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Friday, June 17, 2011
IGBEYAWO! -YORUBA TRADITIONAL WEDDINGS!! -BLACK AMERIKKKANS NEED TO GET BACK TO WEARING THEIR NATURAL MOST BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
ASO-OKE! -YORUBA TRADITIONAL CLOTH-THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CLOTH IN THE WORLD!
Aso Oke Cloth: An entry from UXL's Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages
Aso-Oke also called Aso-Ofi by certain sub-ethnic groups, among the Yoruba people, is the traditional cloth used in the Oke-Ogun and other areas where you find large rocks, hills or highlands.
These places get cold during the dry season early mornings, so this cloth originated in those areas, due to necessity, the video displays the traditional way (which is still used to date) of weaving this cloth in the Yoruba hinterlands, this video comes from Iseyin town, popular for Aso-Oke, some footage from other areas of Republic of Benin and Saki.
The cloth is hand woven as said before, and custom designed to taste. The craft is a true labour of love and this was surely the progenitor of what we call ‘blue jeans’ today. Many parts of Africa, India and the Orient make similar woven cloth, in a similar fashion if not identical.
The Aso-Oke is mandatory during traditional Ifa wedding ceremony, as part of the ‘load’ the bride-groom will bring for the bride, this is spoken about in detail within the recent book by S.Popoola & F.Oyesanya called Ikunle-Abiyamo. Which deals with the issue of marriage and the requirements according to Ifa. Aso-oke as with other cloth shows unity with people and specifically aso-oke acts as a symbol to unify a couple in marriage, which the groom provides to show-prove comfort, warmth and means, a must in traditional African marriage namely among the Yoruba people & Ifa followers.
The sue of cloth, and namely this traditional cloth, can not be substituted, in present day the use of lace is the vogue in Nigeria, yet the women to show opulence, will still wear a ‘gele’ head tie or waist wrapper made of this aso-oke, to accentuate their attire or show their means.
It is also common place to see several women use this aso-oke in unison to commemorator marriage, family, community group, relationship or so many other things.
Awoyinfa Ifaloju
Alawoye Artisan Collective
Monday, June 06, 2011
GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN-AARE -OUR PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA PUTS NIGERIAN FASHION ON THE WORLD STAGE!-FROM THE NATION NEWSPAPER,NIGERIA
FROM THEnationngonline.com
Jonathan SINCE he assumed presidential office Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan, has been showcasing his fashion sense. A man many believed to be on the quiet side, seems loud in his dress-sense, after all.
Jonathan, a tall man, with the kind of height that fashionistas would die for, has been more known with his Niger Delta regalia of long top, decked with gold or silver trimmings and trousers until he became the President. But he won't ever be caught without the traditional cap to complete his attire.
Lately, however, President Jonathan has gone nuclear with various Nigerian wears. He is now kind of 're-branding' Nigerian with his assorted outfits.
In Sokoto, Gombe and Zamfara States, Jonathan, a mild-mannered personality, spelt out his oneness with the Hausas.
It was agbdada, nay babariga, all the way. The colours of his Hausa dresses varied from spotless white to shimmering brown colours. Mr. President, no doubt, felt good in the garbs as he complimented the 'flowing gowns' with smiles when he acknowledged cheers from the dwellers of the respective states he visited.
Coming down to the South West, Ibadan, Oyo State, Jonathan caught the attention of the shons of the shoil (sons of the soil), of the ancient town.
He arrived the state in white dansiki and fila abeti aja. On the second day of his visit, he was in blue stripped ankara with deep blue aso oke cap to 'seal the deal'. But variety was absent during his visit to Imo state. The President, went to Imo the Niger Delta way and returned 'same'.
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Jonathan SINCE he assumed presidential office Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan, has been showcasing his fashion sense. A man many believed to be on the quiet side, seems loud in his dress-sense, after all.
Jonathan, a tall man, with the kind of height that fashionistas would die for, has been more known with his Niger Delta regalia of long top, decked with gold or silver trimmings and trousers until he became the President. But he won't ever be caught without the traditional cap to complete his attire.
Lately, however, President Jonathan has gone nuclear with various Nigerian wears. He is now kind of 're-branding' Nigerian with his assorted outfits.
In Sokoto, Gombe and Zamfara States, Jonathan, a mild-mannered personality, spelt out his oneness with the Hausas.
It was agbdada, nay babariga, all the way. The colours of his Hausa dresses varied from spotless white to shimmering brown colours. Mr. President, no doubt, felt good in the garbs as he complimented the 'flowing gowns' with smiles when he acknowledged cheers from the dwellers of the respective states he visited.
Coming down to the South West, Ibadan, Oyo State, Jonathan caught the attention of the shons of the shoil (sons of the soil), of the ancient town.
He arrived the state in white dansiki and fila abeti aja. On the second day of his visit, he was in blue stripped ankara with deep blue aso oke cap to 'seal the deal'. But variety was absent during his visit to Imo state. The President, went to Imo the Niger Delta way and returned 'same'.
Friday, May 27, 2011
BLACK MALE RITES OF PASSAGE!- "BEAUTILLIONS-A RITE OF PASSAGE FOR BLACK MEN !-FROM MANBC.MSN.COM
A comprehensive Afrocentric rites of passage program for black male adolescents.: An article from: Health and Social Work
FROM MSNBC.MSN.COM
BLACK MALE RITES OF PASSAGE -”"BEAUTILLIONS”" -BLACK RITES OF PASSAGE FOR BLACK BOYS! -FROM msnbc.msn.com
FROM msnbc.msn.com
‘Beautillions’ a rite of passage for black males
Group hosts black-aimed coming out functions for youths
Below:
x Jump to discussion Loading comments…
.discussion
x Next story in Race & ethnicity Rare anti-slavery booklet acquired by U.Va.
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AdChoices. Lisa Billings / AP
Mark Turner II, left, and Kevin J. Wyatt, Jr., perform a ceremonial dance marking the rite of passage from boyhood to manhood during Phi Beta Sigma’s 6th annual Scholarship Beautillion on June 10, in Richmond, Va.The Associated Press
updated 6/17/2007 3:24:41 PM ET 2007-06-17T19:24:41
Share Print Font: +-RICHMOND, Va. — Just 30 minutes before the Phi Beta Sigma “beautillion” starts, a year of planning for the boys’ glittering debutant ball threatens to unravel: What should be a trio of white-gowned female escorts is only a duo.
