Fathers In Focus: Unity Walk & Photo Shoot (Free)

Fathers In Focus: A Free Father’s Day Photo Shoot & Unity Walk

All fathers and father figures are welcome — biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, mentors, coaches, pastors, uncles, foster fathers, spiritual fathers, grieving fathers, soon to be fathers, and men standing in the gap for children in need of guidance.

Hosted By:

Adams Block Club 5500, Chicago West Bible Church, New Sound Café, & West Side Men

Sponsored By:

The Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities

Event Details

Date: Saturday, June 20

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Starting Location:

Austin Park

5951 W. Lake St. Chicago, IL 60644

Austin Blvd & Lake Street

Ending Location:

Austin Town Hall

5610 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60644

Central Ave & Lake Street

Parking:

Chicago West Bible Church

5916 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60644

What to Expect

- Professional photos provided free of charge

- A citywide unity walk celebrating fatherhood

- Short, encouraging messages from guest speakers

- Group and family photos

- Fellowship and refreshments at New Sound Café following the event

What to Wear

Men are encouraged to wear shades of blue and come dressed in their personal best. Fathers are welcome with or without children.

This is a free, multigenerational gathering open to men and families from across the city.

Photos will be available through participating photographers’ webpages for all guests who complete registration check in.

We look forward to celebrating presence, legacy, unity, and neighboring with you.

Grace and peace,

A.R. Daniels

Info: A.R. Daniels is a community leader, servant, father, deacon, and writer from Chicago’s West Side whose life and work center around the practice of neighboring. As Associate Director of Volunteer and Church Engagement at Breakthrough Urban Ministries and President of the Adams Block Club 5500, A.R. is deeply committed to strengthening families, blocks, churches, and communities through faithful presence, civic engagement, and practical love for neighbor.

Rooted in his Christian faith and shaped by his own journey out of street life at 18 years old, A.R. brings together ministry, leadership, storytelling, and community organizing in a way that is both grounded and relational. Whether mentoring men, serving seniors, organizing neighborhood initiatives, writing his book Neighboring: Loving Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself, or walking block by block through Austin listening to residents.

Info: Ashanti Pettaway is a Chicago based mental health counselor, speaker, and faith integrated therapist dedicated to helping people navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, identity, grief, and personal growth. He serves as a therapist with Optimum Joy Counseling, where he provides both in person and virtual counseling throughout Illinois. 

With a background in theology and clinical mental health counseling from Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary, Ashanti brings together emotional insight, spiritual awareness, and practical therapeutic tools to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported. His work focuses on areas such as trauma and PTSD, religious trauma and church hurt, dating and relationships, racial concerns, leadership, family dynamics, life transitions, and helping people discover healing and purpose. 

Known for his compassionate and thoughtful presence.

Info: Kouri Marshall is a Chicago based civic leader, strategist, and community advocate whose work sits at the intersection of public policy, fatherhood, leadership, and community wellness. As the Founder of Daddy Victory Club, Kouri has become widely recognized for creating intentional spaces that uplift Black fathers through storytelling, mentorship, wellness, and community connection. His “Daddy & Me Strolls” and fatherhood initiatives have helped reshape conversations around the visibility, presence, and value of Black fathers in Chicago and beyond.

Info: Dr. Deondre’ Rutues is a Chicago based business psychologist, community leader, and social justice advocate whose work focuses on leadership development, workforce empowerment, public safety reform, and community transformation across the West Side of Chicago. Through his work in civic engagement, behavioral science, and systems building, Deondre’ has become known for bridging the gap between people, institutions, and neighborhoods in ways that center dignity, accountability, and long term sustainability.

Info: Michael Drayton Sr. is a Chicago based entrepreneur, investor, and community minded business leader known for blending business development, mentorship, wellness, and relationship building within both professional and community spaces. As the founder of Drayton Holdings and Drayton Wealth Advisors, Michael has focused on creating pathways toward economic growth, ownership, and long term investment in the communities he serves.

Known for his polished leadership style and emphasis on strategic thinking, Michael often speaks about the importance of financial literacy, business discipline, networking, and positioning people for generational growth. His work and public presence reflect a commitment to helping individuals think beyond survival toward stability, leadership, and legacy.

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Host or Publisher Adams Block Club, 5500