CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Being a father can be tough. It’s something Rashamod Torrance realized when he had his son.
“There weren’t a lot of support groups for guys,” he said. “My wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, was joining all these mom groups and mom support groups. When I looked online, I couldn’t find any online presence. I couldn’t find those communities.”
So, in 2019, Torrance decided to create that community. The father of now two kids started Active Dad in September of that year. He said it started with him making t-shirts and merchandise.
Torrance said from there it took off.
“Then from there we are having these playdates, and we are connecting with each other. Allowing the kids to form their own villages and meet friends and do those things,” he said, “while the dads are sitting back and able to reflect on it."
He also noted the group time helps fathers discuss their journeys and uplift each other.
Active Dad focuses on promoting positive images of fathers and creating community through events. Torrance is also making it his mission to change the perception of fatherhood in the African-American community. The group taps into subjects like mental health as well; Active Dad holds a virtual dad call every third Wednesday of the month.
“To see guys from the East Coast to the West Coast, from different cities all in one room, having those breakout room discussions -- just bonding on whatever topic,” he said.
Torrance said there’s also a focus on physical health.
“We have some certified trainers in the group. A lot of us realize that the more active you are when it comes to physical health the better you are going to be for your kids,” he said.
Today, there are active dad tribes in 11 cities across the country. Torrance said while the journey can be tough, he wants dads to know they’re not in it alone.
“Men need community. A lot of men don’t know it until they experience it,” he said
Right now, Active Dad is embarking on its Ice Cream with Dad tour.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.