Ep 7 - Trailblazer Father, Rookie Dads, Old School, New School Fatherhood

In this powerful one-on-one episode of the Father’s Making Progress Podcast, host Terron Edwards sits down with community elder, mentor, activist, and inaugural Trailblazer & Father of the Year, Baba Anthony Courtney Sr.From growing up without his father, to becoming a mentor to generations of men in Milwaukee, Baba Courtney shares wisdom on fatherhood, Black family structure, relationships, systemic racism, economics, spirituality, and the importance of rebuilding the village.This conversation dives deep into:The destruction of Black communities through economic divestmentFatherhood across generationsMentorship and community leadershipRespect for eldersMarriage and relationship longevityWhy “things became more important than people”The difference between racism and prejudiceThe spiritual role of fathersRaising children with purpose and legacyThis is more than a podcast episode, it’s a masterclass in wisdom, history, and healing.Sponsored by Community Care, 2026 FMP Awards Partner of the Year.Get your tickets to the FMP Awards, June 19th at fathersmakingprogress.org0:00 – Opening spoken word & podcast intro0:22 – Terron Edwards introduces the episode theme: Intergenerational Fatherhood0:47 – Community Care sponsorship + FMP Awards announcement1:17 – Introducing Baba Anthony Courtney: Trailblazer & Father of the Year1:46 – Baba Courtney shares his background and legacy2:23 – The difference between prejudice and racism3:14 – How highways destroyed Black communities4:13 – Milwaukee factories, NAFTA & economic collapse4:52 – How job loss fueled drugs, incarceration & broken homes5:07 – Terron reflects on Flint, Milwaukee & neighborhood decline6:24 – The impact of community divestment7:01 – Baba reveals he has 13 children, 57 grandchildren & 27 great-grandchildren7:48 – Growing up without his father and siblings being separated8:33 – Welfare policies & the destruction of Black families9:22 – Terron reflects on losing his father at a young age10:24 – What the Trailblazer Award meant to Baba Courtney11:07 – Mentoring generations of fathers through FMP12:12 – Ben Watson’s tribute and mentorship legacy13:10 – Biggest differences between fatherhood then vs now13:30 – “There’s no such thing as a stepdad”14:11 – The importance of community fatherhood and spiritual lineage15:13 – “Superstar on the Losing Team” and individualism in the Black community16:06 – Team building and rebuilding the village mindset16:49 – Traditional African matrilineal societies explained17:30 – The meaning behind the word “inheritance”17:52 – Why young people don’t listen to unhappy adults18:41 – Respect for elders in past generations19:36 – “Things became more important than people”20:23 – Fact or Myth segment begins20:49 – “Kids should be seen and not heard”21:29 – “Fathers can’t be nurturing”22:34 – Parenting roles of mothers vs fathers23:45 – “Elders don’t understand today’s world”24:24 – The importance of protecting people’s spirit25:07 – “Young dads don’t take fatherhood seriously”25:51 – Grandparents Day story that changed Baba’s perspective26:44 – The importance of lineage and knowing your ancestors27:11 – Relationships, marriage & staying together 47 years28:10 – “Black men carry the word, Black women carry the power”29:26 – Why Black singing groups disappeared30:23 – Equality vs complementary relationships31:07 – Men, women & household roles explained32:47 – How parenting changes relationships over time33:35 – Growing up without seeing his father at sports games34:11 – Why fathers should show up for their children34:57 – The importance of praise, encouragement & presenceIf this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message.Because no matter where you are in life…You’re still making progress!Stay ConnectedFacebook (Milwaukee Fatherhood Movement):Instagram (Fathers Making Progress)