22 Powerful Photos Of Black Fatherhood In America

"I want to bring into focus what pervasive father absence stereotypes have distorted — real fathers who are involved in their children’s lives."

Zun Lee's powerful photo series, "Father Figure," offers a striking and intimate view of black fatherhood in America.

Zun Lee

Zun writes, "My project offers an intimate view into the lives of black men I’ve worked with since 2011 and who are parenting in various circumstances - as married fathers, single fathers, social fathers, young and older, middle class and poorer."

Zun Lee

Father Jerell Willis and his son Fidel laughing together on a peaceful walk through their neighborhood in the Lower East Side of New York City.

Zun Lee

Jerell's right arm has a tattoo depicting himself as his son's guardian angel.

"I got the tattoo when I won custody of Fidel," says Jerell. "The tattoo is a reminder of my duty to protect him."

Zun Lee

Parenting is no easy task — feeling overwhelmed, Jerell is forced to place his son in time-out.

Zun Lee

Later in the evening, they get ready for bedtime.

Zun continues, "It shows these men not as deadbeats but as empowered agents in their own lives, as capable parents, and above all as loving, wholesome human beings."

Zun Lee

It's hard for father Carlos Richardson to avoid bedtime shenanigans with his daughter Selah in Harlem, New York.

Zun Lee

Zun Lee

Zun Lee

Together, they take the time to visit an aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Zun writes,"I want to bring into focus what pervasive father absence stereotypes have distorted - real fathers who are involved in their children’s lives."

Zun Lee

Father Billy Garcia shares a tender moment with his daughter Esmeralda during a trip to the gas station.

Zun Lee

Here, he embraces his son Jeremy at Highbridge Park in Washington Heights, New York.

Zun Lee

Quality time is difficult to come by, as Billy's work schedule often interferes with the time Jeremy can spend with his dad.

Zun Lee

And it's rare for Billy to see both of his kids at the same time, as each of them lives with their respective mother.

Zun Lee

So they always try to make the most of their time together when they have it.

"Contrary to the prevalent media caricature of black men as aggressive, violent, and irresponsible, the fathers I met were loving, affectionate, and dependable."

Zun Lee

Here, father Guy Miller lovingly embraces his daughter Nijeyah and son Guy Jr. in the Bronx, New York.

Zun Lee

Guy and his children playing together after he comes home from a busy day at work.

Zun Lee

Zun Lee

Guy and Guy Jr. ride the subway together during rush hour in New York City.

Zun Lee

His family and friends representing during Guy Jr.'s first birthday celebration.

Zun Lee

Zun Lee

Guy looks out toward the playground to check on his children, while bandaging his son Nijel's injured arm.

"By showing the quiet moments that are often deemed as un-newsworthy, I hope this work can help question preconceived notions and present a broader context of black fatherhood."

Zun Lee

Zun Lee is a photographer based in Toronto. To view more of his work and additional photographs from the series, "Father Figure," check out his website at http://www.zunlee.com/.

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