLOS T. CARTER
This month’s health focus is on Fatherhood, including harmful and untruthful stereotypes about the lack of presence of Black fathers in their children’s lives. We asked Carlos T. Carter, President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, to address the importance of dismantling these harmful falsehoods.
Carlos: There’s a damaging stereotype that all Black fathers are absent or neglectful, but it’s not true. Many Black fathers are deeply committed to their children and families. This belief is rooted in historical oppression and continues to fuel stereotypes. It runs counter to research that shows when Black fathers are involved, they’re more engaged than fathers from other racial groups.
Labeling people this way is dangerous and perpetuates the dehumanization and criminalization of Black fathers, contributing to systemic discrimination. Our youth need to know they and their fathers deserve dignity, respect, and love, so they can grow up to be strong, responsible fathers themselves. Challenging and dismantling the stereotype is essential for the well-being of Black families.
Q: How does the Urban League help Black fathers provide for and support their children, financially and developmentally?
Carlos: Each of our Family Support Centers has developed a Men’s Support Group that encourages men to come together and discuss issues. The groups are guided by the men themselves, ensuring that discussions are relevant and reflective. While the overarching themes are similar across centers, each group tailors topics to address the specific needs of their community.
Examples include the Duquesne Group whose members come together to share a meal and discuss how they can make an impact in their community. They are also planning an event around Father’s Day.
The Northview Group discusses topics like the challenges of being a single father and political engagement, including helping people get to the polls. There are moments of deep emotion, laughter, and even debates (including who’s the greatest basketball player of all time).
The common thread among all the groups is trust! These men have created a space where they can be vulnerable—something we’re not often allowed to be as Black men. As these groups grow, we aim to explore what good health looks like for Black men and develop plans to help them achieve it.
The Urban League also provides parenting workshops and early childhood development resources that offer the tools and knowledge fathers and mothers need to nurture their children’s growth and development from a young age.
Our Opportunity Broker Program assists parents in overcoming barriers to access jobs and training opportunities, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency. We offer financial education through our Moving On’ UP (MOU) program.
We’re also investing in our young Black men through the Black Male Leadership Development Institute (BMLDI). In partnership with institutions like Slippery Rock University, Tri-State Capital, and other community mentors, we build on their strengths. Our goal is to empower these young men to become career-ready, civically engaged, and transformative community leaders.