That could mean one “beau” won’t have a partner for the intricate ballroom dance the boys have practiced for weeks.
“I think it’s gonna turn out OK,” organizer Elmer Seay Jr. says.
There’s more at stake than a fancy dance. The beaus in white tails and glinting white shoes are young black men, honor roll students bound for college.
Seay has challenged statistics showing young black males battling grim rates of joblessness, poverty and unintended fatherhood. He has arranged career forums and corralled the teens into dance classes and etiquette lessons.
Most important, he and his fraternity brothers have offered genuine concern for their future.
By evening’s end, beaus Jarratt Day, Mark Turner II and Kevin Wyatt will emerge as upright, goal-oriented men.
Advertise
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.The Links, a Washington-based social group for affluent black women, has spent 50 years hosting black-aimed coming-out functions — cotillions for girls and increasingly popular beautillions for boys as young as 9.
‘Fed up’ with media portrayals
“African-Americans weren’t permitted to participate in the cotillions that were held mainly by white, aristocratic social clubs,” explains Janet Walker, head of The Links.
Today, these events draw black parents seeking opportunities to highlight the good in their sons.
“A lot of people are just fed up with the way that black men are portrayed in the media,” Walker says.
In addition, beautillion participants get scholarships, and contacts.
“If you want to go to fraternities or college and stuff, this is a step,” says 17-year-old Julian Alford, who is eyeing the University of Virginia.
In a studio, Kevin Wyatt claps and tumbles to African music as the beaus practice a celebratory dance.
There’s plenty to celebrate. For starters, no more stiff ballroom moves.
“The type of dancing we were doing? Boring, I’m not going to lie to you,” the 17-year-old says after practice.
His ball cap tilted to the side, a tiny diamond dotting his ear, Wyatt is an academic-minded baseball player who volunteers with children. But he worries about his future.
“I fear that I’m going to give up and not keep going,” he says, as the studio clears.
‘We lost ourselves’
While others celebrated the desegregation of schools in the ’50s, Charles Crute Jr. remembers an uncle warning that blacks would abandon their sense of community.
Advertise
AdChoicesAdvertise
AdChoices
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.“I’ve grown and matured to understand what he meant — we lost ourselves,” the 58-year-old former detective says as six professional black men with him agree.
It’s five days before the beautillion, and the men of Phi Beta Sigma have met to iron out details.
They’re multi-degreed, representing decades of black male success. They’ve paved the way and worry today’s black men have fallen behind.
“We need black men to look at the home and at the children that are theirs,” says James Quash Sr., 84. “We need them to take a look and do something.”
The men created the Richmond beautillion in 2001, mimicking an event they saw in Washington.
The idea is to recognize young black males who are doing right, while giving them an official ceremony that says it’s time to grow up.
They’ve groomed 42 boys and seen them off to schools like Howard University in Washington and Morehouse College, in Atlanta.
Still, what started as 16 potential beaus this year shrank to eight by the second group meeting. And five of the remaining group — including Julian Alford with his two jobs, church and wrestling — were just too busy to commit.
A prideful evening
On the night of the beautillion, Seay can finally relax as the third young woman arrives. Soft string music starts and the starched beaus take the spotlight, twirling their dates in dainty pirouettes.
As Mark Turner II finesses his way across the floor, his father watches with pride. The elder Turner drove eight hours from Atlanta to attend, one of several recent gestures to smooth a relationship strained by distance and tension with his former wife.
“He’s going to start to deal with things that unfortunately his mother can’t help him with,” the elder Turner says.
Mark, 18, a tennis player with a 3.7 grade point average, says things have been “in the middle” since his dad began visiting more. “I was open to the opportunity, but bitter,” he says.
As the music winds down, the three fathers line up across from their sons. Mark holds a blue candle, his father a medallion, as a man in African garb explains the significance of the ceremony transforming three boys into three men.
One by one, each dad offers his son words of encouragement.
Turner hangs the medallion around his son’s neck, whispers “I love you,” and hugs the newfound man.
FROM MSNBC.MSN.COMBLACK MALE RITES OF PASSAGE -”"BEAUTILLIONS”" -BLACK RITES OF PASSAGE FOR BLACK BOYS! -FROM msnbc.msn.com
FROM msnbc.msn.com
‘Beautillions’ a rite of passage for black males
Group hosts black-aimed coming out functions for youths
Below:
x Jump to discussion Loading comments…
.discussion
x Next story in Race & ethnicity Rare anti-slavery booklet acquired by U.Va.
related
.Advertise
AdChoices. Lisa Billings / AP
Mark Turner II, left, and Kevin J. Wyatt, Jr., perform a ceremonial dance marking the rite of passage from boyhood to manhood during Phi Beta Sigma’s 6th annual Scholarship Beautillion on June 10, in Richmond, Va.The Associated Press
updated 6/17/2007 3:24:41 PM ET 2007-06-17T19:24:41
Share Print Font: +-RICHMOND, Va. — Just 30 minutes before the Phi Beta Sigma “beautillion” starts, a year of planning for the boys’ glittering debutant ball threatens to unravel: What should be a trio of white-gowned female escorts is only a duo.
That could mean one “beau” won’t have a partner for the intricate ballroom dance the boys have practiced for weeks.
“I think it’s gonna turn out OK,” organizer Elmer Seay Jr. says.
There’s more at stake than a fancy dance. The beaus in white tails and glinting white shoes are young black men, honor roll students bound for college.
Seay has challenged statistics showing young black males battling grim rates of joblessness, poverty and unintended fatherhood. He has arranged career forums and corralled the teens into dance classes and etiquette lessons.
Most important, he and his fraternity brothers have offered genuine concern for their future.
By evening’s end, beaus Jarratt Day, Mark Turner II and Kevin Wyatt will emerge as upright, goal-oriented men.
Advertise
AdChoicesAdvertise
AdChoices
Advertise
AdChoices
.The Links, a Washington-based social group for affluent black women, has spent 50 years hosting black-aimed coming-out functions — cotillions for girls and increasingly popular beautillions for boys as young as 9.
