Festival Proves that Daughters' Lives Matter

Street Positive, a non-profit that provides charity and awareness for the children of the community, and addresses their relationship with their parents, held its annual Father Figure day of Fun at Fiesta Village on Sept. 19, emphasizing the importance of father/daughter relationships and the roles fathers play in their daughters' lives. “If you don’t spend time with your child, someone else will,” is the group's motto. A group of women who have made the most impact and provided inspiration to the nonprofit group and local fathers were recognized with the Fathers Lives Matter fatherhood award, including Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Cross Word Christian Church Pastor Karen Sykes, Women Who Hide's Cheyenne English, Riverside Unified School District's Susana Zamudio, and Community Action Partnership San Bernardino County's Patricia Nichols-Butler. They were all awarded for their constant efforts to preserve the safety of children in the community. “These women understand the importance of father’s involvement in their daughter’s lives,” said Street Positive Executive Director Terry Boykins. “All have been involved in planning, hosting, and execution of the Inland Empire Million Father March. Each has talked extensively about their interest in the children of their communities. This march has received nationwide attention due to their persistent efforts,” added Boykins. The day had fun and entertainment that everyone could enjoy; one of the performers, Sol Knopf, was given an award for his continued achievement in the movement. The group strives to keep youth engaged and safe from the harms of potential predators. Street Positive sheds light while keeping families together.