Nys Senator Eric Adams, Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, Assembly Member Karim Camara, District Leader Jesse Hamilton, And The Office Of Children And Family Services Unite In Partnership With Public School 316

Senator Adams states: "The Million Father March provides a positive opportunity for men to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to the educational lives of their children. Men can be loving, nurturing, and responsible parents, and a male caregiver who actively participates in the educational life of a child is invaluable and irreplaceable. The Million Father March will be an illustration that Black fathers are strong, confident paternal presences in their families."

On Tuesday, September 4, 2007, scores of fathers of students at Brooklyn’s Public School 316 will awaken their children, prepare breakfast, check book bags, and accompany the youngsters to the first day of classes of New York City’s 2007-2008 academic year. This scene will be repeated at thousands of schools across the United States. Last year, 300,000 men from 127 cities participated in the 2006 Million Father March. This year, 500,000 men from 200 cities are expected to participate. The 2007 Million Father March will furnish an escort that provides safety, support, and encouragement to communities and their treasured resource, their children.

Research has demonstrated that when fathers are diligent and take an active role in their children’s educational lives, the students enjoy school more, score higher on tests, earn better grades, and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. Of critical importance, children have fewer behavioral problems when they have devoted fathers who listen to and talk with them regularly. A good father is part of a powerful parent team and is essential to the creation of an effective family structure. Strong family units produce children who are more self-assured, socially developed, and academically proficient.

Participants in the Million Father March at PS 316 will include fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, fraternities, faith-based leaders, significant male caregivers, and friends and supporters of the PS 316 family. Although this event is sponsored by men, everyone is encouraged to take children to school on the first day.

"The New York State Office of Children and Family Services enthusiastically supports this year’s Million Father March, and we encourage every school district superintendent and school board member in New York State to play a significant role in the success of this event."

Tracey Collins is the Principal of Public School 316, which is located at 750 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11238. The phone number is (718) 638 – 4043. The entrance to the building is at the corner of Classon Ave and Sterling Place. For additional information about the Million Father March, please contact: Rodney Pride, Director Community Relations, NYC/OCFS at (212) 383-1710.