The Sankofa Project is a collaborative effort between the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., focusing on long-term male mentoring with a "Rites of Passage" program component. Sankofa provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and social development of 100 African-American boys and an adult male members of each family. This is accomplished through various means, including partnership with HeadStart, Boy Scouts of America, The March of Dimes, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and others organizations that may be identified in each community

The word Sankofa is a word in the Alkah language spoken by ethnic groups in Ghana, West Africa. The Sankofa is symbolized by a bird looking back over its shoulder to see what had sustained it in the past so that it, and those who come after, can achieve success in the future.

The focus of this mentoring and Rites of Passage initiative is centered on the rich legacy of African and African-American history and culture. This concept will give the participants a chance to grow culturally, spiritually, and intellectually, giving them a better sense of pride about their ancestors and themselves.

Goals of the Sankofa Project are to:

-Mentor the same 100 boys for at least five years;

-Establish a Rites of Passage program for the boys;

-Coordinate programmatic implementation activities using the principles of Nguzu Saba (which are the same as the principles of Kwanazaa), National Programs and Special Projects of Alpha, and local partners to maximize impact of the project.

For Additional Information, Contact:
Brother Zollie Stevenson, Jr., Ph. D.
National Program Director
Baltimore, MD 21218
(301) 350-5723 (Home)
(410) 554-0040 (Office)

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