Gerber announces baby 2024 who embodies the joy of a black boy

Gerber chosen Akil McLeod Jr. for the company’s child in 2024. A one-year-old boy nicknamed Sonny won together with his embodiment of black boy joy.

Gerber selected McLeod from 1000’s of little ones entered in the 14th annual photo search. McLeod Jr.’s mother, Dominique, surprised her young family by applying without anyone knowing. A family from Phoenix talked to the ad and their shock in victorious.

– What are the possibilities, right? said Dominque, who thought the possibilities were relatively low. “I didn’t even think about it until we got the email and I thought I should probably tell Akil.”

Akil, the elder McLeod, explained to the morning show that his children are part of “something much bigger.” Sonny becoming the latest face of Gerber is the first step in the brilliant journey of a family of 4.

“Everyone thinks their kids are special, but this is a different thing,” he said. “I was telling them the other day that I feel like I’m here to be their dad and guide them all the way. But they came here for something much greater than I could have ever imagined for both of them. They have something in them and they trigger something in us.”

Sonny will participate in Gerber’s social media and marketing campaigns together with his latest title. In addition, his family will receive $25,000 in money and Gerber products and clothing for next 12 months. Gerber will even donate $5,000 to MANCAVE, a community-based fatherhood program in Phoenix that connects and uplifts fathers from all walks of life in the area. Akil Senior is an lively member of the organization.

Dominique knew that by giving her baby an appropriate nickname, he could be a symbol of sunshine and brighter days.

The housewife of two children explained: “One day we were lying in bed and I was pregnant. And I thought to myself, ‘I need a nickname for him because it will be confusing with two Akils.’ The sun was just shining perfectly through the little bit of window and onto my stomach, and I thought, ‘Oh, Sonny,’ and we both said, ‘Yes, that’s it.’ And we named him Sonny.”