Charles C. Daniels

Dr. Charles C. Daniels, Jr., co-founder/Chief Executive Officer of Fathers’ Uplift, Inc., grew up without a father in his life. Despite his mother’s love, Charles felt the impact of abandonment–guilt, shame, and embarrassment. He felt different than other kids. Charles had problems in school, turned to alcohol and drugs to hide those feelings, and came close to actualizing suicide thoughts. Ultimately, he realized that his fractured relationship with his father was at the root of his despair. After finding his Dad, Charles recognized that his father had his challenges and that he was not responsible for those or his father’s absence. That journey led him to his life’s work.

Charles holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bethune Cookman University, a Masters of Social Work (Simmons University), a Master of Divinity (Boston University), and holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from Simmons University. While on the journey of founding and operating Fathers’ Uplift, Charles has taught at the college level (e.g., Harvard University and Simmons University), has been a national speaker and writer, and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including CNN, ABC, Good Morning America, Healthline, and WBUR.

In 2019, Charles was chosen by the Obama Foundation as one of 20 Fellows selected worldwide as a civic innovator creating transformational change and addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems.