Six weeks of engaging freshmen in a highly-structured program to prepare them for their journey toward personal development and academic excellence will end 6 p.m. Thursday as the Johnson C. Smith University community recognizes them during a “Rites of Passage Ceremony.
The event, Freshman Investiture, will be held inside the University’s historical church, the Jane M. Smith Memorial Church. Media and the public are invited to attend the free event.
The processional, led by The Obakunle Akinlana African Dance Troupe, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Biddle Hall courtyard. “Rites of Passage” is an ancient African process by which young adults are given permission to move to a higher level in life.
During the six week boot camp experience, freshmen participated in various sessions such as learning the University’s powerful history and legacy, traditions symbols, chants and Alma Mater. Students also were exposed to alumni and business leaders.
