Orita

An Initiation into Christian Adulthood

by

Donna Fair Conn & William Conn

Email : Orita@franktfairfoundation.org

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 2

Orita Meaning

Orita – African word from the Yoruba tribe which means “crossroad” or “where two ways converge”.

In a true sense, the convergence of two meaningful alternatives is what choice is all about.

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 3

Purpose for the Orita Ritual

To impress upon young persons their responsibility for their moral conduct from a Christian perspective.

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 4

Orita Age / Support

Originally for 16 year olds only

Ages 16 – 18 could benefit from Orita workshops

Orita for both young men and young women

Parents/ Guardians support is needed

Church Support

Community Support

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 5

7 Orita Ritual Requirements

Understanding the Black experience in America

Managing the family budget

Community Service

Exploration of career and educational opportunities

Relationship and Love/ Behaviors

Bible Study and Reflection

Preparation and execution of the Orita Ceremony

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 6

Recommendations for Orita Requirements Black experience in America (Supported by: Parent/Church Workshop)

Meet with older persons in church / community, listen and learn from their experiences.

Read books and magazines on the Black experience and discuss with parents

Roots

Managing Family Budget (Parent)

- Pay the monthly bills

- Do the grocery shopping

- Research cost of apts, homes in local area

Community Service (Parent/Church/Community)

- Feeding the homeless, etc (SSL)

- Activities needed in the church and community

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 7

Recommendations for Orita Requirements cont’d

Career and Educational Opportunities (Parent/School/Church)

Talk with High School guidance counselors

Visit College institutions

Talk with people in your field of interest

Research your interest and what types of careers relate to your interest.

Relationship and Love / Behaviors (Parent/ Church Workshop)

Communication

Male Female relationships, Dating, and Marriage

Self Control / Anger Management

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 8

Recommendations for Orita Requirements cont’d

Bible Study and Reflection (Church/Parent)

Understanding the Old/New Testaments

Rewrite or do skit of a parable of Jesus in contemporary language The Good Samaritan ( Luke 10:25-37)

The Wise and Foolish Maidens (Matthew 25:1-13)

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Preparation and Execution of Orita Ceremony Develop Program (Scriptures, Speakers, Invited Guest, etc)

Secure commitment of Participates

Display of Lessons Learned from Orita Requirements

Dates, Time, Refreshments, etc.

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 9

Parents’ Role

Encourage youth to attend and participate in Orita workshops.

Discuss with youth what they did in the workshops.

Ensure youth documents in written, video, or artist fashion lessons learned.

Email Orita facilitators requirement is complete.

Essential to Requirement #2 – Managing Family Budget.

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 10

Orita Facilitators’ Role

Develop or ensure interactive workshops for youth for each requirement.

Solicit persons to participate and help in workshops

For example, Seniors for share experiences in Requirement 1, Pastors for Bible Study / Reflection in Requirement 6, etc.

Ensure agenda is completed for each workshop and lead the workshops.

Responsible for communications to and from parents and youth regarding Orita.

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 11

Orita Workshop Agenda Sample

Prayer

Attendance Sheet

Review the Orita Requirement (ie. Family Budget)

Do the Workshop/ Guest Speaker(s).

Discuss take away or lessons learned from the workshop.

Review any actions items for next time.

Prayer

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 12

Orita Kick Off

Field Day (recreation ministry)

obstacle course (maze – choice theme)

Relays

Basketball teams

Events - youth with parents, youth against parents

T-shirts

Provide water

Bookstore can sell snacks

o Registration can continue at Orita Field Day.

04/19/2023Prepared by: Donna Fair Conn 13

References

Fair, Frank T. , Orita for Black Youth. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press

http://books.google.com/books?id=6cwDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA88&lpg=PA88&dq=orita+ebony+magazine&source=bl&ots=b1ioOOIJFA&sig=0_rk1gHQ9xeUrPF4fIlpz5m15xc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=xOb-UL68NM6u0AHIkYDQDg&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAA