Chapin Hall

Chapin Hall Researcher Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr. named Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow

This week, Chapin Hall Researcher Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr. was named an Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow for his work in undoing systemic barriers Black fathers face while attempting to flourish in society. He is part of the 2024 cohort along with 21 other leaders from across the U.S. who are transforming systems so that our youngest children and families can thrive.

Throughout his educational and professional career, Boyd’s work has focused on how the life course events of men of color affect their experiences as parents. Early in his career, Boyd worked at the nonprofit Family Focus where he connected Black fathers returning home from prison to community resources.

“Black fathers face persistent societal marginalization that undermines their relationships with their children,” Boyd told the Council for Professional Recognition in 2021. “I soon realized that their problems didn’t come from personal failings. They were the consequence of irresponsible policies that disregarded their humanity and insidious cultural narratives that devalued them as fathers. The fathers who came to us looking for support had been failed by American institutions long before they became parents.”

During the 18-month Aspen Institute Ascend Fellowship—a “journey of thought-provoking reflection, inspiration, and action based on the Aspen Institute’s 75-year history of leadership development and text-based Socratic approach”—Boyd intends to launch a trade association dedicated to uplifting Black fathers.

“The role of fathers in the family unit is pivotal. Yet, Black fathers often face unique challenges that can hinder our ability to engage fully,” Boyd said. “Establishing a trade association dedicated to uplifting Black fathers presents an exciting opportunity for collective action, advocacy, and support. Launching my aspirational trade association promises to unite various organizations and create a powerful voice for change on behalf of Black families across the nation.”

Over the course of the fellowship, the cohort will participate in four Fellowship Forums; create and implement an action plan that furthers their vision to enable children and families in their earliest years to reach their full potential; and optimize monthly individual and/or peer group check-in and coaching calls.

The 2024 Ascend Fellows represent 14 states and the District of Columbia, are 82 percent leaders of color—including Black (55%), Indigenous (9%), Latina (9%), and Asian-American (9%)—and work across systems and sectors to guarantee vital social services, incorporate Indigenous lessons, strengthen family stability, expand access to capital, and much more.

“I’m inspired by the commitment of these 22 leaders to transform the systems that our young children and their families experience,” said Anne Mosle, vice president of the Aspen Institute and founder and executive director of Ascend. “By embracing the power of change capital – financial, intellectual, human, and social capital – they are making the world work for children and families.”

With the addition of the 2024 cohort, the Ascend Fellowship is home to a national network of more than 160 of the most promising leaders our country has to offer. Boyd will be part of a legacy of Ascend Fellows that includes Maryland Governor Wes Moore, guaranteed income trailblazer Aisha Nyandoro, and Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock.

In addition to his work at Chapin Hall, Boyd is also Executive Director of Fathers, Families, & Healthy Communities and a national board member at Prevent Child Abuse America. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chicago at Concordia University and DePaul University, respectively, and his doctorate from Georgia State University. As a postdoctoral fellow at Duke University, he conducted policy research on parenting in Black families with an emphasis in father engagement. Boyd also taught courses related to African and African American studies and global inequality while at Duke University.