Blue Nile Passage:
30 Years of Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Through Cultural Heritage and Character Development
ABOUT BLUE NILE PASSAGE, INC.
Blue Nile Passage, Inc., (BNP) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the upliftment of America’s youth. It is a spiritual, cultural and moral character development mentor program with a focus on youth of African descent.
Founded in 1994 by nine individuals with two of Abyssinian Baptist Church’s ministries (Ministry of Christian Social Concern and The Brotherhood), under the leadership of Rev. Calvin O. Butts, III, the mission was given to create a program that could become a “paradigm for the nation.”
Now, more than 20 years later, Blue Nile Passage, run by one of its esteemed founders, Elder Cliff Simmons, has indeed become a “paradigm for the nation” as it is one of the largest, most highly regarded, and well-known rites-of-passage programs in America. Over 1,000 young people have participated in its programs. Many alums return to volunteer as elders, teachers, and mentors. Elder Simmons leads a fine team of experienced volunteers committed to serving our nation’s youth by instilling the mission and values of Blue Nile Passage.
Blue Nile Passage is headquartered in Harlem, New York, with a Harlem Chapter and a chapter in Greenburgh, New York, in Westchester County.
Distinguished world scholar, historian, and Egyptologist, Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan (known affectionately by all as “Dr. Ben”) chose the name Blue Nile Passage, attributable to the Blue Nile River, which emanates from the mountains in Ethiopia, and the origins of the Abyssinian Baptist Church, which was founded by Ethiopians.
Noted Black Studies Professor James Smalls added to the formula by advising that the organization incorporate the use of the terms “Sons” and “Daughters” in the rites of passage program; hence, the students who participate in the program become known as the Sons and Daughters of the Blue Nile.
WHAT IS RITES-OF-PASSAGE?
When children are blossoming into adulthood, breaking through puberty, in traditional African society as well as many indigenous communities here and throughout the world, the spiritual leaders, parents, and elders of the community come together to assist them in preparation for what lies ahead in the world. This takes place in the form of cultural grounding lessons or classes covering various areas of life, including economics, hygiene, culture, history, warfare, hunting, survival, personal behavior, responsibility, charity, etc., in the process of training boys and girls to become productive adults.
The successful completion of this milestone was celebrated in a rites-of-passage ceremony, which solemnized the process of growing into adulthood. It also signifies that the student acquired the necessary knowledge regarding the lessons and values of the community, with evidence that the student is prepared to deal with the many responsibilities and challenges they may face as they grow older.
In Blue Nile, the goal is to provide our young people with the level of excellence necessary to become successful in today’s society. Blue Nile is committed to working with our community’s children to develop positive values and behaviors; to enlighten youth to their goodness, greatness and unlimited potential, understanding that these gifts are meant to be shared constructively with the global community; and for each one to “become the change we wish to see in the world” to paraphrase Mahatma Ghandi.
The Seven Principles For Living
Blue Nile’s programmatic themes are centered around its “Seven Principles for Living”:
- Personal Growth and Development
- Health and Wellness
- Spiritual Grounding
- Historical African Experience
- Community Consciousness
- Economic Awareness
- Politics
These principles, embodied in the Blue Nile Passage Creed, are taught by varied national and global scholars and leaders. In addition to classes, students enjoy an interactive community experience through various trips to museums, the United Nations, the theatre, concerts, and retreats, among other activities.