2nd annual Fathers Making Progress Gala held on Milwaukee's north side
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Father's Day weekend's off to a great start on Milwaukee's north side. An organization that mentors local dads is honoring some of the best. Six outstanding dads received awards at the Institute for the Preservation of African American Music and Arts Friday night, June 14.
Men in tuxedos and suits and women in long gowns, taking time out to say thank you for something some may take for granted.
Ty Leroy who is a mentee of the Community Dad of the Year said, "He's always been there to give me a call, check on me which I'm not used to having a man checking on me make sure I'm ok mentally, physically, emotionally."
At the Fathers Making Progress Gala Friday, Ty Leroy joked his own father went out for milk and never came home. That's why Ameen Allen means so much to him, and to so many others who've crossed his path.
"And I think for a 65-year-old person I got to do something, that's the way I feel," said Allen.
Ameen Allen is the 2024 Community Dad of the Year. Other awards include Best Girl Dad, Best Rookie Dad, Best Co-Parenting Dad, Best Trailblazing Dad, and Best Comeback Dad.
Andron Quintell Lane Senior took us to the park earlier in the day with his French Bull dog, Sour Patch, and the young man he says saved his life.
"I did 26 years altogether, 20 years in prison, six years out. I went through a phase where I didn't want to live you know drinking indulging in narcotics. And not understanding what fatherhood looks like because my father was an absent father, and I don't blame him for being an absent father. I think I more question the morale of who was his teachings as being a father there? Who raised him?"
"I get to have a renewal to supply my son with some of the things I thought that I needed but also giving him all the tools and everything that he need to be a better him," said Lane Senior.
As we walked home dad asked, "So you have fun today?
Andron Quintell Lane Junior replied, "Yeah, with you!"
Dad said, "With me?" "That’s cause I love you, you're my favorite person."
It's the second annual gala. They intend to do it again next year.