The Fort Wayne Commission on African American Males is hosting its annual Back to School event, to prepare students for school and inspire fathers to get more involved their children’s education. The 4th Annual Back to School Fatherhood Initiative will be 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 6 at McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St.

The event includes a youth panel discussion on leadership and recognition awards of four local fathers who have been active in the Fort Wayne community. There will also be a video presentation and reflections from Voices of Unity youth choir members, who recently returned from a European Tour and performance at the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

The event will also include the giveaway of more than 500 backpacks and supplies to children of fathers or guardians who sign up to take the Fatherhood Initiative pledge. The pledge calls for fathers and guardians to take their children to school on the first day of and stay involved during the school year.

“We are extremely pleased to host the Annual Fatherhood Initiative, again, this year,” said 6th District Councilman Glynn Hines. “We know how important it is to make sure all students are prepared and ready on the first day of school.”

Andre Patterson, chair of the Commission, said their goal is to continue encouraging fathers “to re-engage in the lives of our children’s education.” Because, he added, “We know that, with the involvement of fathers in education, grades go up and delinquent behavior goes down.”

The Back to School event will also include free refreshments. Event sponsors include

Parkview Health, the City of Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department, Sweetwater Sound and Fort Wayne Urban League.