A comprehensive Afrocentric rites of passage program for black male adolescents

The health consequences for African American male teenagers of living in high-risk environments are devastating. Given the existence of cultural barriers to health services use, culturally proficient programs that can engage African American male youths in preventive interventions and primary care are urgently needed. This article reviews the health status of African American male adolescents, noting that the leading health problems are preventable. The article then discusses two frameworks that are of value in social work practice with African American populations, cultural competence and empowerment; reviews of Afrocentric theory and Afrocentric social work; and describes a culturally proficient, Afrocentric program for African American male adolescents. Health social workers can take steps to increase their own cultural competence and that of the health care organizations in which they work.