From growing up without his father, to becoming a mentor to generations of men in Milwaukee, Baba Courtney shares wisdom on fatherhood, Black family structure, relationships, systemic racism, economics, spirituality, and the importance of rebuilding the village.

This conversation dives deep into:

• The destruction of Black communities through economic divestment
• Fatherhood across generations
• Mentorship and community leadership
• Respect for elders
• Marriage and relationship longevity
• Why “things became more important than people”
• The difference between racism and prejudice
• The spiritual role of fathers
• Raising children with purpose and legacy

This is more than a podcast episode, it’s a masterclass in wisdom, history, and healing.

Sponsored by Community Care, 2026 FMP Awards Partner of the Year.

Get your tickets to the FMP Awards, June 19th at fathersmakingprogress.org

0:00 – Opening spoken word & podcast intro

0:22 – Terron Edwards introduces the episode theme: Intergenerational Fatherhood

0:47 – Community Care sponsorship + FMP Awards announcement

1:17 – Introducing Baba Anthony Courtney: Trailblazer & Father of the Year

1:46 – Baba Courtney shares his background and legacy

2:23 – The difference between prejudice and racism

3:14 – How highways destroyed Black communities

4:13 – Milwaukee factories, NAFTA & economic collapse

4:52 – How job loss fueled drugs, incarceration & broken homes

5:07 – Terron reflects on Flint, Milwaukee & neighborhood decline

6:24 – The impact of community divestment

7:01 – Baba reveals he has 13 children, 57 grandchildren & 27 great-grandchildren

7:48 – Growing up without his father and siblings being separated

8:33 – Welfare policies & the destruction of Black families

9:22 – Terron reflects on losing his father at a young age

10:24 – What the Trailblazer Award meant to Baba Courtney

11:07 – Mentoring generations of fathers through FMP

12:12 – Ben Watson’s tribute and mentorship legacy

13:10 – Biggest differences between fatherhood then vs now

13:30 – “There’s no such thing as a stepdad”

14:11 – The importance of community fatherhood and spiritual lineage

15:13 – “Superstar on the Losing Team” and individualism in the Black community

16:06 – Team building and rebuilding the village mindset

16:49 – Traditional African matrilineal societies explained

17:30 – The meaning behind the word “inheritance”

17:52 – Why young people don’t listen to unhappy adults

18:41 – Respect for elders in past generations

19:36 – “Things became more important than people”

20:23 – Fact or Myth segment begins

20:49 – “Kids should be seen and not heard”

21:29 – “Fathers can’t be nurturing”

22:34 – Parenting roles of mothers vs fathers

23:45 – “Elders don’t understand today’s world”

24:24 – The importance of protecting people’s spirit

25:07 – “Young dads don’t take fatherhood seriously”

25:51 – Grandparents Day story that changed Baba’s perspective

26:44 – The importance of lineage and knowing your ancestors

27:11 – Relationships, marriage & staying together 47 years

28:10 – “Black men carry the word, Black women carry the power”

29:26 – Why Black singing groups disappeared

30:23 – Equality vs complementary relationships

31:07 – Men, women & household roles explained

32:47 – How parenting changes relationships over time

33:35 – Growing up without seeing his father at sports games

34:11 – Why fathers should show up for their children

34:57 – The importance of praise, encouragement & presence

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message.

Because no matter where you are in life…

You’re still making progress!

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From stories of growing up in Milwaukee and the South, to lessons from fathers, mentors, judges, coaches, and community elders, this episode is full of wisdom, laughter, vulnerability, and real talk about what our communities need from men today.

Sponsored by Community Care and highlighting the upcoming FMP Awards on Juneteenth, this episode celebrates fathers who are changing lives every day through consistency, love, mentorship and presence.

Key Take Aways:

• Fatherhood is leadership both inside and outside the home.
• Presence matters more than perfection.
• Community mentorship can save lives.
• Co-parenting requires maturity, communication, and respect.
• Children learn more from what they see than what they hear.
• Fathers showing up changes outcomes.
• Healing communities starts with healing families.
• Laughter, mentorship, and accountability all matter.

