On the “front porch” of Roosevelt High in Portland, this delegation opened the school year for 1,000 students with an indelible gesture of support and encouragement. Fashioned out of the nation-wide Million Father March, the local Coalition of Black Men invited all men with an interest in leveling the playing field, especially for African American males, to stand together on the “first day of school.” The men greeted every youngster that came their way. The presence of this group, welcomed by Principal Charlene Williams, was a powerful salute to the school, the kids, and the community. The “Handshake” was the primary curriculum and currency. The men themselves, dressed in everyday business attire, seemed to have the best time of all. Fortified by the presence of Hon. Lew Frederick of the Oregon State Assembly, Ralph Evans of COBM, Mike Alexander, Urban League CEO, and every man’s coach Donny MacPherson, the men were a lightening rod for the school climate and a boost for teachers and administrators. We thank each man present, as well as those who wanted to be there but could not. The men will convene again during selected lunch hours to convert the handshake into more competent, industrious, intentional, confident, and valued citizens. At Gettysburg, Pres. Lincoln said, “People may soon forget what we said here, but they will long remember what we did here.” Thanks, again.

Michael “Chappie” Grice