Event Description

While working in the Atlanta Public Schools for almost a decade, David Manuel became painfully aware of the lack of male parental guidance for inner-city children and it was not based on color, culture, or socio-economic level. The father, arts advocate and community activist authored and self-published the highly celebrated book ‘I Am A Father, Celebrating African-American Fathers’ in 2007. Highlighting the rarely seen truths in the media, regarding a very up close and personal look at black fatherhood and the relationships with their children, the book is both inspirational and educational.   “You constantly hear that Black men abandon their family; they don’t pay child support, they are abusive or are in jail. Although some of this is true, I want to celebrate the fathers for their loving and powerful relationships.”

Fast-forward to 2013, David hosted a quarterly forum with an amazingly powerful panel of community leaders and key influencers called the I AM Series: Faith, Fatherhood, and Family. Never tiring, he has answered the call to “Strengthen Families One Mile at a Time” with the annual I AM A Father 5K.  This 5K is not only strengthening families but is a catalyst uniting community male-focused organizations.

The proceeds from the 5k will benefit organizations which have structured programs for developing youth with a focus on strengthening the family unit from the fatherhood perspective. Each year we select two to four organizations per city to support. Since inception 2015 we've selected Piedmont Hospital Foundation, Maranathan Academy, The Stewart Foundation, Let Us Make Man, and the Leadership Academy of the DeKalb County Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America for the Atlanta . Each city's event proceeds supports an organization in the city.  Please join us on this vision.

Event details and schedule

BIRMINGHAM JUNE 6th

This race will be held at George Ward Park, 1901 Greensprings Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35209

There is plenty of parking at the park

5K starts at 8am

ATLANTA JUNE 20th

The race will be held at Grant Park, 800 Cherokee Ave, Atlanta, GA 30315

There is plenty of street parking around the park; you can also take MARTA

5K starts at 8am

This course is USATF Certified and can be used for seeding in the AJC Peachtree Road Race