The Rites of Passage program is designed to lead African American boys and girls
socially and spiritually into man and womanhood: a status of responsibility, earned rights and 
privileges with corresponding duties and obligations to society. The axis on which this 
program pivots is a set of eight principles borrowed from traditional African rites of 
passage ceremonies, namely: Love for Self and others, Respect for Self and others, 
Honor for all God has made, Strength to Soar above distractions, Wisdom to know what 
is Right, Courage to stand up for what is Right, Patience to take your turn; Pride in who 
you are.