Building Resilience in African American Families Program
Boy's Africentric Youth & Families Rites of Passage
Parent & Son Week
Affirmation: We are, RESILIENT!
Parents Please Read Carefully
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Yay! This is "Parent & Son" week! The pandemic quarantine presents an optimal opportunity for parents to engage with their sons(s) by completing this weeks' on-line assignments TOGETHER. We are asking our parents to arrange for a time (before Friday, April 17th, 5:00 PM) when they will sit with their sons and work together to complete all of this weeks' assignments. We are hoping that by working together, parents will gain a greater understanding of program expectations, teach and model behavior and attitude, and ENCOURAGE our boys to stay the course until we can resume programming. We really miss them!
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Their are a total of five (5) assignments ("Opportunities") to be completed this week. Each assignment has meaning and aligns with the program philosophy. They are also opportunities for the parent and son to engage and relate on different levels. For each assignment, an associated form must be submitted. The forms are automatically emailed to the BRAAF director, which serves as evidence of completion.
Incentive:
We want to make this week's assignments fun and encouraging, therefore we are offering a $150 grocery gift card to the first family (Parent & Son) who completes ALL of the assignments before Friday, April 17th, 5:00 PM. A second place grocery gift card in the amount of $100 for the second family (Parent & Son) who completes ALL of the assignments before Friday, April 17th, 5:00 PM. All of the assignments must be completed (according to the rules) . There are no exceptions, so make sure you read the assignments carefully. If you do not understand the assignments, please do not hesitate to contact the program director, Jarvis Williams for clarity. Good luck!.
Message Center
Contact List:
Baba J: 619.249.2779
Baba X: 760.5748653
Baba Troy: 760.902.3436
Baba Jeff: 760.600.3162
Baba Alban: 909.380.4817
Mama Sandra 760.275.1634
Opportunity #1 - Unity Circle
This week presents an opportunity for our parents to participate in a somewhat virtual Unity Circle with their son. By participating, you will learn the processes/rituals and expectations we have of our kings. Ask your kings to explain the "what and why" he is responding to the unity circle questions. Please encourage critical thinking by asking your king to elaborate on his answers. Have him explain and involve you in the process.
KIng Check In & Unity Circle: Tues, Wed, Thurs, 4:30 PM
Traditions are important. Our Unity Circle is where we check in with each other, pour libations in honor of our ancestors, and identify our highs and lows for the day. In our closing circle, we recite our principles, King's creed and express our gratefulness. Frequently the King's express gratefulness for their family, sisters, mama's, and guest. We want to continue our traditions by logging in at 4:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Click on your image, and let's do a virtual unity circle by answering questions and submitting your answers.
King's Creed
We will stand bound together, in common loyalty that will transcend any personal selfishness. As Iron sharpens Iron, so shall we as brothers sharpen one another. We will use our principles for daily living and conduct ourselves like young kings at all times. With great expectation of each other we will live to the highest standard and be accountable for our actions and the actions of our brothers. We will refer to our brothers as our brothers. Never forgetting the foundation our ancestors have laid before us. We will always strive for greatness. Through our conduct we will stand on what is right and faithfully safeguard the reputation of this BROTHERHOOD at all times.
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Opportunity #2 - Gratefulness
First, we want to inspire you by watching the video “Thank You” with your son. Next, take a moment to look into each others eyes and express gratitude for each other. Your son is a blessing to you and you are a blessing to your son.
Throughout the term of this program, our kings have been offered numerous opportunities (i.e., outings, retreats, etc.), and have received many gifts and blessings (i.e., birthday gifts, treats, etc.) . They have received help and support from their brothers. Sure, they are grateful for that which they've received and we pray that each blessing lifted their spirits and benefited their development; however, this assignment offers our kings the opportunity to say thank you formally. Please sit with your son and walk him through how to write a “Thank You” note. He can write a note to one of his brothers who may have helped him on an occasion or to a program staff for a gift or blessing. The goal of this assignment is to model and teach gratefulness and proper etiquette. We will make sure that the notes are delivered.
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Opportunity #3- Ancestor for the Week
Click on the Assignment Button to complete the Assignment
Ancestor for the Week
Assignment #3 presents a great opportunity for sharing. This week’s Ancestor assignment will focus on an ancestor in your family that your daughter may or may not know.
Parents are asked to spend time storytelling or introducing your daughter to an ancestor in your family. Parents are encouraged to use pictures, letters, home videos, obituaries, family artifacts or other family members to talk to their daughter about a family ancestor. Parents will discuss the principles the ancestor represented to him/her and how the ancestor contributed to his/her development or the development and progress of others. When completing the ancestor form, please specify the ancestor's name and relationship to the parent. Offer facts about the ancestor in such a way that we too will come to know your ancestor.
Opportunity #4 - Daily Chores
The goal of this assignment is to encourage our sons to continue their daily chores/responsibilities as if they were in program. It also presents an opportunity for our parents to participate in completing the selected chore with their sons to ensure that they are doing the chore/responsibility correctly and to the parent's expectation, this includes homework. Parents, please select a daily chore/responsibility you would like your son to complete. Complete the chore/responsibility with your son, then complete the appropriate report below.
Maintenance
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Pick one or two chores daily. You must complete the chore as needed. For instance, if you have dishes to do, you must make sure dishes are washed, dried, put away (dishes include plates, cups, silverware and pots and pans. Counters should be wiped down, food put away and floors swept and mopped just as we expect at the BRANCH House on program days.
Culinary
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Find a recipe that you can plan and prepare for you and your family, (it may be a main dish, side dish, or dessert). If needed choose one that you can utilize items on hand unless you are able to shop. We are encouraging you to include family members in your preparation time, asking them to assist in cutting, measuring, and preparing. Lastly, enjoy the meal together. Use your table setting skills as well as family style eating and managing appropriate etiquette and conversation.
Quality Assurance
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This job will be used for self-check and rate yourself on the quality of your own performance in all areas. How well are you doing without being watched and guided daily? What are areas you feel you can still improve in? What areas are you highly successful ? Is someone having to step in and assist you? Are you being assisted? How is it without assistance from your sisters.
Homework
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We all get a little behind sometimes and while we have time to get ahead, we ask that you plan some study time. You all have access to your assignments. Spend time practicing math problems, read at least 20 minutes a day and write about what you read. Journal daily about your feelings, emotions, or whatever comes to mind.
Opportunity #5 - Discussions
The goal of assignment #5 is to encourage our Kings to think critically. To examine, and analyze information in search of an understanding. We want our Kings to look deeply, and not simply accept information on it's face. It is also an opportunity for the parent to help guide your King by participating in the discussion. Parents, please select one of the two (2) opportunities below to complete with your son. Watch the video or read the poem with your King. Spend some time discussing the selected assignment, then click on the appropriate button to complete the assignment together.
Click on the Assignment Button to complete the Assignment
We expect our Kings to be critical thinkers. We are teaching them to weld the real from the unreal by examining and analyzing information, and not to simply accept information on it's face.
Watch the video CAREFULLY, then click on the Assignment button to complete the assignment.
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THE POWER OF POEMS
The Negro Speaks of Rivers
Langston Hughes - (February 1, 1901 – May 22, 1967)
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I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
flow of human blood in human veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy
bosom turn all golden in the sunset.
I've known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers
Reflection: What do you think Mr. Langston Hughes is trying to communicate in this poem?