by Paul Hill, Jr.
Rites of passage as movement within the United States reflects a variety of applications. Rites of passage was initially understood and used for adolescent intervention and development. However, the use of rites of passage has become noticeable eclectic in its approach to the problems of erosion in the African -American community. As it stands now, there are numerous social service agencles, substance abuse programs, religious institutions, adult groups and market-inspired capitalists who are using rites of passage as a self development, therapeutic, and/or business thr-ust. Rites of passage is needed as a healing strategy to overcome the sickness we have allowed to overcome ourselves, families, and communities.Mainstream healing strategies have proven to be inappropriate in meeting the optimal socialization and developmental needs that are necessary for wholeness and centeredness.Initially, Institute training was provided to males only. However, a community involves more than just males to develop, nurture, and thrive. Nature teaches universal balance of female and male energies as the foundation for survival and regeneration of the species, the family, community, and the ecology. It takes a community and union (mutual respect) of caring men and women to raise children.
The issue of male and female relations is a serious problem among, African-Americans. There exist a lack of emotional and psychological trust and unconditional love and respect between adult men and women. The result is a lack of trust in family and community. Since 1994, the Institute has included coeducational training, and has identified improving male and female relations as an outcome. Since the inclusion of females there has been a qualitative difference in the training. The inclusion of females has taken the training to a higher level of community service and spirituality.
The uniqueness of the Institute's training which has set it apart from other rites of passage and mentor training for adults is the natural environment and experiential component that is integrated with elements of Akan culture, rituals and drumming. The natural setting and experiential approach has significantly opened participants for self exploration, bonding, and healing. The experience for most has been euphoric and transforming. Some trainees completing the intensive experience have changed life goals and careers; and are on different paths. Most have been transformed and are serving youth and community.
The passages programs at Harvey Rice, Anton Grdina, and Thomas Jefferson schools in Cleveland, Ohio are exceptional because of the work of trainees Falka Pernell, Inez Powell, and Robert Singleton. Trainees Ed and Kathy Baylock through Watoes in Canton, Ohio are exemplary. The work and commitment of Jefferson Jones, Cleveland, Ohio, Paget Warner, Toronto, Canada, Nolan Shaw, Chicago, Illinois, Campbell Singleton, New York City, Delores and Jerry Warfield, Lorain, Ohio, Hank Curtis and Raymond Smith, Buffalo, New York, Beverly Martin, Cleveland, Ohio, Sekou and Zuma Alkebulan, Cleveland, Ohio, Bill Pinkney, Chicago, and the New Jersey Kwabena Kollective are to be recognized for outstanding service to youth as part of the National Rites of Passage Institute family. The challenges for the National Rite of Passage Institute are as follows:
In the Middle of the Journey of My Life, I found myself in a dark wood, for I had lost the right path. Until we find our right path that much needed generation of youth will not be harvested. Finding the right "path" and the right "tribe" is crucial to our development as adults to create the healthy and authentic community to raise youth.