Christian Rites Resources

Sisters Helping Sisters: The Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Girls' Rites of Passage Program

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Summary:

This book offers a comprehensive plan for teaching African American girls how to become women using a "rites of passage" program.  Although focused on one particular program model, the book offers "rites of passage" foundational principles, teaching on African-American culture and noting the particular struggles African-American women face that could be applied in any setting.

The book begins with an introduction to the concept of "rites of passage," and then gives the foundational components of the Wheeler Avenue program: developing spirituality (through pledges, rituals, prayer, meditation, journal writing, and affirmations), understanding African symbols, and confronting psychological barriers typical to young African American girls.  It offers a practical outline of the Wheeler program, including program management and a timeline for getting started. At the end of the book is a helpful glossary of biographical sketches of famous African women.

Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?

This book is particularly useful because of its focus on African-American culture and history.  It addresses the unique struggles African American girls face as they mature into adulthood, which makes the book very culturally relevant. The practical outline of the program covers a comprehensive list of topics such as learning to how to budget, deciding on a career, and learning how to relate to men. The book is full of fun, relevant, practical activities that would be useful in any program designed for young urban women.