‘Fed up’ with media portrayals
“African-Americans weren’t permitted to participate in the cotillions that were held mainly by white, aristocratic social clubs,” explains Janet Walker, head of The Links.
Today, these events draw black parents seeking opportunities to highlight the good in their sons.
“A lot of people are just fed up with the way that black men are portrayed in the media,” Walker says.
In addition, beautillion participants get scholarships, and contacts.
“If you want to go to fraternities or college and stuff, this is a step,” says 17-year-old Julian Alford, who is eyeing the University of Virginia.
In a studio, Kevin Wyatt claps and tumbles to African music as the beaus practice a celebratory dance.
There’s plenty to celebrate. For starters, no more stiff ballroom moves.
“The type of dancing we were doing? Boring, I’m not going to lie to you,” the 17-year-old says after practice.
His ball cap tilted to the side, a tiny diamond dotting his ear, Wyatt is an academic-minded baseball player who volunteers with children. But he worries about his future.
“I fear that I’m going to give up and not keep going,” he says, as the studio clears.
‘We lost ourselves’
While others celebrated the desegregation of schools in the ’50s, Charles Crute Jr. remembers an uncle warning that blacks would abandon their sense of community.
Advertise
AdChoicesAdvertise
AdChoices
Advertise
AdChoices
.“I’ve grown and matured to understand what he meant — we lost ourselves,” the 58-year-old former detective says as six professional black men with him agree.
It’s five days before the beautillion, and the men of Phi Beta Sigma have met to iron out details.
They’re multi-degreed, representing decades of black male success. They’ve paved the way and worry today’s black men have fallen behind.
“We need black men to look at the home and at the children that are theirs,” says James Quash Sr., 84. “We need them to take a look and do something.”
The men created the Richmond beautillion in 2001, mimicking an event they saw in Washington.
The idea is to recognize young black males who are doing right, while giving them an official ceremony that says it’s time to grow up.
They’ve groomed 42 boys and seen them off to schools like Howard University in Washington and Morehouse College, in Atlanta.
Still, what started as 16 potential beaus this year shrank to eight by the second group meeting. And five of the remaining group — including Julian Alford with his two jobs, church and wrestling — were just too busy to commit.
A prideful evening
On the night of the beautillion, Seay can finally relax as the third young woman arrives. Soft string music starts and the starched beaus take the spotlight, twirling their dates in dainty pirouettes.
As Mark Turner II finesses his way across the floor, his father watches with pride. The elder Turner drove eight hours from Atlanta to attend, one of several recent gestures to smooth a relationship strained by distance and tension with his former wife.
“He’s going to start to deal with things that unfortunately his mother can’t help him with,” the elder Turner says.
Mark, 18, a tennis player with a 3.7 grade point average, says things have been “in the middle” since his dad began visiting more. “I was open to the opportunity, but bitter,” he says.
As the music winds down, the three fathers line up across from their sons. Mark holds a blue candle, his father a medallion, as a man in African garb explains the significance of the ceremony transforming three boys into three men.
One by one, each dad offers his son words of encouragement.
Turner hangs the medallion around his son’s neck, whispers “I love you,” and hugs the newfound man.
BLACK RITES OF PASSAGE FOR BLACK GIRLS!-SAVE OUR GIRLS FROM HEARTACHE! -FROM ASSATASHAKUR.COM
from assatashakur.org
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Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
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#1 (permalink) 08-29-2004
IfasehunReincarnated
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Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
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Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
Synade Jackson, a divorced mother of two, was filled with anxiety as her 14-year-old daughter, Kemikaa, moved toward womanhood. So to reinforce the lessons she had been teaching her at home about being a strong Black woman, Jackson enrolled Kemikaa in the Sojourner Truth Adolescent Rites Society (STARS) in New York City.
"I had wondered whether my daughter would choose education over adolescent pregnancy," Jackson says. "I wanted her to learn African history and spirituality. I wanted these values to be ingrained in her."
Jackson seems to have gotten her wish. As Kemikaa and 13 other girls finished the ten-month program (which included classes on spirituality, sexuality, cooking-and even quilting), Jackson says she watched her daughter become a more confident, responsible young lady. And Kemikaa, too, was happy with the results. "I got a lot out of the group," she says, "especially the self-love and self-esteem class, where we talked about our ,body temple, and how we feel about ourselves."
Jackson is not alone in her desire to play a greater role in the socialization process of her child. According to Audrey "Ayo" Hunter, founder and executive director of the Kabaz (Black Jewels) Cultural Center, Inc., in Detroit, African-American rites-of-passage programs like hers have been going on since the 1960's. Meanwhile, the Afrikan National Rites of Passage United Kollective, a St. Louis, Missouri-based umbrella organization that has been conducting these programs for ten years, has annual meetings to develop and hone African-American passage programs around the country.
"Historically our people have always used certain requirements or tasks to move on to the next level," says Darryl "Kofi" Kennon, executive director of the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective. "African people have been doing rites for thousands of years."
Bruce "Olamina Osatunde" Stevenson, assistant director of operations programming of the Baltimore rites group, adds "As a direct result of the enslavement of African people, our rites of initiation were stolen. Every culture has a process where children must become adults. We use these rituals to let children know that it's time to take on roles and responsibilities."
There are other benefits as well. Because negative images of the Black community abound, says Dr. Nsenga Warfield-Coppock, a Washington, D.C., psychologist who has written several books on African-American rites of passage, these programs help ensure that our children have healthy self-images. "Society does not provide a mirror for our kids to see themselves positively," says Warfield-Coppock, whose three children have all participated in these rituals.
"With these programs," sums up Dr. Wade W. Nobles, executive director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family Life and Culture in Oakland, "our children belong to something greater than themselves. And that's important."
