About Us

AROPI is the acronym for Akron Rites of Passage Institute. We are an African-centered 501(c)(3) organization established with the purpose of educating, training and empowering its members/participants in African-centered Rites of Passage process, rituals, customs and practices. AROPI is dedicated to supporting and promoting all aspects of healthy growth and development of individuals, families, and the community.

The Purpose of the AROPI is:
To educate, train, and empower its members and participants on the African Centered Rites of Passage process, thoughts, and practice.

To support and promote all aspects of the healthy growth and development of individuals, families, and the community of those of African descent in the Akron, Summit County, and surrounding area.

To function exclusively for the charitable, educational, and achievement of the scientific goals of reclaiming, restoring and rebuilding the wholeness and welfare of those of African Descent in the above named geographical area and by extension those of African descent in the United States of America.

AROPI will promote principles of unity and cooperation

Bese Saka is a bunch of cola nuts. It is the Akan Adinkra symbol signifying affluence, power, abundance, plenty, togetherness, and unity. This symbol is indicative of what AROPI represents in the Akron African American Community.

Akron Rites of Passage Board of Directors, Council of Elders and team of Rites Facilitators and Trainers have backgrounds that represent a wide range of skills, expertise and experiences. This includes city, state, county and local elected officials, retirees from a wide range of public/private sectors of our community, business and nonprofit owners, entrepreneurs as well as men and women who are currently actively employed. Several of our leadership team members have served and are currently serving on various profit and non-profit Boards in the community as well.

Council Of Elders

The Council of Elders are a select set of elders (55+) identified and trained from the Community of Elders to serve as the guardians of the African/American Community (The Village) to reach the optimal level of functioning, wellness and being  through the life cycle.

Nation Builders

The Nations Builders are a group of individuals (21-54) committed to the work of unity, nation building, uplift and humanity of all people but particularly those of African ancestry– (individual, family, community, nation and race) in the Akron community.

The Nation Builders facilitators and trainers through the guidance and support of the Elders are responsible for the implementation of the theoretical processes, frameworks and African-Centered conceptual systems which are effective in practice for African Americans.

These individuals will have submitted to a process of membership that reinforces their cultural group.

 

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