FATHERS INCORPORATED RELEASES PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS TO ADDRESS FATHERLESS BLACK BOYS

Albany -- Free-Press-Release.com-- Aug 14, 2011 -- ALBANY, NY; August 14, 2011– Inspired by President Obama and White House efforts to raise the awareness of the effects of fatherlessness and in support of the recent $127 Million by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and philanthropist George Soros; Fathers Incorporated has release the first of several public service announcements to address the issue of fatherlessness and black boys.

“Our community must see tougher and more focused messages about our children growing up with without fathers and positive male role models,” says Kenneth Braswell; Executive Director of Fathers Incorporated. “The impact of fatherlessness on African American communities is devastating; our children are losing this battle, moms are beyond stressed and willing fathers/men are being pulled in multiple directions of need.”

The numbers speak for themselves:

About 80% of African American children can expect to spend “a significant” portion of their childhood living without their biological father.

The 4.5 million African American men ages 15 to 29 represent 14% of the U.S. male population of that age and 12% of all African Americans in the U.S. Their high rates of death, incarceration, and unemployment, and relatively low levels of college graduation rates raise concerns for African American families and the nation’s economy. (Kaiser Family Foundation)

The above statistics speak only to a minute portion of problems confronting today’s fathers; particularly African and Latino American men. In addition with unemployment rate skyrocketing; it is our younger population of men who struggle the most. “Too many children are growing up without the positive guidance and support of fathers,” said Shawn Dove, Manager of the Open Society Foundations Campaign for Black Male Achievement. “Fathers Incorporated’s public service announcements can go a long way toward piercing the hearts and minds of dads to take the steps to re-engage in the lives of their children.”

Produced by GradyGirl Productions Inc., (www.gradygirl.com | 718.915.6831) the first two videos entitled, “Tough Guy” and “Faces of Despair” speaks from the voices of a young African American males; speaking directly from their hearts about how they feel about not having an active and involved father in their life.

In the recently released report by Mayor Bloomberg’s Black Male Taskforce entitled the “Young Men’s Initiative;” it described five steps to mount a bold attack on the disparities that are crippling New York City’s population of young men of color. The third point addressed the issue of fatherlessness by challenging society to “improve the health of young men by encouraging more fathers to be involved in the lives of their children, and by breaking the cycle of premature fathering.” Through the TIES NEVER BROKEN campaign, Fathers Incorporated’s website will host tips for fathers looking to reconnect with their children as well as resource links to services and support. “We know our fathers need more chastising; they need help and assistance. We can’t provide it all, but it’s a start. We owe it to our children and communities to at least try.”

In the coming months the agency will release other public service announcements, posters, the blue bowtie lapel pins; issue focused campaigns and partnerships to engage and assist in furthering messages of responsible fatherhood and mentoring. For additional information and updates on the campaign, please visit www.fathersincorporated.com.

To receive a copy of the psas call 518-227-6161 or email fathersincorporated@gmail.com.

Fathers Incorporated
Fathers Incorporated; a not-for-profit organization serves as a leader in the promotion of Responsible Fatherhood and Mentoring. This international, national, and local focus raises the awareness about, and combats the impact of father absence. We do this through the use of innovative social marketing and multi-media platforms, traditional communications, and product development. www.fathersincorporated.com

Gradygirl Productions, Inc.
Gradygirl Productions, Inc. is a full-service multimedia production company. Veteran television producer Tonia R. Grady established the boutique production house in 1997. Specializing in television, film and high-quality digital video productions, documentaries, independent and feature film production, music videos, television commercials, tailored news pieces, viral videos, red carpet coverage and live news events. Past and present clients include, BET, CNN Headline News, The Tom Joyner Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Miles Ahead Entertainment and DavenStar Media. The Gradygirl brand is very signature – you know it when you see it! Every project produced by Gradygirl has an unmistakable raw and authentic quality that is simply unmatched. For more information about Tonia Grady or Gradygirl Productions, Inc. call 718.915.6831 visit the company website: www.gradygirl.com or via email at gradygirltg@hotmail.com.

Other Resources
Campaign for Black Male Achievement | http://www.soros.org/initiatives/usprograms/focus/cbma
National Fatherhood Clearing House | http://www.fatherhood.gov/
Urban Leadership Institute | www.urbanyouth.org | www.raisinghimalone.org | www.changingfatherhood.com.

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Fathers Incorporated
Fathers Incorporated
518-227-6161
http://www.fathersincorporated.com