ESSENTIALS OF A RITES PROGRAM
While there is no "correct" way to do it, Stevenson of the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective recommends the following components for a successful passage program:
* Let African traditions or influences be at the core. At the African Son-Rise Rites of Passage Manhood Training Program in Washington, D.C., for example, boys learn about the history and culture of Africans in the diaspora through lectures, films and visits to museums. * Involve parents, relatives and guardians in the process. For instance, the West Dallas Community Centers have bonding sessions between the children and parents or guardians to emphasize the importance of extended family and mentors. * Make the rites program an ongoing one. "Rites of passage are lifelong," says Warfield-Coppock. Consequently, the process is continuous, spanning birth and adolescence to marriage, eldership and finally death. Although programs typically revolve around young adolescents, they can be performed with toddlers, 7-year-olds and late teens too. * Give the participants tasks to master. Use emotional, spiritual and physical tests to prepare children for adulthood. At Detroit's Kabaz Center, children go to the woods to become more attuned with nature and also participate in precision drills that instill discipline. * Let the community witness the ceremony. At the STARS program, Kemikaa and her friends dressed in African attire for their final ceremony in New York City's Abyssinian Baptist Church, where they shared speeches with their families and other witnesses. * Include rituals and ceremonial activities. Children at the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective, for instance, form a unity circle to give thanks to the Creator and offer libations to remember their ancestors.
PASSAGE PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE
While we can't list all rites-of-passage programs around the country, here are a few: * Baltimore Rites of Passage, Kollective, Harambee Kollective Services, Inc., 3645 Cottage Ave., Baltimore MD 21215; (410) 462-1494. With "positive, preventive and proactive" curricula, the Kollective trains boys and girls (ages 7 to 18) to become strong, responsible adults. The program, which lasts at least 20 weeks, is broken down into five major phases: family orientation, rites of separation, curriculum, retreat and naming ceremony, and the transformation ceremony. * HAWK Federation, 175 Filbert St., Ste. 202, Oakland CA 94607; (510) 836-3245. HAWK--High Achievement, Wisdom and Knowledge--was designed initially as an African-based manhood training program, but today, HAWK's female counterpart, the Aset Society, offers a parallel operation for girls. Based on a series of tests that each child must master to build courage, character and consciousness, Hawk targets 12-to-14-year-old boys. Both programs, however, are open to children between the ages of.5 and 18. * West Dallas Community Centers, Inc., 8200 Brookriver Dr., Ste. N704, Dallas TX 75247; (214) 634-7691. After receiving a $1.4 million grant in 1989, the West Dallas Community Centers developed a rites-of-passage program that focuses on youths who have been involved with the correctional system or in family intervention. The curriculum incorporates the Nguzo Saba (the seven principles celebrated during Kwanzaa), counseling, and language, karate and history classes. This coed program generally lasts two years and targets children between ages 9 and 17. * Kabaz (Black Jewels) Cultural Center, 3619 Mount Elliott, Detroit MI 48207; (313) 924-1140. Kabaz, which celebrated its thirtieth anniversary last year, claims to teach "the art of manhood and womanhood by connecting to our past." The coed program, lasting from three months to a year, trains children starting at age 5, using a 12-formula Dlan to in still Afrocentric values and norms. * Concerned Black Men, Inc. (D.C. Chapter), 1511 K St., N.W., Ste. 1100, Washington DC 20005; (202) 783-5414. The five-year-old African Son-Rise Rites of Passage Manhood Training Program is a year-round operation in which 8-to-13-year-old boys meet two Saturdays a month. It's based on five principles: economic intuition, leadership, health and physical fitness, cultural awareness and academic competence. * African American Women on Tour, 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd., Ste. 216-B, San Diego CA 92123-4423; (800) 560-AAWT. At five conferences around the country, AAWT holds rites-of-passage programs for 12-to-19-year-old girls. The three-day workshop focuses on self-empowerment, teen sexuality and African culture and history.
For information on how to set up a passage program in your community, contact one of the organizations listed above. If you want to read up on the topic, check out Transformation: A Rites of Passage Manual for African American Girls by Mafori Moore, Gwen Akua Gilyard, Karen King and Nsenga Warfield-Coppock (STARS Press, $15) and Bringing the Black Boy to Manhood: The Passage by Nathan Hare and Julie Hare (Black Think Tank, $6). Warfield-Coppock can also provide a wealth of information; she can be reached at Baobab Associates, Inc., 7614 16th St., N.W., Washington DC 20012.
COPYRIGHT 1996 Essence Communications, Inc.S
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#2 (permalink) 08-08-2005
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HELP: Searching For Rites-of-Passage in LA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone. I am just coming out of the "Matrix". I have a 10yr old son
that I want to help stay clear of it. I am looking for a rite-of-passage group
in LA to put him in. If anyone can help, please write back or phone me @
858-414-3434. Thank you so much for any and all assistance given.
Oh, I am also looking for an African based church, thanks again.
#3 (permalink) 08-08-2005
Im The Truth
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I worry the same about Atlanta, GA I heard about a rites-of-passage a while back but I'm not sure of the details or if it still exsist. If anyone knows let a brotha know.
Uhuru Sasa!!!
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Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
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#1 (permalink) 08-29-2004
IfasehunReincarnated
Never Let Them Disrespect the Ancestors Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Sirius & Onile Simultaneously
Posts: 6,020
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Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
Synade Jackson, a divorced mother of two, was filled with anxiety as her 14-year-old daughter, Kemikaa, moved toward womanhood. So to reinforce the lessons she had been teaching her at home about being a strong Black woman, Jackson enrolled Kemikaa in the Sojourner Truth Adolescent Rites Society (STARS) in New York City.
"I had wondered whether my daughter would choose education over adolescent pregnancy," Jackson says. "I wanted her to learn African history and spirituality. I wanted these values to be ingrained in her."
Jackson seems to have gotten her wish. As Kemikaa and 13 other girls finished the ten-month program (which included classes on spirituality, sexuality, cooking-and even quilting), Jackson says she watched her daughter become a more confident, responsible young lady. And Kemikaa, too, was happy with the results. "I got a lot out of the group," she says, "especially the self-love and self-esteem class, where we talked about our ,body temple, and how we feel about ourselves."
Jackson is not alone in her desire to play a greater role in the socialization process of her child. According to Audrey "Ayo" Hunter, founder and executive director of the Kabaz (Black Jewels) Cultural Center, Inc., in Detroit, African-American rites-of-passage programs like hers have been going on since the 1960's. Meanwhile, the Afrikan National Rites of Passage United Kollective, a St. Louis, Missouri-based umbrella organization that has been conducting these programs for ten years, has annual meetings to develop and hone African-American passage programs around the country.
