Men Called to Stand With Young Scholars

Emanuel Prep’s Million Fathers March seeks fathers, mentors and community leaders to show boys they are not walking alone.

Emanuel Preparatory School of Math & Science is calling on fathers, grandfathers, mentors and other men throughout the Chattahoochee Valley to show young students that their community is standing behind them.

The school will host its Million Fathers March at 8:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Prayer Garden on the Emanuel Prep campus, 10107 Veterans Parkway in Midland.

The community-wide event will bring together fathers, grandfathers, mentors, coaches, pastors, business leaders and other men to walk alongside Emanuel Prep students and offer encouragement as they continue their educational journey.

Organizers say participants do not have to be fathers or have children enrolled at the school.

“We want our scholars to physically see the village that stands behind them,” said Corry Black, dean of scholars at Emanuel Preparatory School of Math & Science. “You do not have to be a father of an Emanuel Prep scholar to participate. We are inviting men from all across our community to show up, walk with our young men, encourage them and remind them that there are people who believe in their future.”

The march is expected to last less than 30 minutes, allowing participants to attend before continuing with their workday.

School officials say the event is designed to demonstrate the importance of positive male role models in the lives of boys and young men. Emanuel Prep emphasizes academics as well as character development, leadership, faith and community involvement.

The Million Fathers March reinforces a simple message organizers want every student to see and hear: They are supported, encouraged and do not have to walk their journey alone.

Emanuel Preparatory School of Math & Science is a private Christian all-boys school serving students from prekindergarten through eighth grade in the Columbus area. The school places an emphasis on academics, math and science, character development, leadership and a Christian worldview.

All men in the community are invited to participate.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to register in advance using the school's attendance form.

Event information: The Million Fathers March begins at 8:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Prayer Garden at Emanuel Preparatory School of Math & Science, 10107 Veterans Parkway, Midland. The event is expected to last less than 30 minutes.

Media contact: Corry Black, dean of scholars, Emanuel Preparatory School of Math & Science.