Every Father’s Day, millions of children face the holiday with a mix of sadness, silence, and longing — whether they’ve lost a dad, never known one, or are waiting on one who’s away. Detroit comedian and community advocate Mic Larry knows that feeling firsthand. After losing his own father, he channeled his grief into action, founding the 100% Real Fathers Balloon Release Event — a gathering where attendees write a father’s name on a balloon, say a prayer, and release it together. Now in its sixth year, the event has grown into a full community celebration featuring food, kid games, local sponsors, and mentorship connections that extend well beyond Father’s Day.
At the heart of the event is a simple but powerful message about what fatherhood truly means. “A real father isn’t perfect. A real father’s present. So being present plays a big impact on kids,” says Mic Larry. That philosophy drives everything from the balloon release to the year-round mentorship Mic Larry and his team provide to the kids who attend. One participant who first came at age 12 is now 18 and returns each year to volunteer — a full-circle moment that keeps Mic Larry going.
To watch the segment, click on the video above.