By Anne T. Sulton, Ph.D., J.D.
JA Senior International Correspondent

The House of Umoja Inc. in Philadelphia just issued a “Call To Action”. It is calling all Fathers in Philly and nationwide to take “a proactive role in their child’s education.”

The House of Umoja Inc. is encouraging Fathers to “take a first step in positively influencing their child’s academic performance by escorting him or her to school” on the first day of school. It is helping to coordinate these activities in Philly.

Because the Call is urgent given the challenges faced by our posterity, the House of Umoja Inc. also held a press conference today. Among the topics addressed are the low academic test scores for African American children.

Queen Mother Falaka Fattah, President of the House of Umoja Inc., when describing the test scores showing most are performing below proficiency, said: “What I have just described constitutes academic trauma.”

In addition to focusing on education, the Call to Action is addressing “Philadelphia’s gun violence emergency.”

Queen Mother Fattah explains that the House of Umoja Inc.’s approach “is two-pronged. It is advocating for the creation and delivery of trauma-informed mental health resources to Fathers and the creation and delivery of resources to children that address their traumatic academic health.”

Note: Established in 1968, the House of Umoja Inc., an internationally acclaimed organization, was selected by the Black Star Project to lead and organize the National Million Father March in Philadelphia. Former United States Presidents Jimmy Carter, the late Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton have recognized the House of Umoja Inc. for its pioneering work in the areas of gang reduction, youth programming, and community organizing.

For additional information, please contact the House of Umoja Inc. at (215) 473-5893 or send an e-mail to falakafattah@aol.com, or visit its website at www.houseofumoja.net.