Immanuel Praise Fellowship (IPF) in Rancho Cucamonga recently held the opening initiation for its eight-weeks Rites of Passage Manhood Development and Selfhood Mastery program. The training focuses on African American teenagers, ages 16-to-18.
The program is offered every other year to boys in the local community who demonstrate that they are ready to embark on the journey from boys to men. Rites of Passage participants, called Simbas, and their parents, are requested to prioritize program participation and participate in all classes and activities. This year, eight boys accepted the challenge, including IPF r’s college-bound son, Joshua.
Speaking about her son’s participation, Taylor-Dunn said, “As he prepares to go off to college this year, the IPF Rites of Passage program is timely because it is designed to facilitate the maturation process and move young boys to spiritual, physical, and emotional maturity with the end result being a transitioning from boyhood to manhood.
“The IPF Rites of Passage program was created to prepare African American boys to live long and productive lives,” said Bishop Kelvin Simmons, IPF pastor. “Because this world can be an unsafe and hostile place for African American men and boys, Simbas will be challenged to be their best selves period.”
Topics include “Why Africa Matters,” “Black men in history,” public speaking, finance management, dating and sexuality, and the 4Ps of Manhood. Each class, homework assignment, and activity is designed to promote participant cultural and spiritual development. Simbas also are required to complete a community service component.
Also, IPF partners with Sacred Sistahs, Inc., founded by Dr. Tonia Causey Bush, to offer a bi-annual Rites of Passage P.E.A.R.L.S. program for teenage girls. All Rites of Passage programs are free to the public.
IPF is located at 9592 7th Avenue in the city of Rancho Cucamonga. To learn more, visit immanuelpraisefellowship.org.
