Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, the Manhattan Fathers Forward Coalition sponsored a Daddy Daughter Dance in partnership with School District 5 at the Harlem’s Children Zone. The Fathers Forward Coalition is part of the citywide Responsible Fatherhood Coalition, a joint initiative of the Administration for Children’s Services and the Department of Youth and Community Development. It is a citywide effort to support fathers and father figures in positive ways within their families and as leaders in the broader community. The fatherhood coalitions comprise fathers, community leaders and community service professionals.
Daddy Daughter Dances are a frequent event across the city, with additional dances happening in the Bronx and Brooklyn in February and March. The dances are important components of the work of both of these city agencies and the fatherhood coalition they support. They are events that build stronger bonds between fathers and daughters, connect fathers in the community to one another and also strengthen connections between parents and schools.
Saturday’s event was attended by more than 300 individuals, including 150 fathers and 175 daughters. Attendees wore formal attire, and daughters introduced their fathers to those in attendance and were presented with a rose during the event. A deejay and refreshments were also provided.