Moments of Fatherhood:

00:00 - A Powerful Opening About Purpose, Truth & Legacy

00:22 - Why Fatherhood Changes Entire Communities

00:48 - Meet the Community Fathers of the Year

01:31 - The FM Awards Are Bigger Than Ever

02:02 - Born Into a Legacy of Black Leadership

03:45 - Civil Rights, Open Housing & Milwaukee History

04:37 - Growing Up With Eight Sisters Changed Everything

06:02 - How Old-School Games Built Real Community

07:07 - The Man Bringing Life Back to the Park

08:18 - Why Everything at the Park Costs Just 50 Cents

08:54 - Comedian D-Rock Joins the Conversation

09:22 - From Arkansas to Milwaukee: A Fatherhood Journey

10:18 - The Summer Job That Changed His Entire Life

12:47 - From Fighting in the Streets to Entertaining Crowds

14:03 - D-Rock Reacts to Hosting the FM Awards

15:14 - They Accidentally Discover They’re Basically Family

16:22 - Why Being a Father Is Easier Than People Think

17:29 - “Just Listen to Your Kids”

18:18 - The Parenting Rules Missing Today

20:31 - 40 Years of Marriage & Fatherhood Wisdom

21:32 - Why Communication Matters After Divorce

23:08 - Giving Children the Best of Both Parents

24:19 - How Healthy Co-Parenting Really Works

25:46 - The Life Lessons That Kept Him Out of Prison

27:52 - The Judge Who Saved His Future

30:17 - Helping Young Men Find Purpose Through Work

33:49 - The Night He Gave God “The Keys”

35:13 - One of the Most Powerful Spiritual Moments Yet

36:04 - Learning to Father a Child That Isn’t Yours

37:22 - The “3 D’s & 2 C’s” of Parenting

38:35 - Why They Call Him the “MLK of Fatherhood”

39:16 - “I Just Like Seeing People Happy”

40:04 - Being the Only Black Father in Court

42:25 - Why Fathers Showing Up Changes Everything

43:18 - Guess Who He Ran Into in Los Angeles?

45:15 - Giving Flowers to Fathers While They’re Here

46:00 - Why Fathers Rarely Get Appreciated

47:32 - The Meaning Behind “Keep Living”

48:39 - “I Couldn’t Be Me Without My Wife”

49:04 - Comedy, Community & Final Shoutouts

50:22 - How One Park Is Rebuilding Community

51:00 - “We Can’t Play Man-to-Man Anymore”

51:10 - Stay Present. Stay Positive. Keep Making Progress.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message.

Because no matter where you are in life…

You’re still making progress!

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Host Terron Edwards opens up about personal loss, becoming a young father, and overcoming life’s toughest challenges before the conversation explores what it truly means to rebuild, recover, and reconnect as fathers.

Joseph Whitaker shares his emotional journey of becoming a father at 17, losing connection with his sons, and ultimately rebuilding those relationships through honesty, accountability, and love.

Ameen Allen tells an unforgettable story of surviving a devastating stroke that left him clinically dead for 15 minutes, overcoming speech and mobility struggles, and dedicating his life to mentoring youth and serving the community through old-school games, karate instruction, and fatherhood leadership.

This episode is a raw and honest conversation about:

• Fatherhood and redemption
• Healing broken relationships
• Overcoming trauma and setbacks
• Life after incarceration and hardship
• Blended families and growth
• The “pardon me moment” that changes everything

Sponsored by Community Care, the 2026 FMP Awards Partner of the Year.

Get your tickets for the FMP Awards happening June 19th at fathersmakingprogress.org!

Drop a comment:

What was your “pardon me moment” that changed your life?

