Real Fathers. Real Stories. Real Growth.
BE THE DOPEST DAD is a men’s conference focused on positive fatherhood. Fathers will share honest stories of struggle, responsibility, growth, and restoration. Men will gain practical wisdom, build meaningful connections, and be challenged to become stronger for their children and families.
This may be your first step into a Fatherhood Initiative space, or it may be the next step in your story. No matter where you are in your journey, you are welcome.
Take a look back at the inaugural BE THE DOPEST DAD Conference, where fathers gathered for real conversation, encouragement and connection. This year, we are building on that foundation and inviting even more men to take their next step.
Meet Our Special Guest Speakers
Pastor Jackie L. Jackson is first and foremost a devoted father of five, proud grandfather of 28, and great-grandfather of one. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, his life reflects deep commitment to family, faith, and community. Pastor Jackson understands both the joy and the weight of fatherhood. After the tragic loss of his grandson, Jackie III, in June 2024, he turned his grief into purpose recording “Bedtime Prayer for Jackie III” alongside his son Christopher “Yoshi” Jackson as a tribute of love, legacy, and healing. His story is one of resilience, restoration, and a grandfather’s enduring devotion. Nationally, Pastor Jackson serves as a Gun Violence Prevention Advocate and Program Manager with Everytown for Gun Safety, working tirelessly to protect families and communities across the country. He is also President and CEO of the Jackim Group of Companies and Founder and Pastor of Come As You Are Reach-Out Ministries, spaces where leadership, faith, and creativity meet. An accomplished performing artist since the age of eight, Pastor Jackson has shared stages with Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson and contributed choreography for Motown recording artist DeBarge, among many other achievements. He also serves as a current board member and former board chair of the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company. But beyond the titles and accolades, Pastor Jackson joins us as a father who has walked through triumph and tragedy and continues to show up with strength, faith, and love.
"The Long Road to Healing"
with
Pastor Jackie Jackson
"All I See is Them"
with
Norris Rice
"Overcoming the Pain"
with
Julius Johnson
"I'm Still Dad"
with
Bishop Stephen Lyons
"Becoming a Dad"
with
Jared Sloan
Norris Rice Jr. is a native of Miami, Florida whose life’s work has been dedicated to developing minds, shaping character, and raising leaders. With over 18 years of experience in Early Start Education and Pre-School teaching, Norris has invested deeply in the formative years of children, understanding that strong foundations create strong futures. He currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Greater New Hope Christian Center, where his ministry is built on faith, transformation, and community empowerment. Pastor Norris is widely known for his ability to connect spiritual truth with practical life application, helping individuals align their faith with purpose, growth, and personal responsibility. Beyond the pulpit, Norris is the Founder of Young Men On The Rise, a faith-based mentoring organization serving young men ages 12–18. This initiative was born out of a passion to address the growing need for strong male role models, leadership development, and emotional and spiritual guidance for young men navigating today’s challenges. Pastor Norris wholeheartedly believes that as long as there is breath in your body, there is still hope for your situation.
Julius Johnson is a native of Lexington, KY. He is the father of two beautiful kids, Eva-Amor and Elishajuan Johnson. His expertise revolves around prison reentry and youth violence, and he recently completed his master’s thesis examining women in reentry. Julius is a doctoral candidate working towards a Ph.D. in Behavioral Science at Northcentral University and is an alum of Just Leadership USA (JLUSA). He is currently a board member of the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families (CCFF) and Lives on a Mission. As the Director of Reentry Services and Project Peace at the Lexington Rescue Mission, Julius has expanded reentry work throughout the U.S. while identifying ways to reduce youth gun violence in Kentucky. Through this work and pursuit of education, Julius works passionately to make a difference in the lives he touches.
Bishop Stephen Lyons is a senior pastor, author, motivational speaker, men’s and young men’s mentor, and is currently employed at the Lexington Leadership Foundation as the program coordinator at the Fatherhood Initiative. Bishop Lyons has been married to his best friend Miriam Lyons for sixteen years. Together they have one daughter. Bishop Lyons’ is not your everyday pastor. While facing 20 to life in Louisville, KY and 10 years in Lexington, KY he encountered an experience with Jesus that would forever change his life. It is his mission to change the mindset of every man who has been defined by their failure and lead them into a space where they can truly embrace being everything that God has called them to be.
Jared has spent more than 15 years leading in the private and nonprofit sectors, but fatherhood is where he found his deepest drive, purpose and joy. As Director of the Lexington Leadership Foundation’s Fatherhood Initiative, he works to remind fathers who they are, why they matter and how they can continue moving toward their children, even when barriers make physical presence difficult. Jared is a husband and father first, and he brings an honest perspective shaped by leadership, faith, family and the daily work of becoming a better man.
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