"Historically our people have always used certain requirements or tasks to move on to the next level," says Darryl "Kofi" Kennon, executive director of the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective. "African people have been doing rites for thousands of years."
Bruce "Olamina Osatunde" Stevenson, assistant director of operations programming of the Baltimore rites group, adds "As a direct result of the enslavement of African people, our rites of initiation were stolen. Every culture has a process where children must become adults. We use these rituals to let children know that it's time to take on roles and responsibilities."
There are other benefits as well. Because negative images of the Black community abound, says Dr. Nsenga Warfield-Coppock, a Washington, D.C., psychologist who has written several books on African-American rites of passage, these programs help ensure that our children have healthy self-images. "Society does not provide a mirror for our kids to see themselves positively," says Warfield-Coppock, whose three children have all participated in these rituals.
"With these programs," sums up Dr. Wade W. Nobles, executive director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family Life and Culture in Oakland, "our children belong to something greater than themselves. And that's important."
ESSENTIALS OF A RITES PROGRAM
While there is no "correct" way to do it, Stevenson of the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective recommends the following components for a successful passage program:
* Let African traditions or influences be at the core. At the African Son-Rise Rites of Passage Manhood Training Program in Washington, D.C., for example, boys learn about the history and culture of Africans in the diaspora through lectures, films and visits to museums. * Involve parents, relatives and guardians in the process. For instance, the West Dallas Community Centers have bonding sessions between the children and parents or guardians to emphasize the importance of extended family and mentors. * Make the rites program an ongoing one. "Rites of passage are lifelong," says Warfield-Coppock. Consequently, the process is continuous, spanning birth and adolescence to marriage, eldership and finally death. Although programs typically revolve around young adolescents, they can be performed with toddlers, 7-year-olds and late teens too. * Give the participants tasks to master. Use emotional, spiritual and physical tests to prepare children for adulthood. At Detroit's Kabaz Center, children go to the woods to become more attuned with nature and also participate in precision drills that instill discipline. * Let the community witness the ceremony. At the STARS program, Kemikaa and her friends dressed in African attire for their final ceremony in New York City's Abyssinian Baptist Church, where they shared speeches with their families and other witnesses. * Include rituals and ceremonial activities. Children at the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective, for instance, form a unity circle to give thanks to the Creator and offer libations to remember their ancestors.
PASSAGE PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE
While we can't list all rites-of-passage programs around the country, here are a few: * Baltimore Rites of Passage, Kollective, Harambee Kollective Services, Inc., 3645 Cottage Ave., Baltimore MD 21215; (410) 462-1494. With "positive, preventive and proactive" curricula, the Kollective trains boys and girls (ages 7 to 18) to become strong, responsible adults. The program, which lasts at least 20 weeks, is broken down into five major phases: family orientation, rites of separation, curriculum, retreat and naming ceremony, and the transformation ceremony. * HAWK Federation, 175 Filbert St., Ste. 202, Oakland CA 94607; (510) 836-3245. HAWK--High Achievement, Wisdom and Knowledge--was designed initially as an African-based manhood training program, but today, HAWK's female counterpart, the Aset Society, offers a parallel operation for girls. Based on a series of tests that each child must master to build courage, character and consciousness, Hawk targets 12-to-14-year-old boys. Both programs, however, are open to children between the ages of.5 and 18. * West Dallas Community Centers, Inc., 8200 Brookriver Dr., Ste. N704, Dallas TX 75247; (214) 634-7691. After receiving a $1.4 million grant in 1989, the West Dallas Community Centers developed a rites-of-passage program that focuses on youths who have been involved with the correctional system or in family intervention. The curriculum incorporates the Nguzo Saba (the seven principles celebrated during Kwanzaa), counseling, and language, karate and history classes. This coed program generally lasts two years and targets children between ages 9 and 17. * Kabaz (Black Jewels) Cultural Center, 3619 Mount Elliott, Detroit MI 48207; (313) 924-1140. Kabaz, which celebrated its thirtieth anniversary last year, claims to teach "the art of manhood and womanhood by connecting to our past." The coed program, lasting from three months to a year, trains children starting at age 5, using a 12-formula Dlan to in still Afrocentric values and norms. * Concerned Black Men, Inc. (D.C. Chapter), 1511 K St., N.W., Ste. 1100, Washington DC 20005; (202) 783-5414. The five-year-old African Son-Rise Rites of Passage Manhood Training Program is a year-round operation in which 8-to-13-year-old boys meet two Saturdays a month. It's based on five principles: economic intuition, leadership, health and physical fitness, cultural awareness and academic competence. * African American Women on Tour, 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd., Ste. 216-B, San Diego CA 92123-4423; (800) 560-AAWT. At five conferences around the country, AAWT holds rites-of-passage programs for 12-to-19-year-old girls. The three-day workshop focuses on self-empowerment, teen sexuality and African culture and history.
For information on how to set up a passage program in your community, contact one of the organizations listed above. If you want to read up on the topic, check out Transformation: A Rites of Passage Manual for African American Girls by Mafori Moore, Gwen Akua Gilyard, Karen King and Nsenga Warfield-Coppock (STARS Press, $15) and Bringing the Black Boy to Manhood: The Passage by Nathan Hare and Julie Hare (Black Think Tank, $6). Warfield-Coppock can also provide a wealth of information; she can be reached at Baobab Associates, Inc., 7614 16th St., N.W., Washington DC 20012.
COPYRIGHT 1996 Essence Communications, Inc.S
__________________
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HELP: Searching For Rites-of-Passage in LA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone. I am just coming out of the "Matrix". I have a 10yr old son
that I want to help stay clear of it. I am looking for a rite-of-passage group
in LA to put him in. If anyone can help, please write back or phone me @
858-414-3434. Thank you so much for any and all assistance given.
Oh, I am also looking for an African based church, thanks again.
#3 (permalink) 08-08-2005
Im The Truth
Organizer Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Atlanta, GA by way of Afrika
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I worry the same about Atlanta, GA I heard about a rites-of-passage a while back but I'm not sure of the details or if it still exsist. If anyone knows let a brotha know.
Uhuru Sasa!!!
