South Bend Faith Leaders Rally to Prioritize Education with ‘Make Kids First’ Event

Photo byWSBT

South Bend, Ind. — In a powerful display of community unity, faith leaders, city officials, and residents gathered at Life Changers Church in South Bend to advocate for a renewed commitment to children's education. The event, aptly named "Make Kids First," was driven by a growing concern over the need for equitable and quality education for all elementary students in the area.

The evening was filled with passionate calls to action, emphasizing the necessity of providing every child with the resources required to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Faith leaders took the lead, reaching out to school corporations, universities, and community partners to ensure that no child in South Bend is left behind in their educational journey.

Pastor Lynn King Jr. of Jesus is Emmanuel Church Ministry spoke with conviction about the importance of equal educational opportunities for every child, regardless of their background. “It doesn’t matter what color, what skin color. It doesn’t matter what their first language is, or who their mama or dad is. I’m going to tell you it doesn’t matter the state of their home,” Pastor King declared, underscoring the universal right to a world-class education.

This event comes at a crucial time, as local faith leaders express growing concerns about the stability and quality of education available to elementary students in South Bend. Statistics from the Indiana Department of Education reveal that 18% of third graders did not pass the state's IREAD-3 reading test—a troubling indicator of the challenges facing young learners.

Dr. Todd Cummings, Superintendent of the South Bend Community School Corporation, echoed these concerns while highlighting the aspirations of local families. “Moms and grandparents do not wake up in the morning just wanting their students to graduate. They want every single student to be able to go to Notre Dame, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, or the University of Chicago. We are preparing them, but we need to get everyone across the line,” Dr. Cummings stated.

The "Make Kids First" event is more than just a rally; it is a call to action for the entire community to come together and prioritize the educational future of South Bend’s youth. As the school year begins, the event's message is clear: every child deserves a fair chance to thrive, and it is up to the community to make that a reality.