Faith in Action: AFPI Hosts Fatherhood Roundtable and Launches Jack Brewer Podcast
Jun 5, 2025, 6:30PM
Washington, D.C. — June 5, 2025
This week, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) proudly hosted a landmark event in its ongoing mission to strengthen American families: the Fatherhood Coalition Roundtable, coupled with the official launch of the Jack Brewer Podcast. With over a dozen dynamic speakers ranging from pastors and policymakers to reformed citizens and media figures, the event was a powerful testament to the role of fatherhood in healing our nation’s deepest social wounds.
A Spiritual Calling and National Imperative
AFPI Executive Vice President Martin Gillespie opened the roundtable by celebrating the institute’s four-year journey and the divine favor that has guided its path. Gillespie framed the absent father as the root cause of many societal crises—from crime and poverty to education and mental health—stating, “Really good public policy is like good medicine. You don’t treat symptoms. You treat root causes.”
He lauded Jack Brewer, former NFL player turned advocate, as a living embodiment of Matthew 25 Christianity: visiting the imprisoned, serving the marginalized, and leading with faith-driven action.
The Power of Personal Testimony
AFPI President and CEO Greg Sindelar spoke passionately about his own role as a father and the mission to restore fatherhood across the nation. His sentiments were echoed by Jack Brewer, who issued a heartfelt charge to all in attendance: “Today, the goal is one thing—defend the fatherless.”
Brewer’s message was echoed through deeply personal stories from men who had overcome immense obstacles. Duke Tanner, once sentenced to life in prison, shared how he remained a devoted father through 16 years of incarceration. His son, now with a master’s degree, is living proof of the power of presence—even from behind bars.
Elmore Golden, another formerly incarcerated man, brought the audience to tears with his testimony of redemption, forgiveness, and his journey to reunite with his own father at age 50. His impromptu rendition of “I Know I’ve Been Changed” became a spiritual centerpiece of the event.
Pastors, Policymakers, and Purpose
The roundtable brought together a chorus of influential voices:
Congressman Burgess Owens and Congressman Mike Rulli spoke powerfully on the role of manhood, faith, and the moral foundation needed to restore American culture.
Jaron Smith, former White House official, outlined policy successes like Opportunity Zones and the First Step Act, emphasizing community responsibility over government programs.
Pastor Mark Little and Pastor James Ward brought a theological and psychological perspective, focusing on the trauma of fatherlessness and the redemptive power of biblical identity.
Tommy Harris, former NFL Pro Bowler and widowed father, highlighted the need for a national leadership curriculum to help men “rep out” the roles of love, discipline, and provision.
Dr. Brown, principal of a nearly all-black school with a 99% fatherless student population, provided sobering examples of children longing for male role models.
Uniting for Change
With over a dozen heartfelt testimonials, the event wasn’t just a conversation—it was a call to action. From policy leaders to reentry advocates, each speaker emphasized the urgent need to restore fatherhood as the backbone of strong families and, ultimately, a prosperous nation.
Jack Brewer closed by announcing a new initiative—25 for 25—a challenge to rally support for this transformative work in communities across America. “We’re built for this,” Brewer declared. “All gas, no brakes.”
Looking Ahead
As the AFPI looks to the future, the Fatherhood Initiative will remain a cornerstone of its mission. The newly relaunched Jack Brewer Podcast will continue these critical conversations, amplifying stories of redemption, faith, and fatherhood.
This event marked not only a powerful beginning—but the ignition of a movement.