Hey Black Dad: We Celebrate, Empower and Support You!

Hey Black Dad, an organization dedicated to empowering fathers and enhancing
maternal healthcare outcomes, will host its third annual Fall Fest on Saturday, November 2, from
12 to 4 pm at Mill Hill Park in downtown Trenton. The family-friendly event (with a rain
date set for November 9) will feature a lively array of activities, including a costume parade,
entertainment, food, music, and more.

Hey Black Dad founder Peter Bullock was inspired to establish the organization when his wife was expecting. He was eager to learn all he could about maternal healthcare, and better understand his roles and responsibilities before, during and after the birth of their child. Disheartened to discover how little information was specifically geared to fathers, he decided to do something about it. Today, Peter is a certified birth and postpartum doula as well as the founder of Hey Black Dad.

“Becoming a father is one of the main rites of passage in a man's life. As a male doula, I get to guide fathers throughout the process, and educate them on their role as a dad and as a partner. It’s very rewarding,” he says. “I like to see fathers smiling and knowing that they have a space both outside of childbirth and within the childbirth experience.”

Through his organization, Hey Black Dad, Peter provides support to families nationwide via virtual and/or in-person support. For the third year, Hey Black Day will be hosting a Fall Fest to bring families together for a day of education, connection and community, while generating awareness for the organization and its mission.

“This is truly a family event, for people of all ages, from all different walks of life,” he says. “Our goal is to capture fathers and father figures sharing authentic moments while creating lasting memories with their family. It’s also going to be lots of fun, so we are encouraging everyone to bring the whole family!

“We are really excited that the Trenton Circus Squad will be performing and offering skills lessons in juggling, balance acts and more. DJ Special K will be providing the music. And the drum line from Trenton Central High School will lead a costume parade.”

The Fall Fest will include a space for toddlers, age 5 and under, with farm-centered activities, a sand pit and other games. “We want to encourage safe, imaginative play,” he continues. “There is also going to be a treasure hunt game, a bounce house and an obstacle structure for the older children. It’s going to be really cool.”

There will also be relaxed spaces for parents at the Fall Fest, including the Dad’s Den and the Momma’s Cove. What’s more, representatives from various organizations, such as The Father Center of New Jersey, the Central New Jersey Family Health Consortium, and the Preeclampsia Foundation, will be on hand to provide information and share resources. 

“I see a need for more community- and family-centered events in the city of Trenton,” Bullock explains. He and his wife Donna are making them happen, just like they recognized the need for more education and resources for dad, and made that happen by founding Hey Black Dad.

“Because of Hey Black Dad, more men understand they have an important role when it comes to the birth of their child. We want them to feel confident in that role. They have a lot to offer,” he adds. "The success of this festival could not have been possible without the vision and research done by my wife, Donna."

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