__________________
"If the enemy is not doing anything against you, you are not doing anything"
-Ahmed Sékou Touré
"speak truth, do justice, be kind and do not do evil."
-Baba Orunmila
"Cowardice asks the question: is it safe? Expediency asks the question: is it political? Vanity asks the question: is it popular? But conscience asks the question: is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular - but one must take it simply because it is right."
--Dr. Martin L. King
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#1 (permalink) 08-29-2004
IfasehunReincarnated
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Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
Synade Jackson, a divorced mother of two, was filled with anxiety as her 14-year-old daughter, Kemikaa, moved toward womanhood. So to reinforce the lessons she had been teaching her at home about being a strong Black woman, Jackson enrolled Kemikaa in the Sojourner Truth Adolescent Rites Society (STARS) in New York City.
"I had wondered whether my daughter would choose education over adolescent pregnancy," Jackson says. "I wanted her to learn African history and spirituality. I wanted these values to be ingrained in her."
Jackson seems to have gotten her wish. As Kemikaa and 13 other girls finished the ten-month program (which included classes on spirituality, sexuality, cooking-and even quilting), Jackson says she watched her daughter become a more confident, responsible young lady. And Kemikaa, too, was happy with the results. "I got a lot out of the group," she says, "especially the self-love and self-esteem class, where we talked about our ,body temple, and how we feel about ourselves."
Jackson is not alone in her desire to play a greater role in the socialization process of her child. According to Audrey "Ayo" Hunter, founder and executive director of the Kabaz (Black Jewels) Cultural Center, Inc., in Detroit, African-American rites-of-passage programs like hers have been going on since the 1960's. Meanwhile, the Afrikan National Rites of Passage United Kollective, a St. Louis, Missouri-based umbrella organization that has been conducting these programs for ten years, has annual meetings to develop and hone African-American passage programs around the country.
"Historically our people have always used certain requirements or tasks to move on to the next level," says Darryl "Kofi" Kennon, executive director of the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective. "African people have been doing rites for thousands of years."
Bruce "Olamina Osatunde" Stevenson, assistant director of operations programming of the Baltimore rites group, adds "As a direct result of the enslavement of African people, our rites of initiation were stolen. Every culture has a process where children must become adults. We use these rituals to let children know that it's time to take on roles and responsibilities."
There are other benefits as well. Because negative images of the Black community abound, says Dr. Nsenga Warfield-Coppock, a Washington, D.C., psychologist who has written several books on African-American rites of passage, these programs help ensure that our children have healthy self-images. "Society does not provide a mirror for our kids to see themselves positively," says Warfield-Coppock, whose three children have all participated in these rituals.
"With these programs," sums up Dr. Wade W. Nobles, executive director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family Life and Culture in Oakland, "our children belong to something greater than themselves. And that's important."
ESSENTIALS OF A RITES PROGRAM
While there is no "correct" way to do it, Stevenson of the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective recommends the following components for a successful passage program:
* Let African traditions or influences be at the core. At the African Son-Rise Rites of Passage Manhood Training Program in Washington, D.C., for example, boys learn about the history and culture of Africans in the diaspora through lectures, films and visits to museums. * Involve parents, relatives and guardians in the process. For instance, the West Dallas Community Centers have bonding sessions between the children and parents or guardians to emphasize the importance of extended family and mentors. * Make the rites program an ongoing one. "Rites of passage are lifelong," says Warfield-Coppock. Consequently, the process is continuous, spanning birth and adolescence to marriage, eldership and finally death. Although programs typically revolve around young adolescents, they can be performed with toddlers, 7-year-olds and late teens too. * Give the participants tasks to master. Use emotional, spiritual and physical tests to prepare children for adulthood. At Detroit's Kabaz Center, children go to the woods to become more attuned with nature and also participate in precision drills that instill discipline. * Let the community witness the ceremony. At the STARS program, Kemikaa and her friends dressed in African attire for their final ceremony in New York City's Abyssinian Baptist Church, where they shared speeches with their families and other witnesses. * Include rituals and ceremonial activities. Children at the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective, for instance, form a unity circle to give thanks to the Creator and offer libations to remember their ancestors.
PASSAGE PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE
While we can't list all rites-of-passage programs around the country, here are a few: * Baltimore Rites of Passage, Kollective, Harambee Kollective Services, Inc., 3645 Cottage Ave., Baltimore MD 21215; (410) 462-1494. With "positive, preventive and proactive" curricula, the Kollective trains boys and girls (ages 7 to 18) to become strong, responsible adults. The program, which lasts at least 20 weeks, is broken down into five major phases: family orientation, rites of separation, curriculum, retreat and naming ceremony, and the transformation ceremony. * HAWK Federation, 175 Filbert St., Ste. 202, Oakland CA 94607; (510) 836-3245. HAWK--High Achievement, Wisdom and Knowledge--was designed initially as an African-based manhood training program, but today, HAWK's female counterpart, the Aset Society, offers a parallel operation for girls. Based on a series of tests that each child must master to build courage, character and consciousness, Hawk targets 12-to-14-year-old boys. Both programs, however, are open to children between the ages of.5 and 18. * West Dallas Community Centers, Inc., 8200 Brookriver Dr., Ste. N704, Dallas TX 75247; (214) 634-7691. After receiving a $1.4 million grant in 1989, the West Dallas Community Centers developed a rites-of-passage program that focuses on youths who have been involved with the correctional system or in family intervention. The curriculum incorporates the Nguzo Saba (the seven principles celebrated during Kwanzaa), counseling, and language, karate and history classes. This coed program generally lasts two years and targets children between ages 9 and 17. * Kabaz (Black Jewels) Cultural Center, 3619 Mount Elliott, Detroit MI 48207; (313) 924-1140. Kabaz, which celebrated its thirtieth anniversary last year, claims to teach "the art of manhood and womanhood by connecting to our past." The coed program, lasting from three months to a year, trains children starting at age 5, using a 12-formula Dlan to in still Afrocentric values and norms. * Concerned Black Men, Inc. (D.C. Chapter), 1511 K St., N.W., Ste. 1100, Washington DC 20005; (202) 783-5414. The five-year-old African Son-Rise Rites of Passage Manhood Training Program is a year-round operation in which 8-to-13-year-old boys meet two Saturdays a month. It's based on five principles: economic intuition, leadership, health and physical fitness, cultural awareness and academic competence. * African American Women on Tour, 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd., Ste. 216-B, San Diego CA 92123-4423; (800) 560-AAWT. At five conferences around the country, AAWT holds rites-of-passage programs for 12-to-19-year-old girls. The three-day workshop focuses on self-empowerment, teen sexuality and African culture and history.
