Gratitude for the Viral Coverage of Our Fatherhood Program Graduation

Thank you to everyone who reached out to us after seeing viral posts on social media to express support for the work of Fathers Incorporated (FI) and our Gentle Warriors Academy (GWA).

The recent FIRE 100 graduation at Morehouse School of Medicine — where we celebrated over 100 incredible fathers — has sparked an outpouring of support, curiosity, and conversation across the country. And for that, we are deeply grateful.

This viral moment, which has topped 25K engagements and 9.7 million potential impressions, didn’t happen overnight. It results from 20 years of unwavering commitment, love, and labor poured into the lives of fathers and families across Metro Atlanta and beyond.

Since 2004, FI has uplifted, supported, and walked alongside men on their journeys to becoming the best versions of themselves — not because they don’t know how to be fathers, but because every parent, at every stage, deserves support.

Let me be clear: We do not teach men how to be fathers. We create space, hold up a mirror, and affirm what is already inside them.

GWA provides structure, brotherhood, and guidance. It creates a safe place for reflection, accountability, and growth. We help all fathers — married, single, formerly incarcerated, unhoused, white, Black, Latino, young, and seasoned — navigate a world that often assumes the worst of them. We build them up with tools grounded in integrity, responsibility, and presence.

Among the graduating class that went viral in mid-April 2025 were 20 men from the Fulton County Jail. These dads are working toward redemption and reconnection, even while behind bars. Some fathers hadn’t seen their children in years. Others joined the program just to become better husbands, co-parents, and men. All of them came to grow.

To those who question why a program like this should exist or why fatherhood needs support at all, we say this: Every human being deserves the chance to heal, to grow, and to be seen not for their mistakes, but for their potential. That’s what we do.

We will never apologize for believing in men.

If you’re wondering how to get involved or bring this kind of work to your community, here are a few steps:

• Visit us at www.fathersincorporated.com, www.poppauniversity.com, or www.gentlewarriorsacademy.com. Whether you’re a practitioner, an organization, or a father, these sites offer valuable insight and resources.
• If you’re outside Atlanta, check out the New England Fathering Conference and other resources for local opportunities.
• For those ready to launch or expand a fatherhood program, the federal government is offering new grants this year through the Office of Family Assistance. You can learn more about them in our blog post: Grants to Strengthen Fathers and Families.

Finally, to every person who has commented, shared, or simply seen the viral media coverage of our FIRE 100 graduation, we thank you. We also invite you to watch this FI video celebrating GWA and its recent graduates:

This work is far from over, but it is gaining momentum. With your support, we will continue to expand our reach, elevate fatherhood, and rewrite the narrative — one dad at a time.