Father's Day Activities for African Americans

Father's Day should be a relaxing and enjoyable occasion for dads.

Celebrated the third Sunday in June, Father's Day is a special time to recognize the significant contributions of fathers to the family unit. While there are a variety of things to do for fathers on Father's Day, the main purpose of the day is to show dads that they are loved. Many African American families do this by participating in religious and cultural activities that are much like those in other American households.

Attend a Church Service

Attending church service together as a family is one of the ways Father's Day is celebrated by African American families. On Father's Day, most African American churches have special Men's Day programs and ceremonies to honor fathers. This sometimes include tributes to fathers by children and women.

Barbeque

If your dad enjoys grilling, a Father's Day barbecue is also a popular way to celebrate the occasion. African American fathers, like many other men, enjoy barbecue grilling as a favorite pastime rather than extra work. Seasoning ribs, chicken and hamburgers with their favorite barbeque sauce and inviting other families to join the party is a common tradition.

Go to a Sporting Event

Taking dad to a sporting event is an excellent Father's Day gift. During the Father's Day holiday, you can find professional baseball games, golf outings or tennis games. Pick a sport that you know your father will enjoy. Another option is watching sports games on the television for the day. This way your dad can relax, take it easy, and still enjoy watching his favorite sport without the crowds. Dad always appreciates the chance to sit still with his favorite people and his favorite sports.

Taking Care of Dad's Chores for the Day

Give Dad a day off from regular household duties. Make relaxing the top priority of his day by taking care of the chores and errands that he normally does. Such chores may include washing the car and taking out the trash. Consider hiring a handy man to take care of small house maintenance tasks that Dad hasn't gotten a chance to do yet.

References

• University of North Carolina School of Social Work: Understanding the Importance of African American Fathers
• Festivals of Father's Day