In recent years some African American community and religious groups have created African-based coming-of-age rituals to address the contemporary needs of their youth. If our daughters use their potential, they will understand that their work can take them far beyond their block, community, city, etc. We want them to move, shake and create foundations because they understand that their actions can greatly influence our universe.
Second, we want to secure from our community the support and responsibility to bring out the best in these girls. With the ceremony for our daughters, we and the community are telling them, "Go forward…,” but understand that “…you have been counted.” Through this ceremony, our girls will always know that there is a correct path that they have the option to choose. And in the event that they make a wrong turn, they will know that they have a community that values them as members and will help them to find the way back.”