'Million Father March' Set For First Day Of School In Philadelphia
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It is a show of unity; a show of community support. Organizers of the annual "Million Father March" are getting set for the first day of school next Tuesday in the Philadelphia School District.
Councilman Curtis Jones believes school children carry two book bags, one of which is full of lessons while the other is full of the troubles that they bring from home and the neighborhood.
"What the million father march is designed to do is lighten that second book bag," Jones said.
On the first day of school, participants are asked to escort children to school.
March coordinator David Fattah urges dads to be proactive in their child's education throughout the academic year.
"It's not just going to be one day. We want to see them involved the whole nine months."
Another option is to march from the House of Umoja near 56th and Master Streets, a few blocks to the Universal Bluford Charter School. The School Reform Commission has voted not to renew the charter of the K-6 school in West Philadelphia. Bluford's supporters are appealing the decision.
Fattah says it takes a village, because education needs are increasing while resources are in decline.