For information on how to set up a passage program in your community, contact one of the organizations listed above. If you want to read up on the topic, check out Transformation: A Rites of Passage Manual for African American Girls by Mafori Moore, Gwen Akua Gilyard, Karen King and Nsenga Warfield-Coppock (STARS Press, $15) and Bringing the Black Boy to Manhood: The Passage by Nathan Hare and Julie Hare (Black Think Tank, $6). Warfield-Coppock can also provide a wealth of information; she can be reached at Baobab Associates, Inc., 7614 16th St., N.W., Washington DC 20012.
COPYRIGHT 1996 Essence Communications, Inc.S
__________________
All is Well. Workin' Hard - Tryin' to Save Time for Fam. Check in Periodically.
Photos of members wearing Hands Off Assata Shirts 6/3/06
Buy: Afrikan Spirituality Books & Videos (300+ in stock)
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#2 (permalink) 08-08-2005
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HELP: Searching For Rites-of-Passage in LA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone. I am just coming out of the "Matrix". I have a 10yr old son
that I want to help stay clear of it. I am looking for a rite-of-passage group
in LA to put him in. If anyone can help, please write back or phone me @
858-414-3434. Thank you so much for any and all assistance given.
Oh, I am also looking for an African based church, thanks again.
#3 (permalink) 08-08-2005
Im The Truth
Organizer Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Atlanta, GA by way of Afrika
Posts: 5,910
Blog Entries: 11
Thanks: 2,684
Thanked 1,843 Times in 1,052 Posts
Gender: Brother
Rep Power: 591
Member's Picture Albums
I worry the same about Atlanta, GA I heard about a rites-of-passage a while back but I'm not sure of the details or if it still exsist. If anyone knows let a brotha know.
Uhuru Sasa!!!
__________________
"If the enemy is not doing anything against you, you are not doing anything"
-Ahmed Sékou Touré
"speak truth, do justice, be kind and do not do evil."
-Baba Orunmila
"Cowardice asks the question: is it safe? Expediency asks the question: is it political? Vanity asks the question: is it popular? But conscience asks the question: is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular - but one must take it simply because it is right."
--Dr. Martin L. King
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#1 (permalink) 08-29-2004
IfasehunReincarnated
Never Let Them Disrespect the Ancestors Join Date: Jan 2004
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Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rites of passage: ceremonies can help our kids cope with today's turbulent times
Synade Jackson, a divorced mother of two, was filled with anxiety as her 14-year-old daughter, Kemikaa, moved toward womanhood. So to reinforce the lessons she had been teaching her at home about being a strong Black woman, Jackson enrolled Kemikaa in the Sojourner Truth Adolescent Rites Society (STARS) in New York City.
"I had wondered whether my daughter would choose education over adolescent pregnancy," Jackson says. "I wanted her to learn African history and spirituality. I wanted these values to be ingrained in her."
Jackson seems to have gotten her wish. As Kemikaa and 13 other girls finished the ten-month program (which included classes on spirituality, sexuality, cooking-and even quilting), Jackson says she watched her daughter become a more confident, responsible young lady. And Kemikaa, too, was happy with the results. "I got a lot out of the group," she says, "especially the self-love and self-esteem class, where we talked about our ,body temple, and how we feel about ourselves."
Jackson is not alone in her desire to play a greater role in the socialization process of her child. According to Audrey "Ayo" Hunter, founder and executive director of the Kabaz (Black Jewels) Cultural Center, Inc., in Detroit, African-American rites-of-passage programs like hers have been going on since the 1960's. Meanwhile, the Afrikan National Rites of Passage United Kollective, a St. Louis, Missouri-based umbrella organization that has been conducting these programs for ten years, has annual meetings to develop and hone African-American passage programs around the country.
"Historically our people have always used certain requirements or tasks to move on to the next level," says Darryl "Kofi" Kennon, executive director of the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective. "African people have been doing rites for thousands of years."
Bruce "Olamina Osatunde" Stevenson, assistant director of operations programming of the Baltimore rites group, adds "As a direct result of the enslavement of African people, our rites of initiation were stolen. Every culture has a process where children must become adults. We use these rituals to let children know that it's time to take on roles and responsibilities."
There are other benefits as well. Because negative images of the Black community abound, says Dr. Nsenga Warfield-Coppock, a Washington, D.C., psychologist who has written several books on African-American rites of passage, these programs help ensure that our children have healthy self-images. "Society does not provide a mirror for our kids to see themselves positively," says Warfield-Coppock, whose three children have all participated in these rituals.
"With these programs," sums up Dr. Wade W. Nobles, executive director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family Life and Culture in Oakland, "our children belong to something greater than themselves. And that's important."
ESSENTIALS OF A RITES PROGRAM
While there is no "correct" way to do it, Stevenson of the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective recommends the following components for a successful passage program:
* Let African traditions or influences be at the core. At the African Son-Rise Rites of Passage Manhood Training Program in Washington, D.C., for example, boys learn about the history and culture of Africans in the diaspora through lectures, films and visits to museums. * Involve parents, relatives and guardians in the process. For instance, the West Dallas Community Centers have bonding sessions between the children and parents or guardians to emphasize the importance of extended family and mentors. * Make the rites program an ongoing one. "Rites of passage are lifelong," says Warfield-Coppock. Consequently, the process is continuous, spanning birth and adolescence to marriage, eldership and finally death. Although programs typically revolve around young adolescents, they can be performed with toddlers, 7-year-olds and late teens too. * Give the participants tasks to master. Use emotional, spiritual and physical tests to prepare children for adulthood. At Detroit's Kabaz Center, children go to the woods to become more attuned with nature and also participate in precision drills that instill discipline. * Let the community witness the ceremony. At the STARS program, Kemikaa and her friends dressed in African attire for their final ceremony in New York City's Abyssinian Baptist Church, where they shared speeches with their families and other witnesses. * Include rituals and ceremonial activities. Children at the Baltimore Rites of Passage Kollective, for instance, form a unity circle to give thanks to the Creator and offer libations to remember their ancestors.
