Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Bernard Wh Jennings.
Hi Dr Bernard Wh, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Driven by a deeply personal experience, I emerged as a passionate advocate for fathers’ rights and family unity. My journey began when my child’s mother decided to withhold co-parenting responsibilities and relocated our child without my knowledge or consent. Faced with the challenges of an unwed father seeking legal redress, I discovered a systemic issue that resonated with countless fathers across Florida and the nation.
Recognizing the urgency of the problem, I embarked on a mission to change the law in the State of Florida. In October 2022, I authored a compelling proposal presented to the State Legislature, urging them to rectify the legal inequities faced by unwed fathers. My unwavering determination and commitment to creating change bore fruit when Bill #775, known as the Good Dad Act, was passed with unanimous support in both the House and the Senate. This historic legislation, signed into law on July 1, 2023, grants unwed fathers equal rights to their children, regardless of marital status at the time of the child’s birth. Fathers are now empowered with the authority to participate actively in decisions related to their children’s well-being, spanning healthcare, education, religion, and other critical aspects.
With the Good Dad Act successfully enacted in Florida, my vision encompasses comprehensive educational campaigns to raise awareness among individuals, professionals, and policymakers about the vital importance of equal parental rights. I believe in a brighter future where every child can experience the love, care, and support of both parents, and I invite individuals and organizations to join me in realizing this transformative mission.
I later felt I had to preserve my story and share it across the nation so other Dads would not have to face losing their child. Unveil the powerful narrative encapsulated within the pages of “Ethan’s Good Dad Act,” a poignant book that chronicles one father’s remarkable journey to redefine fatherhood and champion parental rights. Authored by Dr. Bernard W. Jennings, this compelling book offers a candid exploration of the author’s personal battles and triumphs as he navigates the complexities of co-parenting and legal hurdles to secure his rightful place in his child’s life. Through a blend of motivation, education, and political discourse, “Ethan’s Good Dad Act” serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for fathers worldwide, inspiring them to advocate for their parental rights and cultivate meaningful relationships with their children.
Immerse yourself in a narrative that transcends individual experiences and resonates with universal themes of resilience, love, and family unity. Whether you’re a father facing similar challenges or a staunch supporter of father’s rights, this book offers invaluable insights and strategies for navigating the intricate landscape of modern parenthood. Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and advocacy as you absorb the profound lessons and heartfelt wisdom contained within the pages of “Ethan’s Good Dad Act.”
Embrace the transformative power of “Ethan’s Good Dad Act” and embark on a journey of empowerment and advocacy. Order your copy today to gain invaluable insights and strategies for asserting your parental rights and fostering meaningful relationships with your children.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since the inception of the Good Dad Act, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of legislation in the lives of fathers and children alike. The law has given unwed fathers a voice, allowing them to step into their roles as loving and responsible parents with confidence. Families that were once fractured by legal uncertainties are now experiencing the joys of shared parenthood.
One of the most significant achievements of the Good Dad Act is the removal of legal barriers that previously prevented fathers from actively participating in decisions related to their children’s well-being. Whether it’s making choices about healthcare, education, or religious upbringing, fathers are now equal partners in these crucial matters.
The positive ripple effect extends beyond individual families. Communities are benefiting from stronger, more engaged fathers who contribute to the overall well-being of society. When fathers are empowered and encouraged to be present in their children’s lives, the entire community reaps the rewards of healthier family dynamics.
Our mission is far from over. With your support, we aim to take the principles of the Good Dad Act nationwide, ensuring that every father has the opportunity to build strong, lasting relationships with their children. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one family at a time.
Our commitment to fathers and their children goes beyond legislation. We strive to create a supportive network where fathers can access resources, guidance, and a community of like-minded individuals who share their journey. Through education, advocacy, and awareness, we are breaking down barriers and promoting the essential role that fathers play in the lives of their children. The Good Dad Act Committee has held 126 consecutive free 8pm Tuesday night Google Meet meetings since July 2023. Special invited guests include; family law attorneys, judges and other practitioners that appear to help Good Dads navigate the family court systems. There are 16 team leaders across the United States. Dads everywhere are encouraged to join at www.GoodDadAct.com. The Good Dad Act has already influenced changes in the law in: Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama. Next up: Kentucky, Minnesota and Georgia.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am most proud of my philanthropic work. Beyond my work with the Good Dad Act Committee I serve my Alma Mater Florida Memorial University as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Florida Memorial University is a private coeducational institution with the distinction of being one of the oldest academic centers in the state, and the only historically Black university in South Florida.
