Celebrating National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) in Ann Arbor Public Schools

On Monday, February 10, 2025, Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) celebrated National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID), a meaningful tradition dedicated to strengthening the connection between African American families and their children's education. This special day serves as an opportunity for parents and guardians to engage with teachers, students, and school administrators, emphasizing the vital role they play in academic success and community development.

Black-Owned Business Showcase: Lawton Elementary School

The Importance of NAAPID

Founded in 1995 by Joe Dulin, a former Ann Arbor educator, NAAPID was inspired by the Million Man March and the call for greater parental involvement in education. Over the past three decades, this initiative has expanded nationwide, encouraging schools to create welcoming environments where parents feel valued and empowered to participate in their children's learning experiences.

AAPS Events and Activities

Ann Arbor Public Schools hosted a variety of activities throughout the district to mark NAAPID, ensuring that parents and families engaged in meaningful ways. While each school tailored its events to suit its unique community, some common activities included:

Classroom Visits: Parents are invited to observe and participate in their child's daily learning activities.
Special Assemblies: Schools host guest speakers, performances, and discussions that highlight African American culture, history, and achievements.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: A great opportunity for parents to meet with educators, discuss student progress, and explore ways to support learning at home.
Workshops and Panel Discussions: Covering topics such as academic success strategies, college readiness, and community involvement.
Luncheons and Social Gatherings: A time for parents, students, and faculty to connect and celebrate the spirit of NAAPID.

School at a Glance: Lawton Elementary School

Lawton Elementary School celebrated NAAPID with a lively assortment Black Owned Businesses, Community Authors, Artists, Speakers and more. Some of the highlights included:

Jenna Dawson (Author)
Elizabeth James (Program Manager for the Dept. of Afroamerican Studies: UofM)
Phillip Simpson (Detroit Muralist, Artist)
Modern Collective/ Ann Arbor Hub (Real Estate, Podcast, Community Partners)
We Rock the Spectrum (Kids Gym)
De Shaney Hair Salon (Hair Braiding, Salon)

How Parents Can Get Involved

Participation in NAAPID can take many forms, whether by attending school events, volunteering, or simply having conversations with children about the value of education. Parents are encouraged to:

Attend scheduled activities at their child’s school
Engage with teachers and administrators to understand academic expectations
Share their own experiences and insights with students
Advocate for continued diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the school system

Looking Ahead

NAAPID is more than just a single-day event—it’s a catalyst for ongoing engagement and advocacy. By participating in NAAPID, parents and guardians reinforce the importance of their role in shaping the educational journey of African American students. Ann Arbor Public Schools remain committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for all families.

We invite the entire AAPS community to join in celebrating this important day. For more information on specific school events, please visit the Ann Arbor Public Schools website or contact your child’s school directly.

Join the Celebration!

Mark your calendar and make plans to participate in NAAPID at your child’s school. Whether by attending events, volunteering, or simply encouraging other parents to get involved, your presence makes a difference. Let’s come together to support and uplift our students, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed!

Let us know in the comments below how you were able to participate in NAAPID or share a memory from a previous NAAPID experience (would love to hear if you know Joe Dulin or went to Roberto Clemente), use the hashtag #NAAPID2025