I am because we are.” This African proverb carries profound weight. It speaks to the undeniable truth that our humanity, our survival, and our strength are deeply intertwined with the communities we build and nurture. For Black parents in Dallas, the journey to rebuild these networks is both a necessity and a lifeline, particularly in an era that challenges their resilience at every turn.
Imagine this: A father, sitting alone in the quiet of his home, overwhelmed by the weight of parenthood. Or a mother, new to the city, struggling to find her footing while shouldering the endless responsibilities of raising children. The isolation feels insurmountable, but then, a spark, a connection, reminds them that they are not alone. This is the story of community—how it heals, transforms, and gives us the strength to thrive.
Kalvin Bridgewater, founder of the Daddy Stroller Social Club (DSSC), knows this feeling all too well. When his first child was born, he found himself grappling with postpartum depression, a condition that is often overlooked in fathers. “It hit me in ways I didn’t expect,” he admits. “I felt like I was failing my family because I didn’t know how to navigate the emotions I was experiencing.” Late nights and early mornings blurred together, and though he had friends, the conversations they shared felt shallow in the face of his struggles.
That honesty came later, when he started DSSC. What began as casual stroller walks in the park with a handful of dads evolved into a powerful community where Black fathers could show up as their full selves. “The more I opened up, the better I became, as a person, a husband, and a father,” Bridgewater says. Through DSSC, members have found more than camaraderie; they’ve found transformation. One father, struggling with balancing work and parenting, shared how the group helped him rebuild his confidence. Another member, navigating co-parenting challenges, credited DSSC’s workshops for saving his relationship with his child. “We’re not just changing our own lives,” Bridgewater says, “we’re changing the narrative of what fatherhood looks like.”
For Jasmine Holmes, founder of DFW Black Moms Walking, the story began with a move to Dallas. “I was in a new city with very little support,” she recalls. “Between taking care of my kids and balancing everything else, I didn’t have time to meet people, let alone build meaningful relationships.” The loneliness weighed heavily, but a simple idea sparked a shift: walking. “I started walking for my mental health, and I realized how much better I felt when I got outside. That’s when I thought, why not invite other moms to join me?”
DFW Black Moms Walking has since grown into a lifeline for mothers seeking connection and self-care. Discussions during their walks range from navigating school systems to managing mental health, all while building a sense of community. Holmes recalls one mother who joined after losing her job and feeling isolated. “She told me the group gave her purpose again, and seeing her rebuild her confidence has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.” Holmes adds, “It’s not just about the walk. It’s about the conversations, the laughter, and the shared understanding that we’re all in this together. We celebrate each other’s wins and hold each other through the hard times.”
Both DSSC and DFW Black Moms Walking are more than organizations, they are examples of how community can heal and transform. Community is about showing up, sharing resources, and being present for one another. Holmes emphasizes, “It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to keep going.”
They remind Black parents that their strength lies in their togetherness. “When we’re out in the parks,” Bridgewater shares, “people are surprised to see a group of Black dads together. But this is what we do. We show up for our kids and for each other.”
Looking ahead, both leaders have big plans. Bridgewater envisions DSSC expanding into mentorship programs for young Black men, creating opportunities to instill values of accountability and connection in the next generation. Holmes, meanwhile, dreams of organizing retreats and wellness events for mothers, offering deeper layers of support and renewal.
So, what is community? It’s a place where struggles are shared, joys are celebrated, and resilience is cultivated. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. For Black parents in Dallas, organizations like DSSC and DFW Black Moms Walking are proving that community is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.
“I am because we are.” It’s not just a proverb; it’s a call to action. Join these communities, or take the first step in creating your own. Share your story, seek connection, and remember that the power of community can change lives.
To learn more about the Daddy Stroller Social Club, visit https://www.daddystrollersocialclub.com/. For DFW Black Moms Walking, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/dfwblackmomswalking/.