This article shares how three African-centered Black men partnered with a school system to develop and implement an Africentric rites of passage program for seventh- and eighth-grade Black male students. The proposed school-based intervention aimed to socialize, educate, and cultivate Black boys in preparation for manhood. Theoretically, the…

Historically, black male students in the United States have the lowest college degree completion rate. This chapter describes the work of the Black Male Initiative (BMI) at Empire State College in NYC. Grounded in an Afrocentric paradigm, BMI provides a safe space for students to share experiences. In this chapter, the author describes the…

This program profile describes the development and implementation of The Black Ink Project at Morehouse College. The Black Ink Project is a curricular initiative intended to support the development of writing abilities among the Men of Morehouse and immerse them in the writing process in the tradition of articulating servant leadership for which…

It is traditional among some peoples of the world to celebrate an individual's coming-of-age with ritual. Through these ceremonies, and the tests which sometimes accompany them, a society socializes its youth and transforms them inwardly by molding their moral and mental disposition. Without such ritualization there is a breakdown in the…

The Manning Cultural Awareness Program addresses the gender-specific social and psychological needs of African American males in South Carolina prisons through education and activities related to African and African American culture and history. Knowledge of social and cultural heritage along with appropriate communication skills are intended to…

Describes a school-based, Afrocentric program that prepares African American males to use the educational opportunities available to them. Discusses the program's theoretical premises and offers a report on program effectiveness. Looks at cultural issues, methodology, program design, and outlines the importance of this type of program. (RJM)

Examines the health status of African American male adolescents, noting that their leading health problems are preventable. Discusses two frameworks that are of value in social work practice with this population, and examines cultural competence and empowerment. Reviews Afrocentric theory and social work, and outlines an Afrocentric program. (RJM)

Claims that the juvenile justice system provides an array of interventions but that culturally relevant programs are necessary to deal with the myriad of social problems. Introduces the MAAT (Egyptian for virtuous or moral life) Center for Human and Organizational Enhancement Inc. and its Rites of Passage program, which uses an Afrocentric…

Examines the success of Jewish Day schools (in terms of curriculum, parent involvement, and societal implications) in the United States and Afrocentric educational programs (in terms of arguments for, focus on male students, transition to adulthood, and community involvement) in developing positive self-concepts and academic success among…