Merriam-Webster defines a rite of passage as “a ritual, event, or experience that marks or constitutes a major milestone or change in a person’s life.”
Indigenous African people utilize various rites of passage to mark various transitions or milestones that children, youth and adults encounter throughout their lifespan.
African American young people can often benefit from receiving support as they make transitions from one developmental stage to the next. The concept of rites of passage can also be incorporated into contemporary Black culture.
The Baltimore Rites of Passage Initiative (BROPI), a project co-led by Dr. David C. Miller and Sadiq Ali, builds on a culturally rooted experience that deepens understanding and connection with Mother Africa. Through BROPI, Miller and Ali work with other highly skilled Black men who want to make Black boys a priority.
“BROPI is not a mentoring program. It’s an intergenerational process where Black men come together to teach and coach boys about their history and culture,” said Miller.
Raised in West Baltimore, Miller earned his master’s degree in education and Ph.D. in Social Work. He and a team created the Dare to Be King Project, LLC. Books, curricular material and workshops that target boys of color are provided through it. Ali, founding executive director for the relaunched MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership affiliate for the Maryland/DC region – MENTOR Maryland| DC, earned an MBA in Business Administration. Both men who elevate achievement are Morgan State University alumni.
BROPI’s mission and program purpose ensures that Black men and boys are afforded opportunities to experience manhood and masculinity through healthy physical, social, emotional and spiritual development. It is housed under MENTOR Maryland| DC. Male participants ages 11-13 must reside in Baltimore City to participate in BROPI.
“This model is implemented by Black men who have completed a rigorous adult Rites of Passage process. BROPI is not a mentoring program but a model that uses an intergenerational approach of Black men to support the healthy development of Black male youth,” said Miller. “BROPI is two years old but is part of the original Baltimore Rites of Passage Collective, which was created over thirty years ago.”
BROPI is implemented by a ten-member Advisory Group that manages all critical decisions such as planning and logistics. These highly experienced men have worked substantially with Black men and boys in Baltimore.
Highlights of an upcoming BROPI summer cohort from June 23, 2024 – September 29, 2024 will partially feature African history and culture workshops; a half-day fishing trip; a three-day retreat camp that is held at Camp Letts in Edgewater, Maryland and life skill development are included. Boys are also afforded an opportunity to understand healthy manhood and masculinity while incorporating various topics, including navigation of encounters with the police, healthy social media use, examining the dangers of alcohol and drugs, and learning the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Selected families must agree to participate in mandatory components.
“There is an application process, orientation and family interview. Families must agree to participate in four to five family engagement sessions focused on understanding Black male youth’s social and emotional development,” said Miller.
Men in Baltimore City who currently work with Black male youth are recruited to participate in BROPI’s Adult Rites of Passage process. Selectees are vetted and trained. They complete a six-month process and background checks.
“The men who complete our Adult Rites of Passage process are trained to implement our youth Rites of Passage model,” said Miller.
David Aaron Van “Ayodeji” Johnson is among youth rites of passage facilitators. He currently resides in West Baltimore.
“I joined BROPI and completed the adult Rites of Passage process to connect deeply to my culture, heritage, ancestors and community,” said Johnson.
He added, “I think this initiative will have a huge impact on changing the mindset of Black men and will help them positively identify with their true nature. It will, in turn, produce better fathers, husbands, sons, activists and leaders in our communities.”
Baltimore City residents are encouraged to attend one of BROPI’s upcoming informational sessions. Please visit https://bit.ly/rites2024a to learn about the session that is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Baltimore from 3 – 4:30 p.m. Another orientation session will be held virtually on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 7 –8 p.m. See https://bit.ly/rites2024b for details. Visit https://mentormddc.org/bropi/ for more information about BROPI. The application deadline is May 24, 2024. BROPI is funded by Baltimore Children & Youth Fund.