Mobolaji Dawodu, Dr. Robert Gore, and Darren Graham sat down with Nessa for a special Father’s Day conversation as part of ICON MANN’s SALUTE TO FATHERHOOD, presented by Toyota, with media partners HOT 97 and EBONY Magazine. They opened up about what fatherhood means to them, how legacy and visibility are central to this PSA, and why showing the real stories of Black dads matters. The campaign, inspired by the Met Gala and “Superfine” exhibit, highlights joy, purpose, and the generational impact of fatherhood. They each shared the moment they felt fully aligned in their role as a dad and reflected on what it means to lead with love and presence.
Mobolaji spoke about recreating the joy he had growing up and how he uses fashion to teach his daughter about identity. Darren shared how he became a father through adoption within 24 hours and how that choice helped heal past wounds. Dr. Gore talked about becoming a dad during the pandemic, raising a child while working in the ER, and continuing the close-knit legacy of living near his own father. They wrapped by reflecting on the messages they hope to leave with their children—and the one word they hope this campaign leaves with the world about Black fatherhood. Watch the full conversation now. The campaign is out now: ICON MANN’s SALUTE TO FATHERHOOD, presented by Toyota, with media partners HOT 97 and EBONY Magazine.