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, he felt the impact of abandonment– guilt, shame and embarrassment. He felt different than other kids. He had problems in school, turned to alcohol and drugs to hide those feelings, and came close to actualizing thoughts of suicide.
Ultimately, he realized that his fractured relationship with his father was at the root of his despair. After finding his Dad, Dr. Daniels recognized that his father had his own challenges and that he was not responsible for those or his father’s absence. That journey led him to his life’s work.
Dr. Daniels holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bethune-Cookman University, a Masters of Social Work (Simmons University), a Master of Divinity (Boston University School of Theology), and a Ph.D. Simmons University School of Social Work. While on the journey of founding and operating Fathers’ Uplift, Dr. Daniels 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, Healthline, Good Morning America, and WBUR.
In 2019, Dr. Daniels 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. He is married to Samantha Fils-Daniels, who co- founded Fathers’ Uplift with him. Samantha is a licensed Social Worker and the person he calls his Rock. They reside in Massachusetts with their two children, Clayton Daniels and SaMya Grace Daniels.