When I was in the delivery room and my son Jordan entered the world, I was the first person to touch his head. Becoming a father to my son Jordan was one of the best days of my life — and one of the most solemn responsibilities I have ever taken on.
I knew I wanted to be there for him and his mother, but I didn’t always know the way. My own father was in and out of my life, and he was not the first in our family to struggle with his role as a father. What I saw my father do, I saw my grandfather do, and probably his great-grandfather. I saw how it affected our entire family, especially my mother, and I knew I wanted to follow a different path — and help other men do the same.
As a father, a New Yorker, and as your mayor, I am dedicated to building a more father-friendly city across all five boroughs. My son may be an adult, but I have not forgotten what it is like to raise a son — and I am determined to make sure all our fathers and father figures get the support and opportunity to be their best selves.
Today, on Father’s Day, I want to affirm my support for all of our city’s fathers — and commit to helping them build the sacred bonds that hold our families together.
That strong family bond is not just good for our children — it is essential for a healthy society. When fathers are positively involved in the lives of their children, everyone benefits: children with engaged fathers are healthier, more confident, and more successful in school; mothers have more support and opportunity; fathers experience a deeper sense of purpose; and our city and our communities thrive.
That is why we have launched our “Empowering Fathers, Thriving Children: A Citywide Fatherhood Plan” — our father-friendly plan that aims to better support fathers and their kids across various life stages and circumstances. This includes reviewing services and expanding programs that offer support — such as job readiness, parenting classes, and mentorship opportunities — across agencies that serve families.
Programs like the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development’s “Fatherhood Initiative” have recently broadened their eligibility criteria, ensuring that more fathers can access needed services. New efforts also focus on young fathers, fathers returning from involvement with the legal system, and those facing economic or housing instability. These programs work to strengthen families while also reinforcing community stability and opportunity.
Supporting our fathers, however, goes beyond what city government offers. Schools, health care providers, nonprofits, and businesses all play a role in creating environments where the involvement of fathers is encouraged and valued. Universities can help by training future educators, social workers, and medical professionals to engage fathers as partners in child development.
Legal systems can review processes to ensure both parents are supported in contributing to their children’s lives. Employers can expand access to paid paternity leave and flexible scheduling, allowing fathers to be more present from the beginning of their children’s lives.
We want New York to be a family-friendly city, and that means making this a more father-friendly city. This will take commitment from every sector: government, education, health care, business, and community organizations. While it seems like a huge lift, the benefits of engaged fathers — healthier families, safer communities, and more resilient children — are worth the investment.
Fatherhood has been the greatest joy of my life and an important responsibility, as it has been for millions of others as it bonds families together across all cultures and communities. But fathers aren’t just biological parents. We want to support all those who are helping raise children in the greatest city in the world. Whether biological, adoptive, stepfathers, mentors, uncles, godfathers, teachers, coaches, or family friends, men are an important part of the upbringing and development of children.
From the joy of learning to read or ride a bike to teaching our children to appreciate and respect the work women do, we need our fathers and father figures to uplift and inspire our children in childhood and beyond. And we need our city to help them find their path forward, with all the support we can offer.
Today and always, New York City has the backs of our fathers, father figures, and families. Happy Father’s Day!
Adams is mayor of New York.
