Sisterhood On The Move

Nia Imani, founder and Executive Director of Nia Imani Enterprises, and the non-profit organization Sisterhood On The Move Inc., began appearing on the motivational speaking circuit in 1996. She works in the New England area with corporate and community-based organizations as a spiritual workshop facilitator.

Currently, she hosts a talk show entitled Sisterhood On The Move on Boston Neighborhood Network, Channel 23. The show addresses cultural issues concerning the Metropolitan community. In addition, she has provided services for the following organizations:

ATLP Shelter
Berklee College of Music
Boston Medical
Boston Prevention Center
Casa Myrna Vazquez, Inc.
City of Boston Read Shirts Initiative (Housed in the office of Mayor Menino)
Dove House
Dimock Community Health Center's Teen Adolescent Program
Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center Inc. FIRST Women's Circle
Whittier Street Health Center
Young Mothers Adolescent Empowerment Program

Throughout her career, Ms. Imani observed many outreach programs for teenaged girls and saw a need to incorporate a curriculum that speaks to the core existence of a girl becoming a woman; thus the "Female Rites of Passage" program was created as a foundation block for other programs to build upon for the sake of young girls. The Rites of Passage first awakens the mind, body, and spirit. Next, the program creates a synergy between the mind, body, and spirit with an over standing that one must operate in balance and harmony before the true recognition of life's purpose. Over time, a girl must experience a series of lessons, which utilizes African history, African culture, and spirituality to validate the inner and outer self. Each lesson will complete with a test to ensure mastery of the lesson. Lastly, upon successful completion of each lesson, a final spiritual ritual is performed and the Elders are summoned to acknowledge one's rite of passage into womanhood. By building self-esteem through historical references we instill a foundation used to develop a well-rounded woman. The program participants learn the meaning of mirror - we are a mirror reflection of one another. When one learns to respect self then she can respect parents, peers, and other authoritative figures. By participating in the program, young women will develop self-love, practice building healthy relationships, embrace education, seek career development, and participate in community awareness.

Ms. Imani strongly believes that by re-educating in the ways of the indigenous, assisting young girls to embrace self, strengthening the bond of Sisterhood, the program will weaken the impact of peer pressure and help to eliminate the incidences of teen pregnancy, racism, drug, alcohol abuse, and domestic violence.

In 2002 it was decided that our males in the community needed to be nurtured on an intimate level and so it was unanimously decided that a male counterpart of Sisterhood On The Move should be developed, manifesting the birth of Brotherhood On The Move, which was founded by Andrew Keaton. The Male Rites of Passage provides an overview of the issues confronting the African male and a strategy to nurture a new generation of males. The Rites of Passage was created out of concern for the" collective welfare of the community". The Rites of Passage is presented as a coming of age strategy for males which is necessary for their survival.

Continued......