Akoma Rites of Passage (ROP) program is a FREE and a very unique program designed to strengthen, guide and mentor young males between the ages of 10 to 14 years old. Program assists young males in developing character, career and life skills. ROP is centered in traditional African values and history.

Nana Lawson Bush, V, Ph.D.

Professor, California State University, Los Angeles

Nana Lawson Bush, V, Ph.D. is a Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration and Pan African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. In addition to his book, Can Black Mothers Raise Our Sons? and recently released book and workbook co-authored with his brother Dr. Edward Bush and others entitled The Plan: A Guide for Women Raising African American Boys from Conception to College and The Plan Workbook, he has published over 30 articles addressing African American educational history, African-centered education, school desegregation, and Black male schooling and developmental issues. He has recently co-published the first ever comprehensive theory concerning Black boys and men called African American Male Theory (AAMT). His aforementioned research foci situate him as the leading expert on the relationship between Black mothers and their sons and the development of Independent Black Institutions (IBIs) in the United States. Augmenting his work in the academy, he is also the author of the widely used ‘African Educators Declaration’ and a self-help book entitled Today: A Guide Towards a Lifetime of Fulfillment. He has over 20 years of independent Black educational programming via Saturday schools, rites-of-passages, and summer schools. Lastly, Nana Dr. Bush is a traditional African priest and healer of the Akan priesthood of West Africa.