J. Alphonse, Dever Ellis and other celebrity fathers photographed for the fourth annual "Father Noir" project

Actor Devere Ellis – Tommy Oliver

You've probably heard the phrase, “Black fathers matter.” For the fourth year in a row, Black Love Inc. is spreading this message through their “Father Noir” project, which aims to dispel the notion that black men are not prominent fathers by highlighting fathers who have healthy relationships with their children through powerful imagery.

Tommy Oliver is the man behind the Father Noir Project, co-founder with his wife Cody Elaine Oliver of Black Lab Inc., and an award-winning filmmaker and photographer whose photos from the 2020 Black Lives Matter LA protests are currently on display at the Smithsonian.

Contrary to negative stereotypes about black fathers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2013 National Health Statistics Report shows that black fathers are in fact present and active. More specifically, the report found that black fathers who live with their children are more likely than white and Hispanic fathers to be actively involved in activities such as helping with homework, bathing, reading to young children, playing with them, and taking them to activities. Similarly, a National Library of Medicine study found that nonresident black fathers (i.e., not living with their children) are more likely to share responsibilities and engage in effective co-parenting than their Hispanic and white counterparts.

Actor and singer Rotimi – Tommy Oliver

This year’s ‘Father Noir’ project will continue to feature photos of celebrity fathers who are shedding light on these findings, including actor and singer Rotimi; P Valley Star athlete J. Alphonse Nicholson, NBA player John Wall, Zatima From actor Devale Ellis to singer-songwriter Eric Bellinger, these amazing photos show celebs sharing wholesome moments with their kids in the way only dads can (and lots of wrestling!).

Oliver himself is a father to three sons, Brooks, Aristotle, and Langston, and we spoke to the entrepreneur and artist about his thoughts on black fatherhood and what he enjoys most about being a dad.

ESSENCE: What do you enjoy most about being a father?

Tommy Oliver: I love spending time with my kids, we can read books together, wrestle (body slam, suplex, powerbomb, elbow drop), cook together, play board games, you name it.

How do you think Father Noir has positively impacted our community over the past four years and why did you decide to communicate this project through images?

As Aaron Bryant once told me, photography is probably sixth on my list of things I do, but I've had Melvin Gregg, Robbie Jones, and other Father Noir dads tell me that my photos are the only ones they have hanging in their homes of them and their kids, and those photos are invaluable to them, and that means invaluable to me. Fathers are often pretty bad at congratulating themselves, but being able to help capture moments with their kids is a sight to behold, both for them and for the community, so I've been met with love and excitement and even been featured in Essence for years.

Why do you think the media focuses more on fatherless families than on families with fathers?

Because people are lazy, ignorant, and because clickbait headlines sell better, regardless of what the data says or how damaging it is to our community to pass it off as truth. I want to see Black fathers portrayed truthfully and that they/we exist and are loved.

What do you think is one of the biggest obstacles black fathers face?

Internalizing the ways we are misrepresented in the media, and not having or building a “dad village” of like-minded people who can support us when times get tough and ask us questions without being judged.

What words of encouragement would you give to fathers who are trying to do their best for their kids?

Children need fathers in their lives, and they also need fathers who feel like they don't know what the hell they're doing, because do any of us really know? Just being there makes a big difference, so stay present.

Are there any black celebrity fathers that you admire? Why? What qualities do they embody?

There are some celebrity dads like Michael Ealy that we look up to not just because they're famous, but because they're great dads. He's just a great guy who's always there for his kids. He also cares more about being a good dad than making movies and TV shows. Let's applaud those who put in the effort.

How do you think Black fathers want to be celebrated and recognized?

The only blessing I need is the eyes of my children looking at me.

Check out some of our favorite images from this year's Father Noir project: And Happy Father's Day to all the Black dads out there — we appreciate all you do and hope you know how much you matter.

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Actor and singer Rotimi