A Community Event Centering Wellness, Leadership, and Legacy
Rooted in Healing, a Washington, DC based wellness organization, will host Forge: The State of Black Fatherhood, a live community conversation and experience focused on strengthening fathers, families, and community leadership.
Sponsored by District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency and co-hosted with DC Health and Help Me Grow, the event brings together fathers, community leaders, wellness professionals, and local partners for an engaging two-hour experience that blends conversation, storytelling, practical tools, and networking.
Designed as both a live podcast-style discussion and interactive community forum, Forge aims to elevate narratives around Black fatherhood while equipping men with tangible strategies for emotional wellness, family leadership, and long-term impact.
“Fatherhood deserves intentional spaces for growth, reflection, and connection,” said James Jackson, co-founder of Rooted in Healing and founder of Forge. “Forge is about more than conversation. It is about building a supportive ecosystem where fathers feel seen, equipped, and empowered.”
The March 4 event also introduces the broader Forge fatherhood initiative, including:
- Ongoing fatherhood wellness groups
- Leadership and personal development programming
- Career and life coaching resources
- Community partnerships designed to expand support systems for fathers across the DC region
Rooted in Healing is known for its culturally responsive, trauma-informed programming serving families across Washington, DC. The organization has facilitated wellness programming in partnership with schools, community organizations, and public health initiatives throughout the region.
Forge reflects a growing movement to highlight the role of fathers in strengthening family systems, improving child outcomes, and promoting generational well-being.
Event Details:
Event: Forge: The State of Black Fatherhood
Date: March 4, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (includes networking with food, mocktails, and vendor tables)
Location: [DC Health Building 2201 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020]
Registration: [BIT.LY/4RM0XWO]
Members of the media are invited to attend. Interview opportunities with organizers and participating fathers are available upon request.
About Rooted in Healing
Rooted in Healing is a Washington, DC–based wellness organization providing psychotherapy, coaching, group programming, and community-centered events focused on emotional well-being, family strengthening, and leadership development. Through initiatives like Forge and Mothering Myself™, the organization creates intentional spaces for parents and caregivers to grow, reflect, and lead with clarity and purpose.
