2011, jeremy givens, general manager of mountainside fitness’ north phoenix location, was stopped in his tracks by a drake song. “i was a student at arizona state university,” says givens, now 26. “i was hanging out, listening to drake with my bud- dies. when i heard his song ‘look what you’ve done,’ i was deeply hurt. he sings about an absentee dad, and that was not my experience at all. my dad was my hero. so i knew i needed to try to correct the message that african-american men are bad fathers.” these were the lyrics that got to givens: and my father living in memphis now he can’t come this way over some minor charges and child support that just wasn’t paid damn, boo-hoo, sad story, black american dad story. it’s not just drake’s song that gives voice to this stereotype, givens points out; the idea that black dads equal bad dads permeates our whole culture. “there are great fathers and terrible fathers, and it has nothing to do with race,” givens says. “pop culture and the media have distorted and magni- fied the idea that all african-american fathers are deadbeats.” fast-forward to 2014, when givens launched the black american dad foundation. focusing on the enrichment and development of paternal relationships, one father at a time, the foundation offers support, workshops, events and other services to dads in the greater phoenix community. one of the foundation’s most successful efforts is what givens calls the baby bag project, in which he and his col- leagues distribute onesies, diapers and other items to fathers in need. “sometimes it’s hard for fathers to say they need help,” says givens. “so we sit down with them, hear what they say and figure out how we can help.” this includes assisting them with résumés, job searches and networking, as well as inviting them to family-friendly events and fitness-oriented activities like runs and basketball tournaments. promoting a healthy lifestyle is a key part of the foundation’s mission. “i’ve always understood that having an active lifestyle will bring dividends later in life,” says givens, who exercises regularly at mountainside, where he has worked for the past seven years. “that’s why we will continue to sponsor fitness events to help prevent cardiovascular disease in the commu- nity while connecting with others about the foundation.” not only does givens want to “help make the world a better place” through his foundation, he also has a deeply personal connection to its mission. “i want to show my dad how much he means to me,” he says, “and i want to show my son that he is the pride of my life.” a single dad, givens often brings his 2-year-old, cohen, to mountainside, where he enjoys all its activities for kids. “mountainside is such a friendly place,” givens says, “and i think we have the best value in fitness when it comes to child care.” and parents can work out without worry because they can watch their children on viewing monitors located on the cardio equipment and on tvs on the strength-training floor. as the club’s general manager, givens knows the importance of easing members’ concerns about their kids’ safety. “i like solving problems,” he says. “i love providing a way to say yes to people.” it’s this positive attitude—which is so evident in his approach to his work, foundation and family—that makes him such a beloved member of the mountainside community. “every day i give myself a word to embody,” says givens. “and i’d have to say that my favorite word is ‘opportunity.’” mountainside general manager jeremy givens is committed to honoring and supporting african-american fatherhood busting the black dad stereotype in f a l l 2 0 1 6 1 3 givens, left, and several other dads organized a basketball tournament fundraiser at arizona state university. f a l l 201613