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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 WorkFROM 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

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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.



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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.



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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.



BLACK RITES OF PASSAGE FOR BLACK GIRLS!-SAVE OUR GIRLS FROM HEARTACHE! -FROM ASSATASHAKUR.COM

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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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"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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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

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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

STUDENT

Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005

Location: Los Angeles

Posts: 2

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Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

Gender: Sister

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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!






Add caption


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!


CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)

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Mobinga
CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« on: September 01, 2010, 04:47 AM »

When yes means maybe: Doing business in Nigeria

Quote from: CNN
STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Dean Foster is the author of "The Global Etiquette Guide to Africa"

Foster believes the key to success in Nigeria depends on your contacts and commitment

Providing a tip or "dash" for services, including the processing of official documents, is normal

London, England (CNN) -- In a business culture where negotiations are fluid and what's agreed on Monday might not necessary mean the same thing on Tuesday, how do you get the job done?

It's a challenge some foreigners encounter when doing business in Nigeria.

However, things don't have to be difficult explains Dean Foster, president of the cross-cultural training company Dean Foster Associates and author of "The Global Etiquette Guide to Africa."

According to Foster, as long as you understand the cultural etiquette, doing business in Nigeria can offer vast opportunities. But, he says, success comes down two key factors: contacts and commitment.

"The bottom line is that you cannot expect to go into Nigeria, make the deal, turn around, walk out and expect things to go as planned," Foster told CNN.

You'll build friendships and relationships that will last a life

--Dean Foster, author of "The Global Etiquette Guide to Africa."

"If you're committed to business in Nigeria you have to know that you're entering an environment that requires your constant attention and constant renegotiation. Adaptability and flexibility on your part is key," he continued.

Knowing the right person is also fundamental, according to Foster, who says personal relationships are often more important than regulations and laws. It's something, he warns, many outsiders may feel uncomfortable with.

"You have to be wary of the old tradition of 'dash,' which in Nigeria essentially means putting money in the hands of an individual," he said.

"It is of course in many respects illegal, but it is still quite a common convention. And the degree to which you, as a business person, want to co-operate with this will determine to a great degree the success you have in Nigeria."

But despite the challenges, Foster is adamant business in Nigeria can be a rewarding experience -- and not just financially.

"The people are fantastic -- you realize that the social networks and relationships you put so some much energy and time into, are in fact is part of the great reward. You'll build friendships and relationships that will last a life," he told CNN.

Dean Foster's top five tips for doing business in Nigeria.

1. Agreeing with people is considered to be a sign of respect. Nigerians generally say "yes" to a request because their respect for you does not allow them to say "no."

2. Among traditional Nigerian business people, an appointment is rarely private. Try not to be irritated if your meeting is interrupted by phone calls and/or visits from your client's friends and family.

3. Do not eat everything on your plate; leaving some food is a signal that you have had enough. If you clean your plate, you are indicating that you
want more food.

4. Nigerians tend to stand close to each other while speaking. If you are uncomfortable conversing at this distance, try to refrain from backing up.

5. Nigerians are good bargainers, and you should expect to bargain and compromise in the marketplace and at the negotiating table.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/08/31/business.etiquette.nigeria/index.html

Quote
Comments in the Cnn Forum

sweet03 I personally will not do business in Nigeria again, i dont believe them and they r not worth the hassle. THey are sweet talkers, so do not try it.

Indykid Is there any Nigerians in this forum??? If so , put your wallet in your front pocket. just sayin,   Angry Angry

heo9542 Doing business in Nigeria, thats a good idea. I get emails for it all the time and they seem trustworthy to me. I cant even tell you how many millions of dollars I have waiting for me in escrow over there.  This guy neva jam  Grin Grin
Dis Guy
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #1 on: September 01, 2010, 04:57 AM »

Quote
According to Foster, as long as you understand the cultural etiquette, doing business in Nigeria can offer vast opportunities. But, he says, success comes down two key factors: contacts and commitment.


Quote
Foster is adamant business in Nigeria can be a rewarding experience -- and not just financially.
"The people are fantastic -- you realize that the social networks and relationships you put so some much energy and time into, are in fact is part of the great reward. You'll build friendships and relationships that will last a life," he told CNN.


so whats bad about this article, look at the glowing compliments  Grin
Dis Guy
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #2 on: September 01, 2010, 04:59 AM »

Quote
1. Agreeing with people is considered to be a sign of respect. Nigerians generally say "yes" to a request because their respect for you does not allow them to say "no."

this is a solution to all those fights on Nairaland, everyone should just agree and say yes sir yes ma! simples!
gozzilla (m)
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #3 on: September 01, 2010, 08:35 AM »

I am still trying to pick out the the bad in this article.
calyx
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #4 on: September 01, 2010, 08:57 AM »

99% of the content of this article is true and well informed.
Care-Taker (m)
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #5 on: September 01, 2010, 09:29 AM »



The man is a ''been to''

Those are the attitudes Nigerians have that we are going to change for the better.




http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GodBlessNigeria
deor03 (m)
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #6 on: September 01, 2010, 09:38 AM »

Quote from: gozzilla on September 01, 2010, 08:35 AM
I am still trying to pick out the the bad in this article.

Me too !

