Blue Nile Passage, Inc.

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 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?

Saturday Sessions

Typically, the Blue Nile program year runs for eight months from September to May and is offered every Saturday from 8:30AM to 3:00PM including lunch, for youth ages 13 to 17.

Mentoring

The mentoring component is a one to one positive supportive relationship wherein Blue Nile pairs a mentor suited for the mentee. Mentoring provides consistent support, guidance and encouragement for the mentee.

Mentors attend four hours of training, must be vetted through official channels, must submit three references and must communicate and interact regularly (at least twice a week) with their mentee and the mentee’s family. In addition, while reinforcing the lessons taught in the Blue Nile Passage and assist mentees with assignments and responsibilities (including keeping abreast of their mentee’s school affairs), mentors must attend at minimum, one Blue Nile session a month and attend monthly mentor meetings.

Parental Commitment

Blue Nile parents play a key role in ensuring that there is continuity beyond the Blue Nile Saturday sessions. The goal is to foster partnership and better communication between all involved in the youth’s life. Parents must attend mandatory parent meetings four times a year, attend the child’s “passing through” ceremony (generally during the month of May or June), attend the “Day of Commitment”, when the child is paired with their mentor (typically in November) along with other requirements as outlined in Blue Nile materials.

Passing Through

In order for a Son or Daughter of the Blue Nile to “Pass Through”, a number of test mechanisms called evaluations are conducted to assess the young person’s progress in the program, at home, in school as well as the student’s attitude and conduct with their peers, parents, elders, mentors and in the community. Successful demonstration means that the student will be eligible to “pass through” and be entitled to a ceremonial celebration of community.