0:00 – Welcome to the Father’s Making Progress Podcast

0:22 – Terron shares his personal story of loss, fatherhood, and resilience

1:32 – Introducing Joseph Whitaker Jr. and Ameen Allen

2:13 – Community Care sponsorship + FMP Awards announcement

2:31 – “Who You Be?” guest introductions

2:34 – Joseph Whitaker Jr. introduces himself and his family

3:14 – Ameen Allen shares his fatherhood journey

3:55 – Ameen discusses suffering a life-changing stroke in 2007

4:50 – Teaching kids old-school games at Marcus DeBack Park

6:39 – Ameen recounts the terrifying moments during his stroke

10:50 – Surviving after being clinically dead for 15 minutes

13:51 – Finding purpose through community service after recovery

14:10 – Joseph discusses becoming a father at 17 and losing connection with his sons

17:43 – Rebuilding relationships with his adult children

18:56 – Honest conversations and accountability with his sons

21:11 – Ameen talks about writing his book Life of the Comedian

22:00 – Racism, setbacks, and perseverance throughout life

25:20 – Becoming a top salesman despite adversity

27:35 – Story of Josh Johnson: prison, redemption, and transformation

28:44 – “Pardon Me Moment” discussion begins

29:59 – Joseph shares the moment his son said he didn’t feel like he had a dad

31:20 – Terron reflects on apologizing to his sons after divorce

33:12 – Ameen opens up about changing his lifestyle and growth through FMP

34:40 – Blended family conversations and marriage

36:24 – Ameen on learning to be comfortable alone and finding peace

38:11 – Final reflections on resilience and redemption

38:53 – Closing message: Stay present. Stay positive. Stay making progress.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message.

Because no matter where you are in life…

You’re still making progress!

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They bust common myths about fathers and explore practical tips for getting involved and making a difference. Tune in to discover how collective efforts can lead to meaningful progress in neighborhoods and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Showing up is half the work, presence matters most

• Engaged fathers help strengthen families and entire communities

• Fatherhood goes beyond biology, it’s about impact and mentorship

• Small acts of kindness can change a child’s life

• The stereotype that fathers don’t care is false

• You don’t need money to make a difference, just commitment

• Every interaction with a child leaves a lasting impression

• One engaged father can inspire many others (ripple effect)

• Consistency creates safety, trust, and stability for children

• Fatherhood is leadership in the home and in the community

[00:00:11] Ripple effect of fatherhood.

[00:05:20] Black men in education.

[00:10:01] Impact of fatherhood on growth.

[00:12:19] Fathers as first teachers.

[00:17:10] Resilience in overcoming challenges.

[00:21:09] Community support for young fathers.

[00:23:39] Planting seeds for future success.

[00:29:26] School as a family enrichment center.

[00:32:52] Impact of engaged fatherhood.

[00:36:12] Impact of positive encounters.

[00:40:14] Engaged fathers impact communities.

[00:42:11] Community impact without wealth.

[00:47:41] Community event planning advice.

[00:50:54] Community engagement through local initiatives.

[00:54:10] Nursing home volunteering experiences.

[00:58:05] Community engagement and fatherhood.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message.

Because no matter where you are in life…

You’re still making progress!

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Joining him are three guests: Carnell Hogan, FMP's Community Impact Manager and program facilitator, and Cyrena Martin, founder of Mahogany Cares, both of whom have played vital roles in the success of the Better Together initiative and Dominic Long, a long time FMP alumni. Tune in to learn about the science behind co-parenting and how this program aims to support families in navigating their challenges.

[00:02:28] Co-parenting success stories.

[00:04:07] Co-parenting dynamics and challenges.

[00:09:12] Co-parenting challenges and solutions.

[00:13:25] Co-parenting after domestic violence.

[00:15:58] Co-parenting award recognition.

[00:20:24] Sharing personal stories publicly.

[00:25:07] Co-parenting dynamics and vulnerability.

[00:27:10] Importance of co-parenting.

[00:32:08] Co-parenting relationships after breakup.

[00:34:14] Co-parenting relationships and dynamics.

[00:38:05] Co-parenting agreements are necessary.

