Reshaping the image of Black Fatherhood with Sean Williams
Written by Erica Jeanine
WHAT WAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY GROWING UP?
SEAN: It was what I believe it is for every family that didn't have money and as a child I had no relationship with money. My parents were trying to understand concepts like making, saving and investing money in America while they had none. Every dollar they earned went to responsibilities and the needs of our family so there was never any real big savings. We moved a lot and my parents didn't buy a house until I was in my teens, I remember it as their first big purchase and because it happen so late in their lives, they didn't have much to teach. My parents are also originally from Trinidad and because their kids were born in America we were an immigrant family. We were also an average lower class family and I didn't know we were poor because my parents made ends meet. Although, I didn't have an establish relationship with money I had a pretty good childhood and upbringing.
WHATS THE MISSION OF DAD GANG AND HOW DID IT START?
SEAN: I had my first child fresh out of college, I was 22 and not prepared. None of it was planned so I eventually had to adjust and change my perspective of fatherhood. Fast forward a few you know years later, I was married and had my second child and well into my career as a creative director and contracting work. The contracts allowed me ample amounts of free time and I basically became a stay-at-home dad. I was always taking my baby out, we would do things like run errands and grocery shop. I think spending all that time with my babies gave me the opportunity to figure out an approach to control my future, live and be on my time. I realized how much money I can make and that I didn’t have to be a slave to all these companies. The result of those realizations is The Dad Gang, an LLC but we have a 501c3 that operates under the Dad Gang, Random Acts of Dadness. Random Acts of Kindness was something I realized my business needed later on not when I started the Dad Gang. I wasn't thinking of a starting a non-profit and intended for a for-profit business. After I began pouring money into carrying out events, building the graphics of the brand and merch I realized we had enough resources to help plenty of dads. Our mission evolved to uplifting this community and providing resources from therapy, child care to diapers and whatever else their needs was. The Dad Gang provides resources through the platform of Random Acts of Dadness.
“ Almost everyone can have the dream or the vision but the work and confidence to carryout out the groundwork is what it takes to actually get there.”
WHAT SEPARATES THOSE WHO’VE TURNED THEIR DREAM INTO A REALITY VERUS THOSE WHO HAVEN’T?
SEAN: To me, believing in yourself enough to actually do what in-vision and really putting forth the effort to manifest that dream will at least give it a chance to turn it into a reality. A lot of times we have a dream but don't know how to actually make it a reality, people dream of success but are scared of the the journey to their own success. My audience and peers see me on these channels and platforms and might want or see themselves doing the same thing but unknowing scared of what it entails or how to approach it. Small responsibilities like the commitment to posting everyday, doing or hiring someone to do graphics and website. Almost everyone can have the dream or the vision but the work and confidence to carryout out the groundwork is what it takes to actually get there. Those that have dreams and a vision for they dream have already conquered half the battle but also have actions that support that passion. Just do the first thing you believe will make it happen rather than letting it just live in your head. So I think the people with dreams and a vision who are actually capable of working for it are the difference between successful entrepreneurs.
WHAT ARE THE GOALS AND HABITS THAT HELPED YOU BECOME THE MAN YOU ARE TODAY?
SEAN: When I set a goal or declare myself on a mission to accomplish something I’m always aware of it’s impact, the whole idea and if it’s in alignment. I don't do anything that doesn't lead to something and make to have a really supportive team that keeps me on track with goals. For instance, with the Dad Gang, there were things we needed to do, consistently getting new ideas but the ultimate goal was to change the way the world views black fatherhood and have a real impact. There were ideas that came on my desk but didn’t make because I felt they weren’t truly in alignment in with our work to impactful enough. People were telling me, “Sean you have a large platform, why don't you have a daddy daughter.” And I appreciated these ideas but they did nothing for our community, the goals of Dad Gang and making a real impact. Being mindful of what ideas and suggestions I gave time, energy and attention became a habit. I believe it’s a rewarding one because I’m actually able to change the worldview of black fatherhood and support fathers just like me. So instead of a daddy daughter dance, we’d have a march of dads because when people see us it’ll create something, start a discussion or go viral. Allowing myself to really be in line with our goals and mission, I’m 99.9% sure I’m gonna accomplish it because I won't give energy to anything else.
“When I set a goal or declare myself on a mission to accomplish something I’m always aware of it’s impact, the whole idea and if it’s in alignment. ”
HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU FEEL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS FOR BLACK AMERICANS?
SEAN: To me entrepreneurship is definitely the first way to take back your time and your earned income. When it comes to entrepreneurship you have to give yourself no ceiling and believe that your potential is endless. It’ll always be promoted by me, it’s not easy. In the beginning I was doing graphics and logos for websites, I had to learn how to be a entrepreneur. And that opened my eyes to my understanding on how this generation is the first generation that will touch a certain amount of money. Money we know our parents probably dreamed about touching. This generation also has a lot of time and information, having to decide what to be educated on, there can be so much pressure on us. We’re the change and breaking these curses, especially if you are the first person in your family to break a curse. I can compare it to fatherhood, there’s also pressure if your a first generation dad whose actually a nurturing dad and take care of their babies in more compassionately. There is more to being a father than just being able to provide and protect, it’s not just about making money for your family. You are breaking a generational curse and it is also an honor and a privilege to be in a position to do that. I applaud my community and personally I welcome the pressure because of the reward.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD GIVE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS ON HOW TO CREATE WEALTH & SUCCEED?
SEAN: I believe our community could really be more intentional with the money we earn and spend. We are always thinking up new ways to make money, It's like a black revolution and we understand how much power the black dollar has, especially millennials who are making real money. We need to own more property, start more businesses and figure out out how to keep that gravy train rolling so you can put your kids on. We are the generation who has to invest in them. Asking yourself, do you want to be wealthy or do you want to be rich? I could be rich and not pass all these gems down to my sons and my daughters. Whereas, wealth teaches the younger generation because The Dad Gang will die with me and I lived a great life but what my children and legacy.
“The people with dreams and a vision who are actually capable of working for it are the difference between successful entrepreneurs. ”
Are you interested in connecting with Sean Williams?
Email: info@thedadgang.com
Instagram: @Sean4Real
Want to learn more about Dad Gang?
Website: thedadgang.com
Instagram: @thedadgang