Black Fathers and Daughters: Racial Socialization, Beauty, and Protection w/ Dr. Jeff Shears speaks and Dr. Conial Caldwell

This episode of I Am Dad Podcast is part of the Moynihan Institute Takeover, featuring a powerful conversation between Dr. Jeff Shears and Dr. Conial Caldwell on Black fathers, daughters, identity, beauty, and racial socialization. Dr. Caldwell, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County School of Social Work and a proud girl dad, discusses his study, Preparing and Protecting: Black Fathers’ Racial Socialization Practices with Their Daughters. His research explores how Black fathers talk with their daughters about race, appearance, self-esteem, beauty standards, hair, skin tone, education, and navigating the world as Black girls and women. This conversation challenges the assumption that mothers are the only parents shaping daughters’ understanding of beauty and identity. Dr. Caldwell explains how fathers reinforce positive messages about Black beauty, affirm their daughters’ natural hair and complexion, and prepare them for the social, academic, and professional spaces they will enter. The episode explores: • How Black fathers help shape daughters’ self-worth • Why conversations about race must begin early • The role fathers play in affirming Black beauty • How media and social media influence girls’ identity • Why daughters need protection and preparation • How “the talk” looks different with daughters than with sons • The importance of fathers learning about the world Black girls navigate • Why girl dads need language, awareness, and intentionality Dr. Caldwell also reflects on how being a father of daughters informs his scholarship and helps him ask deeper questions about fatherhood, family, and Black girls’ development. This episode is a must-watch for fathers, mothers, practitioners, educators, researchers, and anyone committed to strengthening Black families and helping daughters grow with confidence, dignity, and pride.

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