For Immediate Release                                                                  Contact: Cordell Jordan

August 16, 2006                                                                                       405.587.0232

 One Million Fathers Called on to Bring Their Child to School

Oklahoma City – Many groups nationwide are calling on dads to wake their children, make them breakfast, check their book bags, and then take them to school on the first day of school on Monday August 21, 2006.   Last year, about 200,000 men from 83 cities participated in the Million Father March 2005.  This year, an estimated 500,000 men from 125 cities are expected to participate and NE Oklahoma City is included. The Million Father March 2006 provides an escort of safety, support, and encouragement to children of all ages.

“Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, get better test scores, enjoy school more, and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college,” says Phillip Jackson, executive director of The Black Star Project, a Chicago-based non-profit leading the Million Father March initiative. 

Additionally, children have fewer behavior problems when fathers listen to and talk with their children regularly and are active in their lives.  A good father is part of a good parent team and is critical to creating a strong family structure. 

Strong family structures produce children who are more academically proficient, socially developed and self-assured.  Such children become adults who are valuable assets to their communities.

 “Better parents produce better communities, better schools, and better students with higher academic achievements,” says Jackson.

Participants in the event include fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, step-fathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, significant male caregivers and friends of the family.   Although this event is sponsored by Black men, women and men of all races are also encouraged to take their children to school on their first day. 

The Million Father March 2006 is sponsored in part by the Schott Foundation for Public Education, the National Council on Educating Black Children, The Black Star Project, the  Oklahoma City Public Schools, and the Capitol Chamber of Commerce.  Please visit the website for complete information at www.millionfathermarch.org.  You may also email the Capitol Chamber of Commerce at capccokc@sbcglobal.net or call 405.427.4444 for more information.  

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