At 43, I have spent years reflecting on the complexities of sisterhood among Black women in America. In early adulthood, I personally struggled to build these bonds. Many of my relationships felt situational — based on shared spaces rather than genuine connection. That absence of sisterhood brought frustration and made me hesitant to open up in the future.
This struggle is widespread. Dr. Clenora Hudson-Weems, in “Africana Womanism: Reclaiming Ourselves,” argues that true liberation must be rooted in our unique cultural identity. It’s about strengthening bonds on commonality, not division between the distinct yet complementary roles within our communities. This approach differs from feminism, which arose largely from white women’s grievances with their counterparts. Colonialism and systemic oppression disrupted traditional African communal values, leading to competition, distrust and rivalry. Humans learn these behaviors; they do not inherit them. They weaken the bonds that once defined us as African people.
Modern media amplifies this reality, reducing conflicts between Black women to “drama” while masking deeper wounds. At the same time, shifting attitudes toward relationships show that many young Black women are choosing singlehood — not out of preference but due to distrust and misalignment with Black men. These trends raise critical questions about how we are socialized to engage with one another.
Culturally based rites of passage programs for Black girls can address these issues. My organization, ReGeneration180, created the Daughters of the Diaspora program to counter internalized oppression and foster genuine sisterhood. The Seven Principles of a Virtuous Daughter form the foundation of this program:
— Teachability (Iluti) – Open to learning and growth.
— Endurance (Titu) – Overcomes obstacles with resilience.
— Insight (Oju-Inu) – Understands herself and the world.
— Patience (Suuru) – Navigates relationships with grace.
— Calmness (Ifarabale) – Maintains peace under pressure.
— Originality (Oju-Ona) – Expresses herself while honoring culture.
— Sensitivity (Imoji-Mora) – Strengthens emotional intelligence and empathy.
These principles shape leaders grounded in culture, community and character. While programs like Girl Scouts, 4-H, and Jack and Jill offer great experiences, they don’t address the unique societal and emotional needs of Black girls. Rites of passage programs have historically empowered youth by fostering identity, resilience and healthy relationships. A well-structured program with strong leadership promotes community solidarity and equips participants for personal and collective growth.
As a school psychologist and Black child development specialist, I see how critical adolescence is in shaping human identity. Black girls face unique societal pressures and need structured spaces that affirm their worth and support their self-realization. Rites of passage programs do more than foster sisterhood — they cultivate the mindset necessary for balanced, meaningful partnerships with Black men. A woman who understands her value and communal role approaches relationships from a place of strength, not trauma.
The fractures in our sisterhood and relationships with Black men will not mend themselves. Having navigated our own journeys, we must guide the next generation. A rite of passage is more than mentorship — it’s an act of reclaiming our communal spirit and strengthening the foundation of future communities. The question isn’t whether we need this — it’s whether we’re ready to implement it.
Higgins is the executive director of ReGeneration180 and a professor of psychology at Montgomery College.