Mentoring and Rites of Passage

Mentoring and Rites of Passage for African American Males at the Junior and Senior Classifications of High School.

Finally, a book on mentoring and rites of passage that is informative and such a great joy to read! What distinguishes this book from most others on mentoring is that it includes rites of passage to connect Black male youth with their history, literature, traditions, and folklore in transitioning from adolescent to adulthood. The author showcases a premier program in Charleston, SC and its effect upon young men who were previous participants. The author further incorporates his own childhood and adolescent mentoring experiences and its impact upon his life. He touches upon stop and frisk, with instructions and behavior standards to young Black men on confronting or being confronted by law enforcement. The author provides hope, inspiration, and advice to young Black men and future mentoring participants as they journey through life. A final and vital feature of the book is a chapter on the development and organization of a community mentoring and rites program.

Dr. David Floyd was born and reared in North Charleston (Union Heights Section), SC. Growing up in poverty, experiencing learning difficulties as a child, he eventually found his calling through mentoring involvement and organization and rites of passage for African American males; in all his life's work, he takes great pride in serving the Charleston community through public service and as a community advocate & leader in the field of mentoring and citizen involvement. He gained vast insight and inspiration on the role and potential of mentoring in the lives of youth through leadership roles with the Charleston Youth Leadership Council, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and 100 Black Men of America, Inc. The author has received widespread recognition and awards in the areas of mentoring and community involvement. After a long career in education, training, government, and administration, Dr. Floyd retired as Director of Golconda Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, U. S. Department of Agriculture/Forest Service in 2014. He is a Vietnam veteran and a retiree from the U. S. Air Force Reserves, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Commendation for "outstanding professional leadership, knowledge, and managerial ability." Dr. Floyd earned degrees from Webster University, Central Michigan University, and Antioch University. In 2011 he obtained his Doctor of Education degree in Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. Dr. Floyd married is married to Jacqueline Howard; to this union are a son, David, Jr. (Dasaw) and a daughter Erin Simms and her husband, Paul Simms and two adorable grandchildren, Gabriella and Elliott.