Recognizing Akron Rites of Passage Institute

Floor Speech

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Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Akron Rites of Passage as the Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week.

Led by 13 elders in the community, AROPI, as it is also known, is an African-centered organization established for the purpose of educating, training, and empowering its participants in African-centered rites of passage, process, rituals, customs, and practices.

Its further purpose is to promote all aspects of healthy growth and development of individuals, families, and the community of African descent in Akron, Summit County, and surrounding areas.

Five years ago, the Akron Rites of Passage Institute introduced a community initiative called the Legacy Building Project to support the ongoing growth, development, and long-term sustainability of the African American community.

Terrence Shelton, a co-chair of the project, also served as the copresident of the Akron's Rites of Passage Institute. Earlier this month he laid out plans for a new African-American cultural center and museum complex on behalf of the program. The building will house a museum, a business incubator, and center to teach people about trading and investing as a means to building economic wealth in the community. He envisions museum exhibits highlighting Akron sports legends, scientists, and artists like LeBron James, Gus Johnson, Rita Dove, and Woodrow Nash.

He said this project is not just a project for Black people. This is a project for the city of Akron. It is everyday citizens doing remarkable things like this who help make our community the birthplace of champions. Community members from the Akron Rites of Passage Institute are certainly champions in their own right and have made Akron and Ohio's 13th Congressional District proud.

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