Local Fathers and Men To Participate In “The Million Father March”

The Black Educators Caucus of Palm Beach County is organizing for the second year in Palm Beach County “The Million Father March,” a national effort to encourage fathers and men to take their children to school on the first day and to commit to supporting their education. The first day of school is Monday, August 20, 2012.

In a district wide communication, Schools Superintendent E. Wayne Gent encouraged all Palm Beach County principals and schools to participate in the initiative and suggested several activities and communications to involve male caregivers. 

For example, the organizations encourage all male caregivers to say, “I am taking my children to the first day of school.”   

Participating fathers and men will also be signing a pledge, attached, committing to actively getting involved in schools, volunteering, meeting teachers and being involved in parental leadership.

“The Million Father March” is sponsored by the Chicago-based Black Star Project, which lists 800 cities around the world from Atlanta to Tamale, Ghana, as participating this year. Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, score higher on tests, enjoy school and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.  

“The disintegration of the family unit has had a huge impact on children in this society,” said Ron Leonard, President of the Black Educators Caucus. “This march is just one small attempt to encourage families to participate, at least for one day,” he said.

For more information, contact Ron Leonard at (561) 209-2270 or each school’s main office.  

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