DATE: Thursday, July 17, 1997               TAG: 9707170744

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B9   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: DIANE WASHINGTON, STAFF WRITER 
                                            LENGTH:   44 lines

CONVENTION WILL BRING TRADITION, CULTURES OF AFRICA TO NORFOLK

If your summer vacation doesn't take you as far as Africa, you can get a glimpse of the continent this weekend as the 11th Annual Rites of Passage and Youth Leadership Convention comes to Norfolk State University.

The convention, which runs Friday to Sunday, is sponsored by the Afrikan National Rites of Passage United Kollective, a national association of 23 African-centered organizations that help youngsters become responsible adults.

Young people and adults from across the country are expected to attend the weekend of workshops and seminars.

``There will be workshops for everyone, from welfare reform . . . to the social impact of hip hop music and culture,'' said Okeba Kwame, co-chairman of the convention.

Along with the workshops, the event will bring African dancers, vendors, an African showcase and a culture show.

``The showcase highlights the talent of youths in rites of passage organizations throughout the country,'' said Olamina Stevenson, national co-secretary of the group. ``It gives them the opportunity to demonstrate what they're learning in their locale, be it dancing, drumming, martial arts, or hip hop.''

The Rites of Passage groups are modeled after traditional African societies. They instill values, traditions and culture in youth.

``The Rites of Passage is not just a program,'' Stevenson said. ``It's a way of life and it works. People are seeing it (rites of passage) as a mechanism that is changing the lives of young men and women.''

For the last 10 years, the convention typically has been held at historically black colleges in cities like Washington, D.C., Chicago and Atlanta. Local organizers said this year's convention at NSU will be special.

``By having it on NSU's campus, it will undoubtedly entice some young people in attendance to further their education at such institutions,'' said co-chair Kwame. ``That's all a part of building an education and maintaining self-reliance.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

DETAILS

The convention is open to the public, and workshop prices range

from $30 to $45. For details, call (757) 490-8172.

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