National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) was celebrated throughout the Ann Arbor Public Schools district on Monday, with each school hosting opportunities for families to engage in their children’s education.
The day was founded in 1995 by the late AAPS administrator Joe Dulin, founding principal of the Roberto Clemente Student Development Center, to encourage Black families to be more involved in their children’s schools. Dulin stressed the central role that engaged parents play in students’ success.
This annual event was celebrated Monday in various ways across schools, including family breakfasts, classroom visits, and school-wide assemblies featuring student performances and special guests. Many schools incorporated culturally responsive programming, such as visits from Black Men Read for classroom read-alouds, African drumming performances, and student-led presentations that showcased culture and heritage.
Several schools provided catered meals—including lunches from Black-owned businesses—and invited families to connect during breakfast, lunch, and recess. Schools also used the day to share information about equity initiatives, with materials highlighting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
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