In honor of Father’s Day, Frederick Douglas Mastery Charter School held its 100 Black Men Return celebration on Friday. The celebration was a part of the school’s Men of Frederick Douglass program, a yearlong initiative that brings African-American men to the school throughout the year to mentor and interact with students.

About 40 men volunteers came out to the event, which featured a pep rally, a classroom read aloud, and a session Father’s Day arts and crafts.The event culminated with a Father’s day dinner.

“The Men of Frederick Douglass is something that I work on alongside the co-founders second grade team leader Ashley Carmichael and third-grade team leader Dana Frye-Thompson,” said Jinnely Davidson, assistant principal of culture at Frederick Douglas Mastery Charter School. “There are only 6 percent of our staff who are men of color, so that’s why we thought this initiative was so important. It also gives the students a chance to bond and interact with men of color who are in the community.”