Quote from: calyx on September 01, 2010, 08:57 AM
99% of the content of this article is true and well informed.
Also, True !
PapaBrowne (m)
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #7 on: September 01, 2010, 09:39 AM »

Very accurate article!!! The guys knows so well!!
jba203
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #8 on: September 01, 2010, 10:08 AM »


The bright side of the article is that, it paints a picture that doing business in Nigeria can potetially pay dividends. However, 90% of the article shows Nigeria's volatility in establishing a working sytem. It is also written as an arlet to those who may wish to do business over there.  It talks about contacts and commitment: that in stable economies cannot serve as a determinant for good business.
ziga
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #9 on: September 01, 2010, 10:50 AM »

@OP

I don't agree with you that the article painted Nigeria black. The writer is obviously someone who has done some real research on Nigeria because he actually presented the facts as they are.

He gave the positives and negatives, and he tried to rationalize the reasons for it and he was not in anyway sarcastic about his remarks. This is unlike some other reports that i've seen that look like they were written from the seat of a plane.

This report is a very honest evaluation of the situation on ground. Thanks to the reporter for being factual.
Mobinga
Re: Cnn Article Paints Nigeria Black
« #10 on: September 01, 2010, 11:08 AM »

Hehehe!! Oya let me modify the topic
goldplated (m)
Re: CNN :: Doing Business In Nigeria
« #11 on: September 01, 2010, 07:54 PM »

A wonderful tribute!
kulyie
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #12 on: September 02, 2010, 03:53 PM »

he's sure right.he's bin in nigeria 4 over 10 yrs,so he shud know wot livin n doing buisness in nigeria entails especially doing business in lagos.we have a lotta cultural influences wen doing business n foreign counterparts who arent aware of dis may experience cultural shock Lips sealed Lips sealed Lips sealed Lips sealed
Ranoscky (m)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #13 on: September 02, 2010, 04:14 PM »

Pls, i'll lyk to know if Dan Foster is back in nigeria, any1 to help me out with d answer? Undecided
nanidee (f)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #14 on: September 02, 2010, 04:28 PM »

@ poster, Dan Foster, or Dean Foster?,  Undecided Undecided Undecided
bones1 (m)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #15 on: September 02, 2010, 04:31 PM »

Article is an accurate and non biased account of Nigeria
agitator
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #16 on: September 02, 2010, 05:00 PM »

Perfect analysis  Cool
matiltom_d (f)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #17 on: September 02, 2010, 05:23 PM »

I'm confused in here o! Dan Foster the OAP or Dean Foster?
ayex0001
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #18 on: September 02, 2010, 05:33 PM »

Maybe he wanted to say Usman Dan vodio,  lol
xtremeidea (m)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #19 on: September 02, 2010, 05:38 PM »

Dan Foster has written a book? woooooooooow  Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked
Tokotaya
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #20 on: September 02, 2010, 05:41 PM »

It's an error by the OP. This is about a different Dan, from the OAP
chosen04 (f)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #21 on: September 02, 2010, 06:57 PM »

Quote from: Tokotaya on September 02, 2010, 05:41 PM
It's an error by the OP. This is about a different Dan, from the OAP

Are you serious?
JUO
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #22 on: September 02, 2010, 07:48 PM »

this guy don drink nija water
blakduches
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #23 on: September 02, 2010, 08:17 PM »

 A true depiction of the nigerian system.
oladayo042
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #24 on: September 02, 2010, 08:20 PM »

Factual truth abt Naija.
3. Do not eat everything on your plate; leaving some food is a signal that you have had enough. If you clean your plate, you are indicating that you want more food.  Shocked Shocked
rebranded (m)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #25 on: September 02, 2010, 09:28 PM »

I see Dean Foster NOT Dan Foster pls change the heading its misleading!
Nymph node (m)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #26 on: September 02, 2010, 11:45 PM »

The dark dude is a presenter, Inspiration FM Lagos the other is a US based writer he wrote Global Etiquette Guide to Africa and the Middle East


* Dan-foster Inspiration Fm.jpg (10.52 KB, 299x448 )

* dean+foster.jpg (16.8 KB, 320x240 )
Dis Guy
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #27 on: September 03, 2010, 01:47 AM »

Quote
4. Nigerians tend to stand close to each other while speaking. If you are uncomfortable conversing at this distance, try to refrain from backing up.

so why do we still talk like we have loudspeakers in our mouth??
shilling (f)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #28 on: September 03, 2010, 07:02 AM »

Quote from: Dis Guy on September 03, 2010, 01:47 AM
so why do we still talk like we have loudspeakers in our mouth??

I was also wondering about that. I've never noticed that about Nigerians whenever I visit - standing so close. I feel super-uncomfortable when a person does that.
rasputinn (m)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #29 on: September 03, 2010, 07:22 AM »

The day a man as unserious as Dan Foster(sorry Dan,but you know what I mean)writes a book about doing business anywhere,,,,,,,, ,,,,.,.,.,.,
agitator
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #30 on: September 03, 2010, 07:44 AM »

MTN knew about this and they are the greatest in africa, vodacom didn't and they lost
Julius Berger also towed this line, and some new foreign construction companies are following their footsteps.  Cool
Jakumo (m)
Re: CNN: Doing Business In Nigeria (Review Of Dan Foster's Book)
« #31 on: September 03, 2010, 07:54 AM »

Quote from: shilling on September 03, 2010, 07:02 AM
I was also wondering about that. I've never noticed that about Nigerians whenever I visit - standing so close. I feel super-uncomfortable when a person does that.

Please don't feel uncomfortable, since a true Nigerian conversation is not in progress until you can SMELL the breath and body odor of the person invading your personal space, and feel your ears ringing from the glass-breaking volume of their speech.




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