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There is an African tradition called the Rite of Passage. This customary ritual was in place for both male and female children. Defined, it is the safe, guided transition; ushering a child from the early stages of adolescence into adulthood. When a child reached puberty, they were moved into apprenticeship with adults who taught them a trade and developed within them a moral code of ethics around family and community. The seasoned adults and elders taught the children principles of critical thinking and assisted them with defining a healthy moral-based value system; along with invaluable lessons, and priceless experiences that would aid them throughout the entire course of their lives. This training often took place in camps away from the family and when camp was not a viable option; the ritual was emulated within the confines of the household. The outcome of this ceremony was to ensure that children were properly guided and provided with the necessary life skills to equip them for adulthood. |
The Great Depression. The South. Young Jacob's story unfolds during a difficult time, in the unforgiving south, a hard place for an African-American boy, Jacob Pete Manor, as he embarks upon his personal journey; his Rite of Passage.
Fourth and final child, born to a family of sharecroppers from the rural area of Fayetteville North Carolina, Jacob uncovers pertinent life truths that involve mother-son over-bonding, betrayal, abandonment, sexual explorations, misconceptions of “manhood,” and other crucial challenges and milestones which ultimately lead Jacob to becoming the man God destined him to be.
Jacob was a dreamer, with very high aspirations, whose ambitions exceeded the scope of what a climate of segregation, inadequate school systems, and a mind set of inferiority dictated for a young African-American male.
Vol. 1 – Young Jacob is the first of a 3-part series that chronicles this journey. It’s through the eyes of Jacob that we will unravel life within the pages... his exploration... his discovery... his personal Rite of Passage.
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"Thanks for all your hard work. I started reading the book to my mother. We both are enjoying. I read a lot and I can already determine that he writes well. Thanks again." ~ Cynthia Henderson
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"Jacob's Rite of Passage is a book like none other. It provides a refreshing and insightful view of African-American family. It showcases the struggles and victories of a post-slavery African-American family in a new light. It only got more interesting with each page turned. It was such a wonderful book!" ~ Valerie Taylor-Thomas
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Author Clarence Matthews Interview w/Nana Camille Yarbrough on Ancestor House - 1 of 3 |
