Well the reason I've suggested starting an MSN group is that we can consolidate all of our efforts in one spot.

No need for everyone to go off and do their own thing and then to come back and say this works for us and that which worked for y'all doesn't fit well here.

If we start off as one voice, one people we would be heard a lot clearer than starting off singing on different levels.

That is an interesting point.

Look here
 

I found this article on Rites of Passage for African American children.

http://www.grrlstories.org/rites/ROPAfrican.htm

I definitely think that a ROP would be beneficial for our youth. My daughter is two and I am already planning her Sweet 16 ceremony. I think that many other things should be involved besides a party- such as ettiquette training, open discussions, training on money management, time management training, etc. Maybe some of the organizations that are already established, like AKA's Precious Pearls Youth Group, Delta's Delteens, Jack & Jill and others can spearhead some type of ROP program. Count me in!

I read that one of the D9 chapters have a ROP. I have to look back but I am sure I can find the information for it.

National Programs
 

There are several in existence. You can go to http://www.ritesofpassage.org for a starting idea. Other Af-Am orgs do ROPs as well.

I was a mentor in my chapter's program this year, and that is some incredibly hard work, which culminates (after 7 months in our case) with a ritual cleansing, scholarships and a celebration. And it ain't cheap! But it was wonderful to experience.

I have no problem going with an existing program offered by any organization.

But if it is a Rite of Passage it should be something universal. For the masses, the rich and the poor. The priveleged and those without. What do these other organizations offer as Rites of Passage?

Since these organizations hold their Rites of Passages for participants. It causes me to wonder if they haven't shared because they never had anyone ask or is it that they haven't offfered.

I wasn't in Jack and Jill or anything like that.

Can someone steer me in the direction where I can find some information on the debutante, botillion, cotillion, presentation ceromonies and programs that some of you have mentioned?

Once again let me clarify for those who were under the impression, a RITES OF PASSAGE program does not have to be national. Also CARLA/CT4/Whatever else you may call me, NEVER EVER EVER stated that she wante to use GC to develop a NATIONAL RITES OF PASSAGE PROGRAM.

There are several churches that offer ROP as well as community centers. Yes D9 orgs also have ROP as well.

Now for the "masses" or the less than privileged to attend the ROP program that you are developing, I believe you need to gear it towards your target audience. A ROP for BLACK MALES will be and should be different than the ROP for BLACK FEMALES. BLACK MALES should be taught primarily be other BLACK MALES but at times BLACK FEMALES should be brought in to talk to the BLACK MALES and vice versa when it comes to the FEMALE ROP program.

For instance, BLACK MALES should be taught how to put on a condom and to wear one at all times. BLACK FEMALES should be taught about BIRTH CONTROL and their cycles and their sexual health. There are folks who think that the only thing we should teach is ABSTINENCE ONLY but to be honest, not all kids are listening to ABSTINENCE ONLY speeches anymore.

ROP should include voting and political responsibility as well as DRIVING WHILE BLACK.

At any rate, I am all for ROP and hope to do something in CHARLOTTE, NC. There are lots and I do mean lots of ROP programs all across the country. You need only look and ask. If you see an area without one, then start one.

Oh and there are ways to get financial assistance from companies and businesses. All I ask is that the ROP program that YOU (whoever you are) do, mean something and benefit the kids. Don't do it for show. Do it out of the genuineness of your heart to better those who come behind you.

When I was in undergrad, we did not have a ROP but we met with 6 Black teen women every other week in our city. I worked with my Upward Bound girls and mentored them. It was not official ROP but I taught them a few things that no one else had.

It only takes one person with one child to make a difference.

I would still like to see some of the information offered on the national level if anyone can find any other information please share it with me.

I've been involved with Boy Scouts, Upward Bound and Mentoring Programs. These programs and many more offer an opportunity for children to learn but I'd love to see something focused on the guidance and preparation of a child for the transition to adulthood.

As a Black Male, I have a personal interest in sharing my experiences with young Black Males. I try to break down the reality of success with them. That it's OK to work a 9 to 5 or better yet own your own business, make ends meet, live a life without Bling Bling. Whatever talents you were given should be used in such a manner that it doesn't harm your fellow man.

Well back on point pm me or e-mail me if you'd like to carry on this discussion.

Re: Black Rites of Passage Ceremonies
 

Back to the original discussion:

I think we do, especially for the youth who aren't guided or mentored as they grow up.

Everything from business sense to emotional intelligence, culture and history and spiritual development.

Helping them move into the next phase of their life, which may not be college, but working into adulthood. Though I think adulthood comes around 22-25 nowadays.

I am soooo late
 

the Association of Black Social Workers for the University of Pennsylvania had a "rites of passage" ceremony for the recent graduates (there were about 20 of us (yeah, we're a minority)) and I wasn't planning on being in it but a friend of mine made me.

Having been through it, I realized how significant it was for me. It was themed around Harambe and included poetry, dancing and a ceremony where we knocked on the door to enter the land of graduates.....libations were had etc. It was wonderful. So yes, I'd have to agree that we need to do this for our young people and add that we also need to do this more for ourselves!

IC

Greetings everybody,

I am new to this so I hope that I am doing it right....

The conversation is quite interesting and informative. I believe that all young people need and deserve a time when everyone stops to pay special attention to them to recognize their accomplishments and to instill in them a sense of pride in themselves, a sense of responsibility and a sense destination for their futures. I am currently working on the development of a Rites of Passage Ceremony and would love to locate the book that CrucialCrimson mentioned (Orita?). Please post any information that you might have.

CrimsonD, eh? *shrug* GC is such a different place these days.

My church has a rites of passage program. I was a "student" in the very first "class" waaaay back in 1991 or 92.