Fathers Incorporated’s Million Fathers March program honors and provides encouragement to dads of school-aged children and stresses the power of their presence in the educational journey during a local school event at Ivy Preparatory Academy in Kirkwood
Today, Fathers Incorporated (FI), a national organization based in Atlanta that works to change the current societal and cultural definition of family to be inclusive of fathers, played co-host to The Million Fathers March at Ivy Preparatory Academy in Atlanta where more than 100 fathers participated in the annual event alongside their children.
“Every child deserves to see their hero walk them through the school doors,” said Kenneth Braswell, CEO, Fathers Incorporated. “Together, we are painting a picture of what it means to be present, to be powerful, and to be proud fathers. This is our movement, and this is our moment.”
The Million Fathers March (MFM), which originated in Chicago as part of the Black Star Project in 2004, is a national movement that Fathers Incorporated has grown in honor of the Black Star Project founder Phillip Jackson. MFM has united fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, and male role models nationally in walking children to school or class early in the school year, sending a powerful message of presence, commitment, and love. This year’s theme—“Civic Dads in Action: Engaged, Educated, Empowering Communities”—calls fathers to lead both at home and in the community. The vision of the movement is that it has the power to changes lives, strengthens families, and inspire the next generation.
Nationally this year, 31 states are represented, in 111 cities, with 140 registered schools, featuring nearly 64,836 dads and impacting thousands of children, with the ongoing goal of getting 1 million fathers to participate across the country in all 50 states.
The Million Fathers March promotes and encourages father engagement in their children’s education journey and challenges the narrative that fathers are absent from important aspects of their children’s lives, including school-related activities. According to FI, research consistently shows that children with involved fathers experience numerous benefits:
- Improved academic performance: Because engaged fathers often provide guidance, support, and motivation, their children are more likely to perform well in school, achieve higher grades, and have better attendance records.
- Enhanced emotional well-being: Fathers who are actively involved in their children’s lives offer emotional support and stability, fostering a sense of security and well-being in their children. They help build self-esteem and confidence, empowering children to face challenges with resilience.
- Stronger social skills: Children with involved fathers tend to have better social skills, enabling them to form healthier relationships with their peers and navigate various social situations more effectively.
- Reduced risk of behavioral issues: Studies have shown that children with engaged fathers are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or criminal activity. Engaged fathers can serve as positive role models, instilling values of responsibility and respect.
Fathers Incorporated has an overall mission to improve the societal narrative and perception of fathers to ensure the definition of family includes fathers. Established in 2004, Fathers Incorporated has a unique seat at the national table, working with leaders in the White House, Congress, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Family Law, Business, Faith-based and the Responsible Fatherhood Movement. They work collaboratively with organizations around the country to identify and advocate for social and legislative changes that lead to healthy father involvement with children, regardless of the father’s marital status, economic status, or geographic location. Learn more at FathersIncorporated.com and PoppaUniversity.com.
