Fathers, Uncles, Guardians, and Male-Caregivers Invited to 20th Annual Million Father March in West Philadelphia
The House of Umoja is organizing the 20th Annual Million Father March this Friday in West Philadelphia, inviting fathers, uncles, guardians, and male-caregivers to participate. Philly-area event organizers Anthony Bannister-Fattah and Queen Mother Falaka Fattah announced that the march will feature a pledge from fathers to remain actively involved in their children’s educational success.
The event will begin at 7 a.m. at the House of Umoja, located at 1433 N. Frazier Street near 57th and Media, and continue to Overbrook High School, at 5898 Lancaster Avenue.
A Local Spin on a National Movement
This local march is part of the National Million Father March initiative, which originated in Chicago, Illinois. This year’s national theme is “Civic Dads in Action: Engaged, Educated, Empowering Communities.”
“We are walking to welcome Overbrook High School children to school this year and to support whatever the teachers and the staff may need,” said Coordinator Anthony Bannister-Fattah.
Addressing Educational Challenges in Philadelphia
Students in Philadelphia are facing what organizers describe as “a real crisis.” Bannister-Fattah highlighted concerning statistics: “Only 34% of Philadelphia students read proficiently, and math scores are even lower. Mental health challenges are escalating post-COVID, and many non-custodial fathers have limited engagement with their children.”
The House of Umoja’s “Reading is Resistance” campaign has taken on urgent new meaning amid growing book bans and attacks on literacy nationwide and locally. Bannister-Fattah, grandson of Queen Mother Falaka Fattah, explained, “Our banner this year is ‘Peace Lit’—reading is our peaceful resistance. Fathers will march to demonstrate that knowledge is power, literacy is liberation, and fathers are on the front lines protecting their children’s right to read.”
He quoted Malcolm X: “There is no peace without freedom, and there is no freedom without education.” Bannister-Fattah added, “Hundreds of fathers are preparing to walk their children to school. Our corridors must remain safe regardless of external pressures. This is our duty as men in the community, especially as fathers.”
A Legacy of Community Care: The House of Umoja
The House of Umoja has a longstanding reputation for supporting teens, boys, and young men since its founding in the 1960s by Queen Mother Falaka Fattah and her late husband, educator and activist Dr. David Fattah, a former teacher at Shoemaker Junior High School.
The couple established the organization to end the gang wars of the 1960s in Philadelphia. Over the years, they have supported over 3,000 teens and young men willing to pursue peaceful alternatives to gang violence.
The Importance of Father Involvement in Education
Queen Mother Falaka Fattah, who will celebrate her 94th birthday during Kwanzaa this year, stressed the critical role fathers play in their children’s education.
“The Million Father March is based on current studies showing that when a father is involved, there is less absenteeism and behavioral disruption, and more students graduate,” she said. “It gives the child an illumination only a man can provide.”
She emphasized focusing on the “absentee father” — those who may be divorced, never married, incarcerated, or otherwise absent. “Even if fathers can’t be present physically, they can appoint someone from their family as a surrogate,” she said. “Father involvement is vital throughout a child’s development.”
Calling Fathers to Action
Mother Falaka Fattah urged fathers citywide to join the march and to engage actively in their children’s education.
“We ask fathers to go where their children go to school, get involved, and to vote,” she said.
Participants are encouraged to take cellphone videos and share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #MFM (Million Father March) and #HouseofUmoja, said Bannister-Fattah.
No registration is required for local dads to join, but those who register online through the House of Umoja website will receive a free “House of Umoja: We Come in Peace” t-shirt.
More information about the national Million Father March effort is available at https://fathersincorporated.com.
Overcoming Obstacles: Fire and Transit Issues
This year’s event in Philadelphia was delayed due to SEPTA budget, fare, and route challenges affecting back-to-school students, according to Queen Mother Falaka Fattah. Traditionally, the march coincides with the first day of school.
The House of Umoja is moving forward despite suffering a devastating fire in July that destroyed its main office at 5625 Master Street.
Mother Falaka Fattah recounted the incident: “When it hit about 90 degrees for several days, a house guest plugged an air conditioner into an extension cord instead of the main socket. Sparks ignited nearby clothing, according to the Philadelphia Fire Marshal. The home was destroyed by fire and water damage.”
She added with determination, “I bought my first house on this block when I was 17—I’m now 93—and I’m not going anywhere until God calls me. I’m going to be right here.”
57th Anniversary of Umoja Magazine and Community Participation
This year also marks the 57th anniversary of Umoja Magazine, which will be distributed during the march.
Bannister-Fattah shared, “We’re calling for articles from writers of all ages for our October 31 issue. This historic edition will feature intergenerational voices of fathers and children sharing their literacy journeys as acts of peaceful resistance against educational oppression, as well as community members discussing culture and the value of human life.”
He stressed the broader goal: “It’s about making sure our children get to school safely and have Safe Passages, but also continuing to connect with them throughout the school year—through homework help, mentoring, volunteering, or showing up for PTA meetings. We refuse to let fire, transit cuts, or any obstacles stop us from making a difference in our children’s lives.”
Supporting Organizations
The event is supported by non-violence nonprofit Philly Truce, founded by Mazzie Casher, author of the e-book Brotherly Action. Casher is also a hip-hop artist known as “Grand Agent,” with songs including “Philly Truce,” “Can’t Say Love Enough,” and “Love Spreader.”
Support also comes from Skylark Motion, whose founder teaches aviation and computer repair, donating refurbished devices to the community.
The Afro Cultural Preservation Council is another supporter. Maleeka Parker of the council remarked, “I just want to watch the dynamics of all of this coming together.”
Jacqueline Taylor-Adams, Director of Program Development and Grant-Writing for the House of Umoja, highlighted the importance of mentorship: “This is about men mentoring—fathers, uncles, and people on the block getting involved. We want them to pledge to go to their children’s schools, look at the roster, check the calendar, and meet the teachers. Men’s presence at schools makes a real difference.”
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For more details and to register, visit the House of Umoja website. Join the movement to support our children’s education, celebrate fatherhood, and build stronger communities.
https://www.phillytrib.com/million-fathers-march-from-umoja-house-to-overbrook-high-school-this-friday-at-7-am/article_0df32f6f-5301-478d-9a6d-5cd9f68b3467.html
