Celebrating father figures focus of luncheon
Published 9:55 pm Monday, November 3, 2014
The Selma City School System has plans to tackle a major social issue with an inaugural luncheon.
The system’s Parental Engagement Program is hosting its first annual 100 Men Luncheon Nov. 13 in Selma High’s gymnasium.
Scheduled to being at 11:30 a.m., the event invites young men in the school system and important men in their lives to enjoy a luncheon that will highlight the importance of male figures.
“Often times, people are raised without men in their lives. They go to elementary schools, and they usually encounter all-female teachers,” said acting Selma Superintendent of Education Larry DiChiara. “There is research out there that shows that an involvement of a man in a child’s life is critical.”
One out of three children in America live in biological father-absent homes, and nine in 10 American parents agree it’s a “crisis,” according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s website.
DiChiara said he is aware of the factors that lead to so many growing up lacking a male figure, such as the high-rate of divorce, but said it’s vital men be present in their loved ones lives.
“Obviously, this doesn’t diminish the role of a mother or female, but we’re saying that not having a male in their life does impact them in a negative way,” DiChiara said. “Having one in their life can impact them in a positive way.”
Initiated by DiChiara, the event will include a lunch, speeches delivered by Minster James Perkins Jr. and Minster Quinton Marshall and more.
After the ceremony, the men and students will recite a pledge and receive a certificate that represents the man’s commitment to guide their loved ones through life.
“It’s a pledge that is really pretty powerful, because the male is saying ‘I promise to be involved,’” DiChiara said. “We tell them that once they sign, we want them to take it home and put it on the refrigerator or somewhere near where it can remind them to be involved in their child, grandchild, nephew, nieces, little brothers or little sister’s life.”
The lunch is $3.75 for adults and free for the students, DiChiara said.
For more information, contact parent engagement facilitator Cynthia Perkins at 874-1605.