News release from IPFW:
IPFW Co-Sponsors School Fatherhood Initiative
(August 14, 2013) – The recently re-established Fort Wayne Commission on African American Males is hosting a back to school event that aims to get fathers more involved in the education of their children. The Glynn Hines Back to School Fatherhood Initiative will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, August 17, at McMillen Community Center (the former McMillen Ice Rink).
The event — named in honor of the longtime 6th District councilman — will include the giveaway of backpacks and supplies to the first 250 fathers or male mentors who sign up to take the Fatherhood Initiative pledge. The pledge calls for fathers to take their children to school on Monday, August 19— or on the first day of school— and stay involved during the school year.
“With everything going on in our community— with the violence, unemployment, and frustration— now is the time to re-engage fathers in the lives of our children and their education,” said Andre Patterson, chair of the Commission and CTE/STEM outreach coordinator at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). “Education is the foundation of a strong and healthy community.”
The back to school event will also include free food and free haircuts. Sponsors for the event include Albright’s Meats and Deli, Parkview Health, the City of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Urban League, and the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at IPFW.
The local back to school initiative coincides with a national movement to get fathers more involved in their children’s education. The “Million Father March,” led by the Black Star Project, will take place in 600 cities nationwide on August 19.
The Fort Wayne Commission on African American Males was officially re-established June 27, 2013, after several years of inactivity. The Commission, which includes representatives from throughout the community, works to enhance the lives of Black males in all areas.
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