A previous blog post about the Million Father March incorrectly stated that the march was rescheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30. It was rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 6. The Sun regrets this error.

Baltimore city community leaders are encouraging men from across the city to walk their children to school this week, part of a national effort called the "Million Father March" that seeks to shed light on how a short walk to a school building can leave a lasting impression on a child's life and educational journey.

The march will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 6, rescheduled from what was supposed to be the first day of school on August 29, which was cancelled due to power outages and the aftermath Hurricane Irene. Fathers, uncles, brothers and male role models are encouraged to participate--even if they don't have a student in city schools. Organizers only caution that those participating not enter school buildings unless they are a student's parent or guardian.

The Baltimore march, the event happens in 750 cities in the US, was organized by the local chapter of the National Action Network.

“When we look at the fact that the dropout and crime rate is very high, with so much being perpetrated by young adults and youth, men need to send a real strong message that we are very much concerned about their well-being," Cheatham said. "We’re going to stop talking the talk, and walking the walk.”

Prominent male leaders--including Baltimore City Council President Bernard "Jack" Young, and city schools CEO Andres Alonso--endorsed the effort in a press conference hosted by Young at City Hall. More than 100 professional, black men in the city have adopted a school.

Alonso said, "attendance matters tremendously, and getting everyone, including fathers, to model the importance of being school every day, from the first day, is an important step in getting our schools and kids the support they need."

I covered this event in Chicago two years ago, and it was quite a sight to see it unfold on the first day.