The Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) will join area fathers, father figures, mentors, and role models to welcome students back to school in person Wednesday, August 5 at 8:15 a.m. at Fairview Elementary School, 500 West 7th Street.
Volunteers are invited to register using the 2026 Million Father March Registration Form.
The event marks the tenth year of the Million Fathers March (MFM) in Bloomington, part of a national opportunity for dads, uncles, grandfathers, coaches, mentors, clergy, men’s groups and organizations to show their commitment to the educational lives of their children throughout the school year by escorting children to school. Although this event was created for Black men, the CSBM encourages men and women of all races, nationalities, and faith backgrounds to support them by taking their children to school on the first day. The CSBM encourages males who are unable to join the MFM at Fairview to get involved with a local school to support youth in Bloomington in other ways.
Below is the timeline of the day
Timeline:
- 8:15 am - Arrive
- 8:30 am - Group Photo (on 7th street in front of Fairview)
- 9 am - Students Start Arriving
- 9:15 a.m. - Student Arrival Concludes (Please note that due to the first day of school, student arrival may go as late as 9:25 a.m.)
Parking:
- No parking along 7th St. west of Rogers, in the teacher's lot located off of 8th St., or in the United Method Church parking lot (7th st. across from Fairview)
- Paid metered street parking is available on Rogers St. or on 7th St. east of Rogers St.
- City Hall Visitor Parking (limited)
Registration:
- Please complete the volunteer form HERE.
Safety:
- No high fives, handshake, or touching. Waving is OK.
- Face coverings are optional
FAQs:
- Yes! You may cheer, dance, and give words of affirmation. we encourage it!
- Yes! you may bring positive signs. We will have a limited number of signs and pom poms available for volunteers.
- No, you do not have to be Black or a male to participate. Everyone is welcome.
- MFM will take place outside of Fairview elementary school NOT inside the building
