"Fatherhood to me means purpose. For me it feels like that’s what I was meant to do."

-- Greg Dill, Father of 3

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

What has been the greatest joy of being a father?

Looking back, what is one thing you wish you had known before becoming a father?

What advice would you give to younger men who may not be thinking about fatherhood yet?

Nothing can fully prepare you for fatherhood, but I encourage young men to get their finances in order and be intentional about choosing a partner who has the qualities they would want in the mother of their children. Those decisions can have a lasting impact on both your family and your experience as a father.

How did you support your partner during pregnancy, birth, or the early days of parenting?

I supported my partner by providing for our family financially and stepping in to help with everyday responsibilities whenever I was needed. 

What role has communication played in maintaining a healthy relationship and family?

What is one lesson about fatherhood that you hope to pass on to the next generation?

One lesson I hope to pass on to the next generation is that men have emotions too. I want future generations to know that expressing your feelings is not a sign of weakness. My hope is that more men will feel comfortable being open about their emotions instead of masking them with anger, because emotional honesty leads to healthier relationships, stronger families, and better fathers.

Have you had a mentor, father figure, or community member who helped shape your journey as a father? If so, how? 

Unfortunately, I did not have a mentor. Much of what I learned and what has shaped me as a father came from observing the negative influences around me and making a conscious decision not to imitate them. Those experiences helped define the kind of father I wanted to be for my own children. Participating in AAIMM's Fatherhood Program has also provided me with encouragement, community, and resources that have strengthened my journey as a father.

What do you think people often misunderstand about Black fathers?

I don't know that there is a misunderstanding about Black fathers, but I do believe we are breaking the cycle of absentee fatherhood in our communities. 

In one sentence, what does fatherhood mean to you?

Fatherhood means purpose. It has given my life a deeper sense of meaning, and I truly believe it is what I was meant to do.