Million Father March welcomes students to school in Volusia County

Annual effort began in 2004

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As students returned to school in Volusia County, hundreds of parents and community members came together to show support and to encourage academic success.

As part of a national campaign called the Million Father March, students at Westside Elementary School received an escort before classes began.

Teachers joined parents, community leaders and students at Bethune-Cookman University while the group marched alongside elementary school students and waved signs with encouraging words.

According to the Black Star Project, the Million Father March began in 2004 as an opportunity for black men to show their commitment to the educational lives of their children on the first day of school.

Organizers said the march is the beginning of a yearlong commitment of men to their children's educational success.

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About the Author

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

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