PASSAGE PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE
While we can't list all rites-of-passage programs around the country, here are a few: * Baltimore Rites of Passage, Kollective, Harambee Kollective Services, Inc., 3645 Cottage Ave., Baltimore MD 21215; (410) 462-1494. With "positive, preventive and proactive" curricula, the Kollective trains boys and girls (ages 7 to 18) to become strong, responsible adults. The program, which lasts at least 20 weeks, is broken down into five major phases: family orientation, rites of separation, curriculum, retreat and naming ceremony, and the transformation ceremony. * HAWK Federation, 175 Filbert St., Ste. 202, Oakland CA 94607; (510) 836-3245. HAWK--High Achievement, Wisdom and Knowledge--was designed initially as an African-based manhood training program, but today, HAWK's female counterpart, the Aset Society, offers a parallel operation for girls. Based on a series of tests that each child must master to build courage, character and consciousness, Hawk targets 12-to-14-year-old boys. Both programs, however, are open to children between the ages of.5 and 18. * West Dallas Community Centers, Inc., 8200 Brookriver Dr., Ste. N704, Dallas TX 75247; (214) 634-7691. After receiving a $1.4 million grant in 1989, the West Dallas Community Centers developed a rites-of-passage program that focuses on youths who have been involved with the correctional system or in family intervention. The curriculum incorporates the Nguzo Saba (the seven principles celebrated during Kwanzaa), counseling, and language, karate and history classes. This coed program generally lasts two years and targets children between ages 9 and 17. * Kabaz (Black Jewels) Cultural Center, 3619 Mount Elliott, Detroit MI 48207; (313) 924-1140. Kabaz, which celebrated its thirtieth anniversary last year, claims to teach "the art of manhood and womanhood by connecting to our past." The coed program, lasting from three months to a year, trains children starting at age 5, using a 12-formula Dlan to in still Afrocentric values and norms. * Concerned Black Men, Inc. (D.C. Chapter), 1511 K St., N.W., Ste. 1100, Washington DC 20005; (202) 783-5414. The five-year-old African Son-Rise Rites of Passage Manhood Training Program is a year-round operation in which 8-to-13-year-old boys meet two Saturdays a month. It's based on five principles: economic intuition, leadership, health and physical fitness, cultural awareness and academic competence. * African American Women on Tour, 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd., Ste. 216-B, San Diego CA 92123-4423; (800) 560-AAWT. At five conferences around the country, AAWT holds rites-of-passage programs for 12-to-19-year-old girls. The three-day workshop focuses on self-empowerment, teen sexuality and African culture and history.
For information on how to set up a passage program in your community, contact one of the organizations listed above. If you want to read up on the topic, check out Transformation: A Rites of Passage Manual for African American Girls by Mafori Moore, Gwen Akua Gilyard, Karen King and Nsenga Warfield-Coppock (STARS Press, $15) and Bringing the Black Boy to Manhood: The Passage by Nathan Hare and Julie Hare (Black Think Tank, $6). Warfield-Coppock can also provide a wealth of information; she can be reached at Baobab Associates, Inc., 7614 16th St., N.W., Washington DC 20012.
COPYRIGHT 1996 Essence Communications, Inc.S
__________________
All is Well. Workin' Hard - Tryin' to Save Time for Fam. Check in Periodically.
Photos of members wearing Hands Off Assata Shirts 6/3/06
Buy: Afrikan Spirituality Books & Videos (300+ in stock)
Meaningless Blog #1
Blog # 2
#2 (permalink) 08-08-2005
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HELP: Searching For Rites-of-Passage in LA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone. I am just coming out of the "Matrix". I have a 10yr old son
that I want to help stay clear of it. I am looking for a rite-of-passage group
in LA to put him in. If anyone can help, please write back or phone me @
858-414-3434. Thank you so much for any and all assistance given.
Oh, I am also looking for an African based church, thanks again.
#3 (permalink) 08-08-2005
Im The Truth
Organizer Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Atlanta, GA by way of Afrika
Posts: 5,910
Blog Entries: 11
Thanks: 2,684
Thanked 1,843 Times in 1,052 Posts
Gender: Brother
Rep Power: 591
Member's Picture Albums
I worry the same about Atlanta, GA I heard about a rites-of-passage a while back but I'm not sure of the details or if it still exsist. If anyone knows let a brotha know.
Uhuru Sasa!!!
__________________
"If the enemy is not doing anything against you, you are not doing anything"
-Ahmed Sékou Touré
"speak truth, do justice, be kind and do not do evil."
-Baba Orunmila
"Cowardice asks the question: is it safe? Expediency asks the question: is it political? Vanity asks the question: is it popular? But conscience asks the question: is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular - but one must take it simply because it is right."
--Dr. Martin L. King
Get Involved!
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Thursday, May 26, 2011
BACK TO AFRICA ! -DAN FOSTER,THIS BLACK AMERIKKKA HAS COME BACK HOME WITH A BANG AND IS FREE,BLACK AND RISING IN THE MOTHERLAND!
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Dan-foster Inspiration Fm.jpg (10.52 KB, 299x448 )FROM THENETNG.COM
Opinion
« Breaking News – Emeka Ike Wins GUS Celebrity Showdown!Smart BasketMouth Escapes Branson Push »Dan Foster Gets Baby No 3
By Victoria Ige
Mr Foster and wife pose with their first baby in this picture obtained from the official Dan Foster Facebook account
Popular on-air personality Dan Foster an his wife Lovina are celebrating the arrival of their second child together.
Foster’s wife Lovina delivered a baby boy, Thursday May 27 in a Lagos hospital.
The couple already had a girl together; while Foster, an American, has a grown boy from an earlier marriage.
‘Baby boy has landed and mommy is safe and God is great… We’re so full of joy, join us for a thought of praise’ Dan Foster wrote in an SMS blast to friends.
The baby weighed 3.8 kg at birth.
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But besides all these and many other goodies abut Dan, he has his other side. Dan Fo
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