One Million Fathers Asked to Lead the Nation Back to School this Fall

The Black Star Project in partnership with the NYC Coalition of Organizers is sponsoring the Million Father March 2008 on the first day of school across New York City on September 2, 2008.In preparation for this great march, the NYC Coalition of Organizers is holding a press conference to raise awareness and to involve as many fathers as possible in this movement.This event will be held on Friday, August 15, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at The Adam Clayton Powell, HarlemStateOfficeBuilding, 163 West 125^th, 2^nd floor ArtGallery.Confirmed speakers include: Assemblyman Scarborough, Chair of the Office of Children Family Services Committee; representatives from faith-based, community-based and educational institutions throughout the city; as well as state and city agencies representing children and families.

This year, an estimated 600,000 men from 400 cities are expected to participate.The Million Father March also provides an escort of safety, support, and encouragement to children of all ages on their first day of school. “This is an outstanding event and an opportunity for the men of our city and state to show that they are caring fathers to their children and are prepared to accept their responsibilities as role models,” says Assemblyman William Scarborough of the 29^th Assembly District of NYS located in Queens.

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.Additionally, children have fewer behavior problems when fathers listen to and talk with them 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.“Strong families include strong fathers who in turn produce academically, proficient and socially developed children who are a valuable asset to their communities,” says Rodney Pride, LCSW, Director of NYC Regional office of NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

The 2008 Million Father March is managed by The Black Star Project, U.S.A., sponsored by The Schott Foundation for Public Education and in partnership with the National PTA, the National Association of Black Social Workers and the National Fatherhood Initiative.Please visit the Black Star Project website at www.blackstarproject.org for more information about this national initiative.For local NYC information for all five boroughs, contact either Pastor Deb Jenkins, Senior Pastor of Faith @ Work Church at 718-644-0951 or by email at fatwcc@aol.com; or Melvin Alston of NYC Children Services at 718-488-5347 or by email at Melvin.Alston@dfa.state.ny.us.

NYC Coalition for Million Father March 2008

Bronx Representative

Faith @ Work Christian Church

Full Circle Health

Brooklyn Representative

Total Living Comfort

Manhattan Representative:

Harlem Men Stand Up!

Queens Representative:

St. Alban's Congregational Church

Staten Island:

Celebrating Real Family Life

First Central Baptist Church

Girl Scouts of America

Stapleton UME Church

NAACP

United Federation of Teachers

PS 14

Special Organizers:

New York State Office of Children and Family Services

  Honorary Sponsor:  Assemblyman William Scarborough of Assembly District 29, Queens