Mission Statement: Helps boys grow spiritually, mentally and physically into young manhood from Christian and afrocentric principles.
Rites of Passage is one of the means by which the men of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church are responding to the pressing needs of our community; curbing crime, promoting scholarship and citizenship, and strengthening families, by helping adolescent boys grow into responsible young manhood.
A dedicated and caring group of men, members of the Sons of Allen, spend a minimum of thirty-two (32) weeks on Saturdays mornings for manhood training from Christian and afrocentric perspectives. The curriculum includes African and African American history, the Nguzo Saba (value system), health, male female relations, career planning, economics, drumming, physical training, and self-defense.
We teach discipline, brotherhood, and leadership, and service to the community.
Who can Join: Boys, ages 12-17 years
Brief History: In October 2004, the Sons of Allen began its' tenth class of boys. Each class has averaged 15 boys participating with three (3) to ten (10) adult men, as teachers (babas).
Scheduled Meeting Dates: Every Saturday, 9am-1pm; October - May (8 months)
Officers:
Shannon Stukes, Youth Ministry Director
Michael Brown, Coordinator
Joe Allen, President, Sons of Allen