There’s something about seeing a large group of men step up and handle business that instantly makes a community stronger, more hopeful and willing to try.
Senator Jean and Jean Forde (his son) pause and humbly allow me a moment at the Back-to-School Barbeque Fun Day. Photo Credit ©DaraMonifah.com
Masses of fathers, mothers, guardians and children showed up to the Emile Griffith Ball Park between 2pm – 6pm on Saturday, August 27, 2016 for the Back-to-School Barbecue Fun Day organized by the VI Mothers Against Guns/Jason Carroll Memorial Fund and other agencies and individuals. Advertised as a family gathering inviting anyone willing to support fathers in better supporting their children and families were there to lend a hand, a heart and a hug.
The village was in full effect. Children took home free backpacks, free uniforms and school supplies as well as books and others things provided by various organizations or agencies that surrounded the basketball court. Free food and drinks, fun and games as well as t-shirts for the fathers all made for a powerful statement in the midst of a time when the tragedies of random senseless violence seems to be right around the corner, or even on a public bench.
Songs and words of encouragement, as well as plaques and awards were presented to fathers as they socialized and helped to create an environment of security with the children running around carefree between the bounce house and playground, as adults mingled and kept watchful eyes. Another highlight of the event, the fathers came to center court and repeated a pledge lead by Judge James Carroll, one of the lead event organizers.
https://soundcloud.com/wuviam1090/vi-fathers-pledge
Next, on the agenda are two days of prayer slated for the weekend before public schools re-open for the fall. Various churches are inviting families, teachers, administrators and staff to attend for a word of prayer on this upcoming school year. Then the real march will be on September 6, 2016, the first day of school, where these same fathers and more will take their children to school on the first day and again pledge to remain in their lives, throughout the school year and beyond.
A job well done, by the Carroll family and friends who have spear headed this initiative for the past eight years as well as the annual Walk/Run against violence, which also successfully unites the community in efforts of unity, peace and collective productivity.
Partners include the Department of Human Services, My Brothers Workshop, L.A.D.I.E.S., Sankofa Saturdays, Parents Matter, Fathers as Role Models & VIPD Crime Prevention Bureau. For more information call 340-775-9337, visit www.vimothersagainstguns.org or connect with them via social media on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, or TWITTER.
Listen below to a song written and performed acapella for the fathers on this day:
https://soundcloud.com/wuviam1090/song-for-the-fathers-by-empress-omega-vifathersmarch
DaraMonifah
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