Umar Kankiya, Developing a New Way to Parent as a Dope Black Dad

Written By mathew blades

LFWPLI: Umar Kankiya, Developing a New Way to Parent as a Dope Black Dad

In this episode, Mathew and Umar discuss the differences and similarities of the struggles they experience as fathers and what it means to try to parent in a new way. Umar has always been one to challenge the status quo. As the first-generation son of Nigerian immigrant partners in the UK, he channels that determination into breaking generational trauma, creating a new way of doing things, and leaning into being a dope black dad for his two daughters.

Dope Black started in 2018 as a group message sent by founder Marvyn Harrison to his friends expressing that he was thinking of them and that he appreciated the work they did as fathers. He soon realized there was a need for connection and developed a network of communities aimed at creating a future where black people are better skilled, trained, and informed on the major issues and play a key part in the solution.

“It’s ok to mess up. It's just about how you deal with it and how you come back from that.”

In this episode, you'll hear: 

  • How and why Dope Black was created and what they are doing to support people around the world 

  • The unique struggles black fathers face and the power of connecting with peers

  • Tools Umar uses to step back into life when he finds himself retreating into depression 

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Mathew and Umar

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