[00:43:06] Progress tracking in co-parenting.

[00:46:54] Co-parenting as a process.

[00:50:13] Accountability in co-parenting.

[00:53:35] Co-parenting and child wellbeing.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message.

Because no matter where you are in life…

You’re still making progress!

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The discussion highlights a shocking report estimating that $154 billion in annual taxpayer costs are linked to absent fathers. Terron shares his personal story of growing up without his father, who was murdered when he was just nine years old, and reflects on how this loss shaped his life and led him to Milwaukee seeking support.

The episode aims to bust myths about fatherhood, explore the challenges faced by fathers, and emphasize the importance of fatherhood in strengthening families and communities. Tune in for an insightful conversation about fatherhood and its profound effects on our society.

Key Takeaways

• Both parents play a vital role in shaping a child’s identity

• Fathers provide essential emotional balance, structure, and security

• Time and presence matter more than money or material things

• Fatherhood is learned—growth requires support and community

• Children learn life through the example set by their fathers

• Father absence has real impacts on families and society

• Healing yourself is key to becoming a better father

• Brotherhood and support systems help fathers grow and stay accountable

• Breaking generational cycles starts with being present and engaged

• Fatherhood is a lifelong journey that never stops evolving

[00:01:04] The cost of father absence.

[00:06:01] DJing for community support.

[00:09:39] Importance of quality time.

[00:12:05] Overcoming difficult situations.

[00:14:30] Identity challenges without fathers.

[00:18:26] Emotional trauma and father absence.

[00:24:08] Importance of fatherhood in culture.

[00:26:06] The importance of fathers.

[00:30:27] Black fathers' engagement with children.

[00:33:08] Co-parenting and relationship dynamics.

[00:38:20] Relationship dynamics and fatherhood.

[00:40:33] Date yourself first.

[00:42:57] Be picky in relationships.

[00:46:36] Dads matter in parenting.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message.

Because no matter where you are in life…

You’re still making progress!

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This episode takes listeners back to the roots where Fathers Making Progress began as a grassroots space for men to be real, vulnerable, and accountable. Through raw storytelling, the brothers break down the myths of fatherhood, share life changing moments, and highlight the importance of community, healing, and showing up as fathers no matter the circumstances.

From overcoming trauma and rebuilding relationships to redefining what it means to be a “real dad,” this episode sets the tone for a movement built on growth, support, and legacy.

This is more than a podcast, it’s a safe space, a blueprint, and a call to action for fathers everywhere.

Key Takeaways

• Fatherhood is a Journey, Not Perfection
• Time > Money
• Brotherhood Saves Lives
• Healing is Essential
• You’re Never Done as a Father
• Community is Necessary
• Vulnerability is Strength
• Consistency is the Key
• Fatherhood is Legacy Work

00:00 – Intro / Opening Vibe

00:11 – Welcome to Fathers Making Progress

00:42 – The Origins of the Movement

01:17 – Meet the Guests (Core Brotherhood)

01:47 – Kristopher Harrison’s Story

03:47 – Sean Mitchell’s Story

05:43 – Albert Robbins’ Journey

08:04 – COVID & Turning Point for the Organization

10:08 – Why the Brothers Committed to the Mission

12:09 – The Power of Storytelling

15:34 – Advice for New Fathers

18:32 – The FMP Anthem (C Mills)

20:59 – Mental Health & Life-Saving Moments

23:59 – Early Challenges of FMP

27:17 – Myth Busting: Fatherhood (Facts or Cap)

30:29 – Do Good Dads Need Support Groups?

33:07 – Fatherhood Doesn’t End at 18

35:11 – Controversial Topic: Single Father Homes

36:43 – The Love Blueprint (Relationships)

42:15 – Balance as a Father, Partner & Man

44:36 – Rapid Fire Segment

45:55 – Closing Reflections

49:00 – Final Message

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message.

Because no matter where you are in life…

You’re still making progress!

Stay Connected

Facebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement):

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