BUILD Celebrates Fatherhood and Community at 9th Annual Father’s Celebration

On June 14, 2025, we proudly hosted our annual Father’s Celebration, a powerful and uplifting event dedicated to honoring Black men who exemplify dedication, service, and unwavering support within our community. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as we recognized nine outstanding Black men whose leadership, mentorship, and commitment continue to strengthen families and inspire future generations.

Our 2025 Honorees were:

MARK RIVERS

JERRELL G. DAVIS

CLIFFORD CAWTHON

DALE GRIFFITH

PAUL HINTON

CARL COPELAND

TYRONE SOUTH

ELIAS BULLOOCK

KEANDRE MAGEE

Fatherhood takes many forms. It is found in biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, mentors, coaches, uncles, and community leaders who step up every day to guide, protect, and nurture others. Our 2025 Father’s Celebration was rooted in this understanding and acknowledging that strong communities are built when men are empowered, supported, and celebrated for the positive roles they play.

Our gathering brought together families, community members, and supporters in an atmosphere filled with gratitude, pride, and reflection. A big thanks to Acts on Stage for allowing us to host our event this year. Attendees shared stories, laughter, and moments of appreciation as the brothers of BUILD highlighted the contributions of the nine honorees. Each man was selected for his consistent service, integrity, and impact; whether through mentorship, advocacy, professional excellence, or quiet acts of leadership that often go unnoticed but never unfelt.

Throughout the event, we emphasized the importance of representation and recognition. Too often, the positive narratives of Black men are overshadowed or overlooked. This celebration served as a reminder that Black fathers and father figures are pillars of strength, wisdom, and resilience. By honoring these men publicly, we reaffirmed our commitment to uplifting stories that reflect the truth of our community, stories of responsibility, compassion, and transformative leadership.

The celebration also created space for intergenerational connection. Young people in attendance were able to witness firsthand what leadership and service look like in action. Seeing men who lead with purpose and humility helps plant seeds of possibility, showing youth that success is not only measured by personal achievement, but by how much one gives back to others.

Our mission has always centered on empowerment, growth, and community advancement. The 2025 Father’s Celebration aligned seamlessly with that mission, serving as both a tribute and a call to action. Honoring these nine men was not just about recognizing the past, it was about encouraging continued investment in families, neighborhoods, and future leaders.

As the event concluded, there was a shared sense of pride and motivation. The stories shared and the honors bestowed reinforced the idea that when we uplift Black men, we uplift entire communities. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the honorees for their service, to their families for their support, and to everyone who joined us in making the 2025 Father’s Celebration a success.

We look forward to continuing this tradition in 2026 and expanding spaces where Black excellence, fatherhood, and community leadership are celebrated year after year. At BUILD, we remain committed to honoring those who BUILD with us, today, tomorrow, and always.