In 1879, members of the Bethlehem Baptist Association founded the school, then called Florida Baptist Institute, in Live Oak, Fla., to create “a college of instruction for our ministers and children.” Amid racial tensions, then President Rev. Matthew Gilbert and other staff members fled Live Oak for Jacksonville, Fla., where he founded the Florida Baptist Academy in the basement of Bethel Baptist Church, with Sarah Ann Blocker as the main instructor.
In 1896, Nathan White Collier was appointed president of the Academy, a post he held for 45 years. J. Rosamond Johnson was recruited to teach music at the school, where he composed music for the poem “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” creating the song now known as the “Negro National Anthem.”
Due to a growing student body, in September 1918, the school began its third incarnation at its new home in St. Augustine, Fla., as the Florida Normal and Industrial Institute. The students were encouraged to be industrious and self-sufficient, receiving hands-on training in the practical fields that would allow them to support themselves and their families. In 1942, the school merged with the still-operating Florida Institute at Live Oak and became Florida Normal Industrial and Memorial College. Florida native and writer of the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston, served as an instructor for the school during this time.
The advent of the civil rights movement brought change to St. Augustine. Florida Memorial students protested segregation by participating in sit-ins, wade-ins, and swim-ins, orchestrated in part by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In light of the turbulent times, Dr. Royal W. Puryear oversaw the relocation of the school to a 48-acre former air strip near the South Florida City of Opa-locka in Miami-Dade County. In November 1968, the new campus opened as Florida Memorial College. In December 2004, the institution’s charter was amended, and the name Florida Memorial University was adopted.
A Bright Future
The Florida Memorial University of today is ascending to excellence and stands in a position of great promise. Now a world-class institution, FMU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in high demand fields that prepare students for successful careers in the global marketplace. In fact, FMU graduates enjoy the sixth highest starting salaries in the state
FMU is a community of scholars committed to the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and the free exchange of ideas. Students flourish with support, encouragement, and mentorship. Faculty reinforce the importance of life-long learning, inspiring students to fully participate and contribute to society. FMU students understand what is takes to succeed.
A beautifully renovated, technologically advanced, welcoming campus is the hub of vibrant student life. Whether you reside on or off campus, you will have access to activities for every interest, including athletics, Greek life, academic organizations, the arts, and even a nationally recognized marching band. A small, family-like campus community seamlessly provides the resources and opportunities commonly found at larger institutions.
Community engagement is a crucial part of the FMU experience. The university has become a major presence in the local – and global – community, having formed strong partnerships with renowned corporations and organizations. These relationships open doors, foster connections, and provide real-world experiences that set FMU students apart from the crowd.
FMU is a culturally diverse institution, transforming lives and helping to create a future for people from many races, ethnicities, countries, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. The FMU legacy is firmly rooted in steadfast dedication and commitment to pursue its mission to instill in our students the values of leadership, character, and service to enhance their lives and the lives of others. Strong moral character, mutual respect, freedom of worship, and a commitment to serve are the hallmarks of what it means to be a Florida Memorial Lion.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as the ability to transform vision into meaningful impact — not just for myself, but for families, institutions, and communities that deserve opportunity and fairness. Success, to me, is measured by the lives improved, the relationships strengthened, and the systems changed for the better because I chose to act. It is the fulfillment that comes from seeing a father reunited with his child, a student gaining access to education, a neighborhood gaining new resources, or an institution rising to its full potential.
True success is not a destination; it is a continuous commitment to purpose, progress, and service. Every initiative I lead — whether through the Good Dad Act, Florida Memorial University, or community development — is rooted in the belief that success is ultimately defined by how much good we leave behind for others.
Pricing:
- The book Ethan’s Good Dad Act – A father Turns His Lemons Into Lemonade So That All Good Dads Can Take A Sip! is available on Amazon.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.EthansGoodDadAct.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/Good_Dad_Act
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/bernardjennings
- LinkedIn: https://www.Linkediin.com/BernardWhJennings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dgozr7oSYQ
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lYnYR5vSso
