Fatherly Bond On Full Display At Newark School’s Annual ‘Dad Day’

NEWARK, NJ — A “celebration of fatherhood and male mentorship” saw support from dozens of devoted dads in Newark.

KIPP Thrive Academy, an elementary charter school in the city’s Central Ward, recently held its sixth annual “Dad’s Day.” More than 50 local fathers showed up to walk their children to school, where they enjoyed breakfast, helped their child pick out books and connected with other parents.

Reflecting on the event, Desmond Jones, the father of kindergartener Amber Brown, said he attends Dad's Day to spur community togetherness.

“We need to start our own community of fathers to show our children how important it is for us to get together and utilize all the resources around us to make things better for them,” Jones said. “Personally, I didn’t grow up with my dad, so I try to do as much as I can with my daughter.”

Lincoln Albert, a father of twins who attend the school, said the annual get-togethers at KIPP Thrive Academy do as much for him as they do for his daughters.

“It’s always a blessing to come here to these events,” Albert said. “When they told me about it, I said, ‘I’m there,’ without hesitation.”

Albert’s daughter, Nosa, said she was happy to spend the day with her dad.

“He’s very funny and caring,” the fourth-grader said. “He always makes me laugh and he cares about me and my school.”

Staff members praised the parents for taking time out of their schedules to attend the annual celebration.

David Gunter, a KIPP Thrive Academy paraprofessional and a father himself, said it’s important for fathers in the school community to show solidarity.

“It shows unity and strength,” he asserted.

“Celebrating dads is important, because too often, society tells us that fathers are not present in children’s lives,” Thrive school leader Modiegi Notoane-Eugene said.

“This event combats that narrative,” Notoane-Eugene added.

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