Executive produced by Tina Knowles-Lawson, the St. Louis natives dismantle stereotypes about Black fatherhood in the second episode

Discovery Plus and OWN Network have launched some must-see projects as part of the “Black Voices” hub that will feature programming spotlighting the African American community on the platform year-round. 

Premiering during Black History Month and executive produced by Tina Knowles-Lawson, the four-part docuseries ‘Profiled: The Black Man’ examines the origins of the widespread stereotypes that have permeated society and impacted the lives of Black men in America for centuries. Through a powerful mixture of historical footage, real-life testimony, and commentary from an array of renowned thought leaders, the series aims to show the difficulties Black men have faced, both in the past and present, while also highlighting and celebrating the triumphs and resilience of countless extraordinary men.

The second episode titled “Black Men Are Absent Fathers” featured commentary from Dear Fathers – an organization founded by St. Louis natives Jesse Alex and Lamar Johnson Jr. The organization has reached thousands of fathers with free services, including those focused on mental and financial health, and have dedicated their platforms to powerful storytelling centered around Black fatherhood. 

“Doing what we’re doing nationally while being able to represent the St. Louis community at the same time means everything to me”, said Alex. “I hope that everyone who watches the docuseries feels empowered and knows that everyone involved is doing the work to shift the narratives on Black men and Black fatherhood.”

Brad Edwards, co-founder, community organizer, and leader of the organization’s STR8 Mental program, said the documentary shines a light on narratives not often addressed in mainstream media. 

“Our platform is based on giving Black men, Black fathers especially, a voice and to be a part of this type of documentary that is changing the narrative of Black men on such a large scale was amazing,” said Edwards. “I hope people watch this and see the real essence of who Black men really are.” 

The “Black Voices” hub on Discovery Plus will live on the platform year-round with curated series, documentaries, and specials that will take viewers on an educational, entertaining, and exploratory journey through stories of empowerment and entrepreneurship, love and relationships, real estate, and design, history and investigation, food and lifestyle and more. 

The docuseries, Profiled: The Black Man, is produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions and executive producers also include Trell Thomas and Kristen V. Carter. OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network oversees the production of the series.

The next episode “Black Men Devalue Black Women” – premieres this Saturday, February 26. 

“Being involved with ‘Profiled: The Black Man’ was an overall amazing experience for the Dear Fathers team,” said Alex. “The opportunities we get continue to show us that the work we’re doing isn’t going unnoticed and it’s making a real impact on people’s lives which is what we set out to do.” 

Tiffany Byndom
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