Million Father March aims to involve men in children's lives

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Amid the pomp and circumstance of a first day of school, at Jack Yates High School in Houston's third ward, you could find not only students, but the elder statesmen of the community -- men who are fathers and grandfathers, uncles, and pastors.

The effort at Yates is part of the Million Father March, a nationwide push to involve men in children's lives.

"Research shows that when you have fathers involved, father figures, mentors involved, kids are more likely to come to school, be accountable, behave in school as well as understand the purpose, which is to graduate," explained Yates High School Principal Donetrus Hill.

"It's very important in the upbringing of children to make sure they have a stable life as they grow up," said Kevin McKenzie, as he walked his son Thorea into school. "Help him to grow and be a helpful part of the community."

"I'm glad to have him. I do my best to keep him close and listen to him," Thorea said.

"That's what it's about, teaching them the right way," said father Paul Richard. "They can lost in the shuffle. I just don't want that to happen."

The men take a pledge, promising their positive involvement, their guidance in communities that need it.

Pastor Manson B Johnson with the Hollman Street Baptist Church explained, "The absence of men, males, fathers, mentors, means that there's going to be a weak community."

So, one by one, they walked their sons into class -- a first day message they'll reinforce at home.

"You can be anything you want to be in this day and age," said father Willie Stewart. "But you've got to work and you've got to work hard."

Thorea is already getting the message from his dad. "How to be a man, how to grow up in life, how to listen, pay attention, open your mouth if you need something."