the Creator to begin with the 7th Annual SOAAP African American Male Teen Summit. Presiding Elder: “You cannot embark on this journey alone; there is much work to be done. Who will help you with this Summit?” Chief Warriors will present to the Elders the young lions. Chief Warriors: We are the mature warriors/builders of the Afrikan family. We take the risks those older than we and those younger than we should not take. We use our energy and resources to build and produce for the Nation. We educate ourselves and our children to take power and to control the resources of our people. We study and teach what we learn. We listen to MBUTA and BAKULUNTU. We are spiritually healthy and have an Afrikan concept of Divinity. We now present before you the young lions our future warriors. The young lions will come forth. As they come forth the Elders ask:
Young Lions: We are beginning to learn the skills and acquire the tools we need in order to become warriors for our people. We are learning as we play. We are learning how to think as Afrikans. We are learning Afrikan languages. We are learning Martial Arts. We are learning science. We are learning math. We are learning music. We are learning dance. We are learning to live and do Maat. We respect our parents and their parents and their parent’s parents. We know their stories and their best work. We love, honor and respect Afrikan people. We learn about our Afikan Spirit and know we are Divine. We come before you seeking your permission to service as peer leaders of the SOAAP African American Male Teen Summit. Presiding Elder: This is acceptable. Now you have the young lions to assist you with the Summit; guide them, show them, teach them the ways of the warriors. “May the 7th Annual SOAAP African American Male Teen Summit begin with the blessings of our Creator, Ancestors and Elders.” Let the harvesting begin! Drums continue to playing in the form of celebration.
Presiding Elder: Where are these young lions? This concludes the opening ceremony. Young Lions: Elders we are here! Presiding Elder: What say you?
10 Society of African-American Professionals
Boys & Girls Clubs of America