Conversations with Hezekiah Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hezekiah Johnson

Hi Hezekiah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Fatherhood changed my life in ways I never expected. One day, as I held my son, overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility, I found myself in tears. I wanted to be the best father I could be, but I realized I was struggling—emotionally, mentally, and even with confidence. In that moment, it hit me: if I was feeling this way, how many other fathers were experiencing the same thing but had no space to express it?

That realization became the foundation for Rolling With Dads. I wanted to create a community where fathers could be vulnerable, supported, and empowered. A space where they didn’t have to navigate fatherhood alone.

Over the past year, this mission has turned into a movement. Through hard work, dedication, and unwavering passion, we’ve built a thriving community, forged meaningful partnerships, and created impactful events that give dads the resources and support they need. We’ve collaborated with organizations like West LA College and YMCA Ketchum Downtown LA, and we continue to grow, ensuring fathers have a one-stop shop for guidance, connection, and encouragement.

Fatherhood isn’t easy, but no dad should have to figure it out alone. Rolling With Dads exists to make sure they never have to. So to every father out there—keep going, keep growing, and let’s keep rolling.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say the road has been smooth, but that wouldn’t be the truth. Building something meaningful comes with challenges—plenty of yeses, plenty of no’s—but through it all, I’ve learned that patience, faith, and resilience are key. Not everyone will support your vision, and that’s okay. What matters most is staying authentic, consistent, and driven by purpose.

As a first-time father, I’ve faced the struggles of parenthood while also navigating the complexities of launching a nonprofit. There were moments of uncertainty, times when I questioned if I was doing enough. But what keeps me going is my belief in this mission and the unwavering support of my family, my incredible partner, and my team.

Challenges are part of growth, and I embrace them because they make me stronger. Every day, I stay grounded—through prayer, working out, reading my Bible, and trusting that God is guiding my steps. This journey isn’t supposed to be easy, but I’m committed to it because I know the impact we’re making for fathers and families. No matter how tough it gets, I’ll keep pushing forward—because that’s what fathers do.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always been passionate about serving others. Back home in Long Island, New York, we organized an annual backpack drive every August, ensuring kids had the supplies they needed for school. Seeing those smiles—on both the children and their parents—was a powerful reminder of the impact of giving back. That same spirit of service drives everything we do at Rolling With Dads. Our mission is simple: to empower fathers, enrich families, and create a supportive space where dads can grow, connect, and lead with confidence.

Rolling With Dads provides essential resources for fathers at every stage of their journey. Our digital Dad Playbook equips fathers with tools and guidance to navigate parenting with confidence. We’re also collaborating with experts like Emulait, a leader in baby development, to create resources that support fathers in the early stages of feeding and caregiving. Beyond digital tools, we host in-person workshops focused on mental health, emotional support, and overall wellness, partnering with organizations like the YMCA to ensure that dads have access to the help they need.

What sets Rolling With Dads apart is our holistic approach. We’re not just an organization—we’re a movement for dads, by dads. We offer a safe space where fathers can be vulnerable, share their struggles, and find real solutions. Our work extends beyond the father; by supporting dads, we’re strengthening entire families.

One of my proudest moments was our first holiday toy drive, where we donated nearly 100 toys to the LA House of Ruth, ensuring children and mothers in shelters felt the joy of the season. Another milestone was responding to the Eaton Fire relief efforts in Altadena and Pasadena, where we provided over 700 meals and 150 baby wellness bags—because showing up for the community matters. And then there’s our Dad Walk in partnership with West LA College—an event that truly symbolize the power of fatherhood in action.

At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to make sure no father feels alone in this journey. We don’t just talk about supporting dads—we show up and do the work. And that’s what makes Rolling With Dads different. When you uplift a father, you uplift an entire family, and that’s the kind of impact we’re here to make.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see Rolling With Dads expanding nationwide and internationally, creating a global network of support for fathers. Fatherhood is a universal experience, and the challenges dads face—balancing responsibilities, seeking guidance, and finding community—are shared across cultures and borders. Our goal is to ensure that no father feels alone, no matter where he is.

I envision Rolling With Dads becoming a leader in this space, setting the standard for fatherhood support in an industry that has long overlooked the unique needs of dads. Right now, there are very few organizations dedicated to empowering fathers, but I believe that will change. As more people recognize the gap in resources for dads, I expect to see a major shift—one where fatherhood is prioritized in conversations about family well-being. I hope that our work not only transforms lives but also inspires the rise of more organizations like ours, creating a movement that uplifts fathers and strengthens families for generations to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rollingwithdads.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollingwithdads/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561034575881
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rollingwithdads/?viewAsMember=true
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hezekiahjohnson/

Image Credits
Courtesy of Rolling With Dads