Senate Resolution No. 2460

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMEMORATING the 20th Anniversary of the Egbe Iwa
Rites of Passage Program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
formidable and important work of caring for youth and creating nurturing
communities within which adolescents can grow into well-rounded adults;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Egbe Iwa Rites of Passage
Program, to be celebrated during the special 10th Commencement Ceremony
Gala on Sunday, June 5, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Egbe Iwa Odo'Kunrin was founded in 2002 by Iya Amma
Oloriwaa!, who sought to form a place where her three children would be
able to benefit from the fruits of their culture and keep in touch with
important traditions; and

WHEREAS, Based on the tenets of many traditional African principles,
Egbe Iwa creates a safe space for young people to grow into adulthood
while having the support of their peers and surrounding community to
ensure they fulfill their greatest potential; and

WHEREAS, Especially during the lockdown of COVID-19 when isolation
can dangerously impact the developmental growth of young people, Egbe
Iwa forms a community within which they can enjoy the company of their
peers; and

WHEREAS, Through the use of workshops and relationship building
between Oluko (mentors) and Akeko (mentees), youths receive guidance and
advise in navigating the turbulent time of adolescence; and

WHEREAS, The annual rites of passage ceremony acts as the
culmination of all these wonderful experiences, and it is evident in the
number of alumni who return to the program, either as volunteers or
Oluko; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
their most admirable efforts in uplifting youth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of their Rites of Passage Program; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Egbe Iwa Organization.