Upcoming Event: Million Father March in Detroit – Mon 9/2/13 @ 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

(via Kevin Belle)

March in unity to help promote fathers getting more involved with their children’s education, especially encouraging fathers to walk to school with their children on the first day of class.

Date: Monday, September 2, 2013

Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: Subway (at Michigan Avenue and Trumbull in Detroit)

Address: 1715 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

For more information, contact

Kevin Belle at (313) 402-7266 or KevinBelle92@Gmail.com

Harlan Bivens at (313) 350-0697 or HBivens@BetterDetroitYouth.org

 
The Million Father March encourages fathers to take their child or children to the first day of school. BDYM co-director Harlan Bivens proclaims this major initiative will be used to increase community, parent and student involvement throughout the school year. “We want to see more “A’s” on more reports cards the last day of school, says Bivens.”

When father figures connect with our students for school it places respect for learning before their eyes. Todays fathers commonly experience a divide with their children and we hope that bringing them together for even one day will bring compassion for a missing element in too many students' lives.

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Dozens of Detroiters and several local groups have teamed up to form The Better Detroit Youth Movement (BDYM), a non-profit coalition dedicated to improving the quality of life and learning for Detroit’s young generation.

“There exists a real need to establish higher levels of communication, cooperation and collaboration among youth and community service providers, and our city’s resources,” says Reuben Gordon, BDYM executive director, “so that we better mobilize our momentum, and maximize outcomes for Detroit children and teens.”

Comprised of concerned citizens, businesses and groups such as Encourage Me I’m Young (EMIY), ARISE Detroit, BlightBusters, Tell Us Detroit, Jays Fades, Improve Michigan, UniTee Design, and many more. According to Mr Gordon, the BDYM is creating a comprehensive resource guide of Detroit area community and youth service providers, “so our kids know how and where to get help whenever they need it.”

Teachers and counselors are key contributors to the BDYM. Susan Storey, a drama instructor at Cody High for 20 plus years says “I love the energy and passion of these folks, and how they just get things done,” adds Storey, who is helping to organize The Motor City YouthFest, a showcase of Detroit’s young talent, that is being held on August 2, as a part of ARISE Detroit’s Neighborhood Day. “Based on what I’ve seen and heard at the auditions,” smiles Storey, “we’re still Motown big time.”

“We’re rounding up a lot of good souls who believe in the promise and progress of our city’s children. And if we continue to bring more positive people to the table,” Gordon concludes, “we will create a better and brighter future for Detroit.”