The Proud Poppas Photo Project
The Proud Poppas Photo Project
Photography and Imagery by Tyrone Z. McCants
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Proud Poppas is a portrait series centered on fatherhood—capturing tenderness, strength, and connection between fathers and their children. The work challenges stereotypes and centers care, pride, and generational presence.
These images function as both personal keepsakes and cultural statements.
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Proud Poppas began as a photographic exploration of fatherhood and presence, but it quickly grew into something larger than images alone. What started behind the lens evolved into a living, community-centered movement dedicated to honoring fathers, strengthening families, and reshaping narratives around Black fatherhood and male caregiving.
Through portraiture and documentary storytelling, the project highlights moments of connection, responsibility, tenderness, and leadership—capturing fathers not as symbols, but as active participants in their families and communities. Each photograph serves as both record and affirmation, preserving lived experiences often overlooked or misrepresented.
Beyond photography, Proud Poppas expanded into workshops, lectures, mentoring programs, and family-centered outings, creating spaces for dialogue, learning, and intergenerational support. The project’s cultural impact was formally recognized in 2011, when the Brooklyn Borough President proclaimed June 19th as Proud Poppas Day, affirming its significance as both an artistic and civic contribution.
At its core, Proud Poppas is about visibility, accountability, and legacy. It stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling to inspire connection, shift perception, and reinforce the vital role of fathers within families and communities.
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Reflective Legacy Interviews and Portraits are designed to document lived experience, cultural memory, and personal history through photography, conversation, and recorded storytelling.
→ Start a Legacy Project
What does being an active father mean to you?
It means giving up all the games and being a good example for your child. Someone who arms will be the safest place in the world, and words will never be broken."
~Michael & Michelle
What does being an active father mean to you?
~ John with Cole, Bryce and Chase
For me, it means being present both physically and emotionally; teaching your child to navigate life's blessings and challenges. Being a Father means being prepared to lead and sometimes follow, as well as being a teacher and often times, a learner.
What does being an active father mean to you?
It means being there, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
~ Ronald and Tachelle
What does being an active father mean to you?
It means you have the benefit of watching your kids grow up to see them do better than you. To see them fight for their dreams and help them get there.
~ Gaby, Justin and Matthew
What does being an active father mean to you?
Fatherhood is a chance to prove to yourself that you are very needed, worthwhile and important. Even to just one little person that really needs your protection and love.
~ Joel with Jaia
What does being an active father mean to you?
Fatherhood means patience and appreciating the simple things in life. Fatherhood means an undying love and doing whatever I must to provide the best for my children.
~Kris with Rianna and Cloe
What does being an active father mean to you?
"Fatherhood to me is the most important job a man can have. I have the greatest honor of molding a person's life. This person will give the world everything you show and teach them. My child is a reflection of me.”
~ Demond & Lil' D
What does being an active father mean to you?
Fatherhood is the responsibility and duty to provide, teach, care, and nourish a child. Watching a child grow is a testament to the unconditional love and patience you develop as a father, and to seeing your child’s accomplishments as they grow into adulthood.
~ Ed with Jacob
If one of these portraits or documentary moments speaks to you, it can be reproduced as a fine art print or canvas wall piece for your home, office, or collection. Or, let’s collaborate to create a personalized session that captures your own story with the same depth and authenticity
