Dads turn out for Million Fathers March at Centennial Avenue School in Roosevelt

Clouds over Centennial Avenue Elementary School couldn’t stop students and staff from smiling as dozens of fathers and guardians took part in the annual Million Fathers March on Friday morning. 

The Roosevelt parents joined almost 200 schools worldwide by taking their children to school, meeting with teachers and collectively walking around the building before classes began. 

Founded by nonprofit Fathers Incorporated, the initiative celebrates the significance of male role models in children’s lives and promotes the strengthening of communities.

“I have some of my high school students coming back with their children,” said principal Barbara Solomon, who previously worked at Roosevelt High School. “To see if full circle, it's amazing.”

"I'm so thrilled this morning. The children are so happy to see that their fathers are connected to their education," Solomon said. 

Students and fathers were welcomed on the school lawn at bright yellow tables and smiley face balloons. As music blasted for all to enjoy, some families posed for photos by school staff, while others mingled with fellow parents and teachers.

“It's a positive vibe,” said Yves Estriplet, father of three. “The staff made it very nice and very jovial for us to mingle with one another.”

Fathers received literacy packets in either English or Spanish to be used at home with their children. The packets will be part of an ongoing workshop series at the school throughout the year, where students and fathers will participate together, said Solomon.

When parents encourage literacy outside of a school setting, their child’s academic skills only grow, said Solomon.

“The children feel supported at home,” she said. “Academically, they thrive.”

Solomon also said sometimes fathers, especially those who are African American or Latino, have a negative typecast. The event is a great way to break those stereotypes, as the school has hosted the celebration for at least five years.

“It's time to celebrate those fathers who are doing the right thing and who are interested in their child's education, specifically the literacy aspect of it,” she said. “We want to change the narrative.”

The event was in partnership with Furthering Fathering, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping fathers engage in and support their children’s education. Fathers were also encouraged to sign up with the organization to be notified of events and ways to become involved.

Jeremy Maynard, the nonprofit's CEO and co-founder, said the involvement of fathers in their children’s education goes a long way.

“There's something about the father's voice,” he said. “There is a special nature of what we say.”

Estriplet said the celebration put his children in high spirits. He was one of about 60 fathers who signed up to participate with Furthering Fathering.

“I think it’s a great initiative,” he said. “We all here for our children at the end of the day. That's the number one priority.”