CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH– Thousands of fathers, stepfathers, and father figures will walk their children to school for Cuyahoga County’s annual Fathers Walk on Thursday, September 22, 2022. The Fathers Walk is a demonstration of men’s visible, proactive engagement in their children’s lives and creates family support and a celebration of education like no other event of its kind.

The Fathers Walk is part of a national event taking place during the first month of the school year by fathers in more than 750 cities throughout the United States. The event is simple – fathers escort their children to school, with the opportunity to meet the principal and teachers.

“Fatherhood is something to celebrate and support, and this special annual event does just that,” said County Executive Armond Budish.“We know the benefits of a child’s healthy relationship with their father. I look forward to seeing fathers and father figures walking their children to school tomorrow as they prepare for a successful school year.”

“A father’s involvement in his children’s lives is very important,” said Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative Administrator Aldonis Grimes.“Research shows father involvement is essential to promoting good classroom behavior, better grades, and higher educational attainment levels.”

In addition to walking their children to school, fathers are encouraged to make a year-long commitment to dedicating themselves to family, supporting their children financially, spiritually, and emotionally, and building clean and healthy communities.

Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative Administrator Al Grimes will be available to comment on the walk, at Daniel E. Morgan Elementary School (1440 E. 92 Street, Cleveland) at 8:00 a.m., AJ Rickoff Elementary School (3500 E. 147 Street, Cleveland) at 8:30 a.m., and Dike School of the Arts (2501 E. 61 Street, Cleveland) at 9:30 a.m.

Last year, 12,000 fathers and children and 106 schools participated in the program. The Fathers Walk is sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative, Passages Inc., I Am a Dream, and the Healthy Fatherhood Collaborative.

For more information, please call 216-348-3967.