Fathers throughout the state will gather June 20 at the 13th annual North Carolina Fatherhood Conference for a day of replenishment, uplift, encouragement and solidarity.

“It’s an opportunity for men to come together to pour into one another, a place where men can galvanize, express, share, have dialogue, and be educated on various topics, from menopause to wellness to parenting to what it means to be a man,” said Vanessa Hickmon, executive director of the Family Resource Center South Atlantic in Raleigh.

The theme is “The Evolution of Fatherhood.” The free conference will explore how the role of fathers continues to grow, adapt and impact families and communities across generations, Hickman said.

“We have many men who in the past were told to suck it up, man up. Our fathers and grandfathers were not allowed to talk that talk or even cry. When you think of men then and men now, we now have generations of fathers who are open to therapy, more open to sharing their ups and downs, highs and lows. Men have evolved, and working through their emotions and feelings is acceptable,” she said.

The conference gathers fathers, families, mentors, advocates, educators, service providers and community leaders. Hickmon estimates about 10,000 people have attended over the past 12 years.

The day will include informational workshops and panel discussions about fathers’ physical, mental and financial health, and a panel of women will talk to dads about raising daughters. Fathers will be recognized for the role they play in their families and communities at an awards luncheon.

Hickmon said the goal is to encourage fathers “to be there, to be present. Modern fathers are not just the breadwinners, leaving all the mothering to the mother. We recognize dads play a vital role. We want to bring fathers to the forefront, to be more involved, engaged, fully co-parenting.”

Michael Morgan, retired North Carolina Supreme Court associate justice, is the keynote speaker. Morgan is the only person in state history to serve in four different judicial positions, and he was the first African American elected to the state Supreme Court without prior appointment.

Morgan said he will discuss the joys, challenges and responsibilities of fatherhood; while instilling in fathers and father figures the importance of their role in molding, guiding and directing young people to achieve the best they can be in the opportunities afforded them.

“It’s important for fathers to realize that they have a treasured opportunity to make sure he represents the best that he can be in setting a tone for his child or children to strive to be as excellent as they can be regardless of whatever the circumstances might be financially or otherwise materially,” he said.

“While the role of the father has changed in terms of some of society’s acceptances, nonetheless, the father still has a fundamental role that has not changed. The father is still important; the father is still unique. There are so many roles now that fathers are allowed to be who they are as long as the family benefits.”

The conference will be held at The Life Enrichment Center, 3805 Tarheel Club Road. Visit: ncfatherhood.com.

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