Our History

BROPI continues the powerful legacy of the original Baltimore Rites of Passage Collective, which has been providing culturally grounded youth development experiences for over 30 years.

Relaunched in 2023 with support from the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, BROPI formalized its approach to training Black men as facilitators and anchoring rites of passage for youth ages 11–13 across Baltimore City.

Three people participating in a cultural ceremony outdoors, dressed in white clothing and wearing beaded jewelry, with a banner reading 'SOULS AT SEA' in front of them.
Black and white photo showing three African American individuals, two young men and an older man, sitting at a table with newspapers and magazines. The older man appears to be explaining something to the young men, who are attentively looking at a magazine.
Group of people in white t-shirts with 'Baltimore Revival Initiative' printed on them, raising fists, some seated and some standing, in a room with wooden floor, brick and gray panel walls, and paper or books on the table to the right.

BROPI Advisory Council

BROPI is guided by a twelve‑member Advisory Council, each deeply rooted in rites of passage work and community transformation.

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    Baba Sadiq Kolade Ali - Co-Founder

    Sadiq Ali is a nationally respected advisor, author, speaker, and strategist with experience across corporate, nonprofit, and civic sectors. As VP of Alliance Community at America’s Promise Alliance, he supports over 150 youth-serving organizations.

    A graduate of Morgan State University, he centers equity, youth leadership, and African-centered frameworks in his work. He’s a frequent speaker and advisor on youth development, healing, and community transformation. Sadiq lives in Baltimore with his wife and children.

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    Baba David Odutola Miller - Co-Founder

    Dr. Miller is a scholar, activist, and author with a Ph.D. from Morgan State University. He created the "Dare To Be King" curriculum for Black boys, addressing anger and decision-making. He's also a children's book publisher with works that affirm racial pride.

    His research and work focus on fatherhood, men’s health, and rites of passage. He brings together street wisdom and academic training to lead impactful intergenerational conversations.

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    Elder Michael D. Campbell

    Elder Campbell is co-founder of North Star Rites of Passage and a former college professor with over 30 years in youth work. With degrees from RIT and SUNY Albany, he has trained educators and led African-centered programs in Rochester and beyond.

    Now based in the DMV, he remains deeply involved in youth development and community engagement through BROPI.

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    Baba Bruce Olamina Stevenson

    Baba Olamina is a community leader, author, and fatherhood advocate with over 25 years of experience. He founded MBRACE Fatherhood and Loving Her Better to uplift Black families and challenge men toward accountability.

    A Coppin State graduate and single father, he authored “The Spirit of Fatherhood” and “Loving Her.” He is rooted in cultural restoration and Black family healing.

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    Baba Richard Rowe

    Richard Rowe, MPA, is a cultural strategist supporting Black communities through healing-centered engagement. He consults on mentoring, fatherhood, youth leadership, and trauma recovery. His clients include the Black Mental Health Alliance, Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, and other institutions. His approach centers culturally rooted practices that affirm identity and wellness.

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    Baba Andre Akintola Turner

    Andre Turner is Senior Program Trainer at the University of Maryland’s Positive Schools Center, with 20+ years in education and public health. A certified leadership coach, he also leads MomentOhm, his own consulting firm for organizational growth. André focuses on equity, emotional intelligence, and transforming school climates through culturally relevant training.

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    Baba Ifawuyi Taharqa Kiambu

    Baba Taharqa is a teacher and spiritual guide with 30+ years preserving African traditions. Founder of Indigenous Spirit and creator of 7-Generations Rites of Passage, he supports youth in discovering cultural identity and purpose. His work emphasizes ancestral healing and holistic family wellness.

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    Baba Kumasi Sangowuyi Ifagbemi

    Baba Kumasi is a longtime Baltimore educator and founder of Alkebulan Youth Rites. He served over 300 families and worked in adult education at Baltimore City Community College for two decades. A practitioner of African spiritual traditions, he’s committed to nurturing Black boys through rites of passage.

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    Baba Bobby Tunmise Holmes

    Bobby Holmes is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Son of a Dream, a culturally responsive agency for Black boys and families. With a multimedia and behavioral health background, he facilitates school groups and trains professionals in restorative practices. He lives in Baltimore with his children.

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    Baba Albert Arayomi Phillips

    Albert Phillips, LMSW, is a social worker, educator, and mental health advocate with nearly 30 years of experience. He founded One Love Inc., authored research on Black mental health, and taught at several Baltimore institutions. His work bridges traditional social work and African-centered healing.

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    Baba Senbi Akau

    Senbi Akau is a rites of passage facilitator, cultural strategist, and founder of Sacred Opportunities. He leads 9 Marks Men Brotherhood Circle and other spiritual systems for Black men’s growth. A truck driver turned legacy builder, Senbi promotes ancestral reconnection and holistic transformation for families and communities.

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    Baba LaMarr Darnell Shields

    Dr. Shields is an educator, author, and founder of the Cambio Group, a firm for equity-centered coaching and design. A former Johns Hopkins professor, he also produces The Short Kuts Show, a storytelling series. His books and healing work affirm emotional wellness and brave spaces for Black men and boys.

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    Baba Changa Onyango

    Changa Onyango is an organizational development consultant skilled in conflict resolution, curriculum design, and leadership training. With military and executive experience, he integrates indigenous values into modern practice. He believes deeply in community transformation through cultural awareness.

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    Baba Cincere OriOla Cook

    Cincere is a licensed social worker based in DC with roots in NY and training from Howard University. He founded Shop Talk, an initiative for Black youth empowerment, and focuses on race, trauma, and restorative practices. A single father, he is active in schools and community healing circles.

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“To maintain the ability to admit and grow from our mistakes rather than let them defeat us represents best the inner strength of a people.”

Haki R. Madhubuti, Third World Press