"I didn't remember this until later on in life, but just that imprint is powerful. And imagine if that's sustained every day," the president said.
Ed Gordon, a former Black Entertainment Television host, thanked Obama for promoting his family in the news media. The Obamas have been particularly agreeable to cover stories in publications aimed at African-American readers.
"The image is so powerful," said Gordon, and that has made it easier to persuade young men to become more involved with their children.
Vice President Joe Biden added praise of his own.
"Mr. President, you're a great President. You're a great dad," Biden said. "And you're really good to be doing this. It's a big deal," he said, to applause from the invited guests.
Obama did not announce any new government initiatives but did take several hours out of his schedule to highlight a variety of public, private and faith-based organizations.
He made a quick trip to a Northern Virginia nonprofit, Year Up Inc., a job-training program for young urban adults. And later, he played host to a picnic for young men from the Washington area, with rib-eye steaks grilled on the South Lawn by celebrity chef Bobby Flay.
On hand were many of the celebrities who had taken part in the day's events, including NBA players Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat and Etan Thomas of the Washington Wizards; Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher and Antwaan Randle El of the Washington Redskins; hip-hop artist Darryl "DMC" McDaniels; and Tony Hawk, described by the president as the best skateboarder in the world.
