Someone in a black winter jacket and jeans stands on a city street next to handwritten text on white paper.

A Photo Story. A Movement. A Love Letter.



BlackDadsLove is a visual and narrative journey that uplifts the truth of Black fatherhood—its depth, vulnerability, joy, struggle, and strength.


Created by NYC-based photographer and father, Daniel J Vasquez, this project is both a celebration and a challenge to the stereotypes that cloud our experiences.

Person wearing a vibrant turquoise patterned head wrap and white top poses in front of a beige background.

 

What We’re About


BlackDadsLove is:


  • A photo series capturing real moments between Black fathers and their children.
  • A narrative project sharing honest, unfiltered stories from Black dads across the country.
  • A movement to shift perceptions and spark conversation about fatherhood, love, and legacy in the Black community.

 

Person in black coat smiling and walking outdoors near a stone wall in a city setting.
A student sits relaxing outdoors wearing sunglasses and a navy sweatshirt, with a basketball nearby.
A figure in all black attire poses on a city street while holding up a handwritten note in natural daylight.
A handwritten note next to a person wearing a white t-shirt stands against a light colored background.
A series of portrait photographs in black and white showing a man wearing dark clothing against light backgrounds.
Person in denim jacket and jeans sitting on concrete blocks, with multiple shots at different angles outdoors.
A handwritten note beside a photo of someone wearing a burgundy sweater seated in a wooden chair.
Artist in black clothing stands in front of a colorful mural-in-progress on a yellow wall with painting supplies nearby.

Why This Matters


The world often gets our stories wrong—or doesn’t tell them at all.


BlackDadsLove exists to:

• Reclaim our narratives

• Show the softness and strength of Black masculinity

• Remind the world (and ourselves) that we’ve always been here, loving fully and showing up

This isn’t about proving we’re good dads. It’s about showing the world how beautiful, complex, and present we already are.

A Polaroid photo shows someone wearing a white jersey with number 83, with handwritten notes on the border.
Polaroid photograph of a person in a white hoodie with handwritten notes and signatures.
A series of personal notes and handwritten messages attached to a wall in a casual snapshot layout.
Collection of photos showing handwriting notes and track and field athlete preparing for competition at a sports stadium.

Ways to Experience the Project



The Photo Series

Portraits and documentary-style moments taken in homes, parks, restaurants, and everyday spaces—anywhere Black fatherhood lives.

Stories from the Fathers

Accompanying each image: words from the dads themselves. Sometimes poetic, sometimes raw. Always real.

The Conversation

Events, panels, and creative meetups that continue the discussion—live and online.


Below: Portrait of Daniel J Vasquez by his daughter, Harper

Film photo sequence showing someone in athletic shoes bending down to adjust or tie their shoelaces on a red court surface.