MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- There’s nothing like the relationship between a father and daughter.
It’s the 12th annual Daddy-Daughter Dance in Harlem. Dozens of local dads are honoring their children and bringing the community together.
Ron McGrew from Clinton Hill is so proud of his 13-year-old daughter Jackie; he said she is the “why” of everything in his life.
Jackie is an eighth grader majoring in musical theatre at Hell's Kitchen's professional performing arts school. McGrew said his daughter used to be shy, but now she has blossomed into an aspiring actress on stage. What helped her come out of her shell, McGrew said, was a Daddy-Daughter Dance.
It’s an event run by a nonprofit called the Real Dads network. It’s a fun and bonding experience. It’s become an annual tradition.
This year's event is Feb. 10. McGrew said it helps fill a big need to help connect black and brown fathers across New York City to resources and each other. The nonprofit is expanding, opening up a new fatherhood and family center at the Carver Houses in East Harlem this year, offering resources and support.
The first Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance was in 2008. There were 75 dads and daughters. Now, it’s grown to almost three hundred. McGrew said he hopes more people will come.
If you have a story, reach out to Monica Morales at [email protected].
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