The Baltimore Rites of Passage Initiative (BROPI) is a community-led, African-centered program committed to the development and empowerment of Black boys and men in Baltimore City.

  • Group of children holding certificates at an award ceremony, with some wearing white shirts and beaded necklaces.

    Initiation

    African-centered youth rites of passage cohorts (ages 11–13)

  • Three men sit side by side, listening attentively. The man on the left wears a gray cap and black shirt, the middle man wears a black head covering and white shirt, and the man on the right wears glasses, a black hoodie, and holds a notepad and pen.

    Mentorship

    Adult facilitator training and leadership development

  • A group of diverse people raising their hands and engaging in an activity in a conference room, with some standing and one appearing to lead or speak.

    Gathering

    Community forums, retreats, drumming, and life‑skills workshops

  • A group of men hugging and smiling during a gathering or event, with one man holding a microphone and a laptop with stickers, in a room with wood-paneled walls.

    Support

    Parent/caregiver engagement sessions

  • Five men standing together indoors, posing for a photo at an event. They are dressed in various styles of clothing, with some wearing traditional African attire and others in modern casual or business attire.

    Legacy

    Built on over 30 years of legacy and impact through the original Baltimore Rites of Passage Collective

Get Connected

@BaltimoreRitesOfPassage

Our 2025 Summer Pre-Rites Program is in full swing! We’re honored to walk alongside these young men as they embark on a powerful journey of growth and transformation. Swipe through moments from last week’s session. 💪🏾✨ #SupportBlackMe
🎉 Join BROPI for our 2025 **Rites of Reincorporation Community Celebration** as we honor the journey and completion of our second Adult Rites of Passage cohort! 📅 Date: August 9, 2025 🕧 Time: 12:30 PM 📍 Baltimore Unity Hall Let’s come tog
SAVE THE DATE! Join the Baltimore Rites of Passage Initiative (BROPI) for the Closing Ceremony of our Second Adult Rites Line! Celebrate as these brothers complete their powerful journey through the rites of passage process. 🗓 August 9th 📍 Balt
Join us for open enrollment. The Baltimore Rites of Passage Intiative is recruiting boys 11-13 and their families for our summer Rites of Passage Experience. Our season begins on Sunday, June 28, 2025 - August 24, 2025. Please spread the word. Than
Learn about the man behind the March on Washington!! Bayard Rustin was the mastermind of one of the most iconic protests in U.S. history, the march on Washington, yet many don’t know his name. #BayardRustin #LGBTQBlackHistory #UnsungHeroes
Liberation is a continuous journey. At BROPI, we equip Black boys with tools to thrive, overcome, and lead. Let’s walk this path together. #BlackLiberation #EmpowerOurYouth #LeadTheWay
BROPI embodies African values by teaching life skills, heritage, and respect for community. Join us in celebrating this mission all season long. Get involved or support us by following the link in our bio #CulturalPride #BROPILegacy
As we approach the end of 2024, we’re proud of all we’ve accomplished this year! From community service to rites of passage, BROPI is shaping the future. Thank you to our supporters! Let’s make 2025 even greater. #BROPI2024 #futurel

Empowering Black boys and men in Baltimore City through culturally grounded rites of passage

We believe Black boys deserve intentional spaces to be guided, celebrated, and challenged by trained, rooted Black men.

Support Our Work

Learn about our upcoming cohort openings, join our Advisory Council, or support BROPI’s mission.

A young man and an older man are sharing a tender moment during a celebration event, with a potted plant on the table in front of them. The background features a presentation slide about youth rites.
Children playing outdoors on a grassy field, one boy in a black T-shirt with a blue superhero graphic flexing his arm muscles, others engaging in a game or activity.
A man and a young boy are standing outdoors, with the man’s arm around the boy’s shoulders, looking away from the camera at a green park with trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

What is ‘Rites of Passage’?

Rite of passage is a ceremonial and intentional experience marking a person’s transition from one stage of life to another—such as from boyhood to manhood. For Black communities, these rites reclaim cultural identity, foster self-knowledge, and restore a sense of belonging and responsibility.

Contact Us

Three people, two men and one woman, dressed in colorful traditional African clothing, standing together indoors. The woman in the center is holding a glass award and smiling.