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r and son team, James and Jamaal Carroll continue their personal mission of empowering and supporting young men in the community with the Virgin Islands Fathers March this September 8, 2015 starting with a rally on Saturday, August 29th.
As an attorney, judge and most recently having previously been appointed by the Governor in the position of Virgin Islands Attorney General, James Carroll III, has what is considered to be an expert perspective on what kinds of things are needed to help young people succeed, both in school and life in general.
Judge Carroll states,”Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives, earn better grades, score higher on tests, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and college.”
“This has a real objective to get the fathers to go back to school with their children,” he continued.
Having gone through the experience of losing his own son to gun violence has helped to make it one of his personal purposes to affect change in the community by being an example for young men and providing opportunities for them to have better chance at succeeding.
James’ son, Jamaal Carroll, currently holds the position of Anti Violence and Peace Initiative Coordinator at the University of the Virgin Islands. This position gives Jamaal the opportunity both to support some of his family’s initiatives as well as those directly related to the University’s students.
In addition to the V.I. Walk/Run Against Violence and Peace Walk, another of their initiatives is the VI Father’s March where they collaborate with other organizations to encourage fathers to take their children to school on the first day as well as support them throughout the school year. In preparation for the March, they hold a public barbeque and community event where they give out certificates, vouchers for free haircuts, t-shirts and other giveaways at a precursory Rally for Father’s March. They have the fathers say a pledge, committing to support their children on the first day of school and beyond.
This year, the Rally will take place on Saturday, August 29th, from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Emile Griffith Park and on September 8th, fathers will go to school with their children as part of their V.I. Fathers March.
For more info connect with the V.I. Walk Run Against Gun Violence facebook page, website or contact Jamaal VI James Carroll or Celia Carroll.
All images used with permission from the Carroll family.
