In February 1994 The Blue Nile Passage, Inc. was started at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. The mission of the organization is the spiritual, cultural and moral character development of America's youth, specifically youth of African descent. Rev. Calvin Butts, pastor of Abyssinian, asked the nine founding members to create a program that could be used as a paradigm for the nation in addressing the serious concerns affecting African-American youth. The first component implemented was the Sons of the Blue Nile that is a rites-of-passage program for males between the ages of 12 to 15. In 1995 a female component was added known as the Daughters of the Blue Nile Passage. These two rites-of-passage components are separate but equal nine-month manhood/womanhood training programs. The principles taught are: Spiritual Grounding, Historical Black Experience, Health and Wellness, Personal Growth and Development, Community Consciousness, Economic Awareness and Politics.

Mr. Clifford B. Simmons, co-founder and Executive Director of the Blue Nile Passage, Inc. says "just as the infrastructure of our community needs to be strengthened and enhanced so too our People, specifically our youth, need to be strengthened through spiritual guidance, moral direction and cultural enrichment". The long-term objective of the program is to establish chapters of the rites-of-passage component throughout the tri-state area and, eventually, the rest of the country. Another objective is to establish an after-school institute where youth ages 6 to 18 are provided with life-skills training, extended family and community experiences that help them to cope with and excel in today's society.

The Blue Nile students come from the NY, NJ and CT tri-state area. All the youth have a one-to-one mentor assigned to them. Once students of the Blue Nile 'pass through" the rites-of-passage component, they are eligible to participate in the Media Literacy component. In Media Literacy, youth get hands-on experience in the media industry and receive training such as learning how to film, edit, direct and produce their own video programs. These programs are then shown on public access cable channels in Manhattan. Youth are also exposed/trained in other forms of media including photography, print, and radio. They are also working on developing a web site.

Michael Goodwin, 12, a student who has been in the program for about a year said "At first I did not like it because it took away from my sleep on Saturday mornings". But after a while he learned about economics, spirituality, and being grateful for more of the things he took for granted. The knowledge he has acquired helps him in his everyday life. He is starting to help his mother more often. He says that in the future he's hoping to come back as a mentor.

Shaun James, another 13-year-old student, has been with the program for nine months. He joined the program after a friend recommended him to "check itout". Shaun enjoys the sessions they called "kick it" where they talk about what's going on in their lives or anything that is on their minds. He also He also likes when they join up with the girls to watch movies. He said he learned how to respect himself and others; how to honor his mother and father, help people in need and speak on problems in his community. Shaun sees himself being a successful black man in the future. He says the program helps him in school and helps him to avoid negative obstacle.

Both Mike and Shaun enjoy the program, and would recommend it to other people. The Blue Nile Rites-of-Passage Program is a good place for young African American youths. It teaches them a lot of things that the school system can not teach them. It is a great program because it will keep them off the streets and give them a positive attitude in life.

To receive more information about the Blue Nile Passage, to volunteer your services, to become a mentor, to start yourr own rites-of-passage chapter or to make a contribution...

call: 212-561-1449

Address: POB 881, Lincolnton Station, New York, NY 10037