Sankofa is an African word that translates into English as, take from your past to pursue your future. Thats the philosophy behind Stamfords Rites of Passage Program, established in 2004 to help African American and other middle school students gain knowledge and perspective about African American history and heritage.
The seeds for the program were planted when director Rodney Bass took a trip to West Africa with his church in 1994. The group went to Goree Island, a lifeline for the slave trade. The tour guide was telling us how the slave catcher would select, said Bass. For example, they went to the Yoruba people, who were skilled in running. The slave catcher was picking and choosing the types of people he wanted.
I have three degrees, and I didnt know any of this. I thought, if I didnt know, how many other people didnt know?
Over the next 10 years, Bass, a former Stamford School District principal, worked to establish the Stamford Rites of Passage program. The first 18 participants, selected from among more than 200 applicants, started the program in October 2004. It consists of 14 weeks of course work delving into historical, economic and social aspects of the slave trade and post-Civil War America. Students take a rigorous final exam, and the program culminates with a trip to West Africa.
Theres an application process, as well as a personal interview with students and parents, said Bass. Selected students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and must read at or above grade level, among other requirements.
The program is geared to middle school students. Theyre not as busy as high school students, and theyre still pliable to opening up, said Bass. He acknowledges, however, Theres a tremendous need to expand programs like this to high school kids.
Has your child participated in the Rites of Passage Program? What was learned?
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