First day of school brings Million Father March welcoming committee for Lincoln students

EVANSVILLE − High-fives, cheers and clapping rang out as early morning light shone over Lincoln School. Some kids, bashful, covered their eyes, but others lifted their chins, smile wide, and made it a point to return every fist-bump they saw.

One man’s holler rang out: “Get it, get it, get it!” A boy ran in for a hug. “Yeah!”

On Friday morning, men and women from the Southern Indiana Mentoring Academy lined the sidewalk leading to Lincoln School’s main entrance for the annual Million Father March. They cheered on the kids and their families as they made the walk up for the first full day of school.

“They’re so awesome, I love this school,” Chantell Meriwether said. She walked to the door with grandson La’vonta Lewis. “I love it for my baby grandson, and he loves it.”

Million Father March is a nationwide initiative meant to get men, specifically Black men, more involved in their children’s education. It was founded by the Black Star project in Chicago in 2004.

The Evansville Commission on the Social Status of African American Males has been promoting MFM since 2012. This year, they focused on three schools: Glenwood Leadership Academy, Lodge Community School and Lincoln School. Lincoln also partners with SIMA throughout the year for mentoring.

While the initiative is named after fathers, supporters from every corner of kids’ lives showed up to walk them down that sidewalk.

Mom L’Sheila Lewis walked her only child, Gabriel, to his first day of kindergarten. She attended Lincoln as a kid, and she said that even though she’s nervous, she’s excited for him. Having cheers and encouragement will help kids have a positive first day, she said, and it’s very welcoming.

Charles Moore brought Kingsley and Quentin, his nephews, to their first day. They’re 11 and 8, and Moore said they’re excited, especially because of the support they’ve seen.

“They’re excited about learning. They want to get up and come to school,” Moore said. “It ain’t like you gotta force them out of bed, they’re running around the house ready to get dressed and go.”

SIMA members mentor Lincoln kids throughout the year, encouraging them and supporting them. James Clements, SIMA’s vice president, said they want to “fill in the gaps” for kids who lack confidence, self-esteem and pride.

Lincoln principal Tijuanna Tolliver said it’s important for the kids to see Black men out to support them. It means a lot, she said, and they build strong relationships with each other.

“Our kids look up to them, respect them. It goes farther than then just the classroom,” Tolliver said. “They are in our kids' lives, and it's really appreciated.”

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: First day of school brings welcoming committee for Lincoln students