Kickin’ It With Dads: Celebrating Fatherhood, Family, and Future Leaders at Benedict College
- CUBNSC
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Columbia, SC — On a picture-perfect Saturday morning, the stands at Benedict College’s Charlie W. Johnson Stadium weren’t filled with football fans, but with families. Hundreds of community members gathered for the 5th Annual Kickin’ It With Dads Day, a free celebration of fatherhood, unity, and youth empowerment hosted by the nonprofit organization Kickin’ It With Dads.
From football camp fun to sizzling food trucks, vendor booths, and live entertainment, the event delivered joy, purpose, and a powerful message: fathers matter—and they’re stepping up.
Kickin' It With Dads: A Celebration with Heart
“Even with all that’s going on in the world, we’re thankful to be able to celebrate dads, family, culture, and unity,” said Crystal Sewell, an organizer and longtime supporter of the event. “It’s a great experience, especially seeing so many young people setting up and running their own businesses.”
Crystal was especially moved by the emergence of young entrepreneurs who brought a different kind of energy to the day—not just hustle, but hope.
The Motion Brand: Youth on the Move
One of those young stars was Jalen Aviles, an 18-year-old entrepreneur and founder of the Motion Brand, a lifestyle apparel company he launched at just 16.
“Motion is all about doing something to better yourself—whether that’s working two jobs, going to college, or building a business,” said Jalen. “I’ve faced setbacks, but I kept moving forward.”
Jalen’s story was one of perseverance, passion, and purpose—values that reflect the spirit of the day. With support from his family, particularly his mother Stephanie Aviles Copeland, Jalen turned an initial $1,000 investment into a thriving brand with online sales and appearances as far as Texas.
“It’s more than just clothing,” said Stephanie. “It’s his life story in motion—and it’s inspiring.”
Community, Health, and Uplift
Shondell “Hurk” Ricks, President of Kickin’ It With Dads, emphasized the event’s mission beyond just games and giveaways.
“We saw kids in our community going in the wrong direction. This event is about helping dads reclaim their roles, reconnecting families, and offering access to resources—from the VA to trade schools and health screenings.”
Ricks spoke with pride as he pointed to the barbers giving free cuts, volunteers grilling up BBQ, and community leaders guiding conversations about purpose and healing.
“A lot of people just need a break,” he added. “We’re here to provide that break—and the opportunity to reset.”
More Than a Game
From youth football drills on the field to the sounds of laughter echoing in the stands, Kickin’ It With Dads Day felt like something bigger than an event. It felt like a movement—one that champions Black fatherhood, supports emerging talent, and invests in a future where community and culture are not just preserved but empowered.
To learn more or support the organization, visit: www.kickinitwithdads.org
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