ROPP Candidates are asked to bring members of their immediate family and support system.
Please contact Sis. Lisa with any questions and to let her know how many guests you plan to bring with you.
See you there!
Coming Soon: ROPP Orientation
ROPP Candidates are asked to bring members of their immediate family and support system.
Please contact Sis. Lisa with any questions and to let her know how many guests you plan to bring with you.
See you there!
PRESENTING...!!!
The Metropolitan Rites of Passage Program Candidates for 2011-2012
Quincy Brown - Quincy is the son of Quincy Brown, Sr and Candis Hernandez. He is the great-grandson of one of Metropolitan's beloved former associate ministers, Rev. Elizabeth Brown and Bro. Malvin Brown, and the grandson of Merv and Ardtria Griffin. Quincy is the oldest of five siblings and attends Dessau Middle School. Quincy was once selected as Student of the Year during elementary school. Quincy enjoys playing sports, especially football and basketball, but he has a real passion for singing and rapping. One of his heroes is Michael Jackson. Quincy participates with Metropolitan youth activities, including Easter and Christmas programs, in which he displays and strengthens his public performance skills. More recently, Quincy has been part of the effort to revitalize Metropolitan's hip hop ministry.
Quincy's mentor is Anthony Johnson.
Kaylan Michelle Henderson- Kaylan is the elder daughter of Gerald and Mary Henderson, of Smithville, Texas. Kaylan is the granddaughter of long-time Metropolitan members, Mrs. Carrie Henderson and the late Gerald Henderson. She has a younger sister, Tiffany. Kaylan attends Smithville High School, at which she participates in both athletics, the Student Council and is an active Girl Scout. She is also very active with Metropolitan's YPD. A fun-loving teen, Kaylan loves to hang out with her friends, but she takes advantages of many opportunities to be exposed to experiences that will help her in the future! This last school year, she participated in a entrepreneurial challenge. The business model presented by Kaylan and her partner earned them a 2nd place award and visibility by major local businesses.
Kaylan's mentor is Cynthia Harry.
D'Wazauhn Xavier Washington- "DY", as he is called by his family and friends, is the son of Juan and Lucresha Foster. He is the grandson of longtime Metropolitan member Alphaye Washington and has a large extended family throughout the congregation. DY attends LBJ High school and will graduate with the class of 2012. DY is proud of starting this last school year off strong, achieving the A/B Honor Roll. He is learning productive life skills through his participation with the Boys and Girls Club. DY plays basketball and runs track for the LBJ Jaguars and is looking forward to continuing his participation in sports in college. He has been active with YPD his whole life and regularly participates in Metropolitan youth activities. DY is a big brother to a younger sister, Juanayshia and little brother, Juan.
DY's mentor team is Ken and LeBerta Ballage.
Jabari Davis- Jabari is the middle child born to Malachi Davis and Lisa Grant Davis. He has an older brother, Malachi and a younger sister, Zuri. Jabari is entering his senior year at John Connally High School in the Pflugerville ISD and would like to attend Huston Tillotson University after he graduates. Jabari achieved Brown Belt level in Shaolin-Do Kung Fu under Sifu Sean Gooden, and enjoys playing basketball for fun and exercise. He also enjoys weightlifting with his friends. Jabari's real passion is rap music, both writing lyrics for himself and others, as well as performing at youth concerts. He spends much of his free time in his at-home studio mixing beats and creating new songs. Jabari was an original member of Da Disciples, a Christian rap group birthed at Metropolitan. Jabari has an eye for business and hopes to be an independent business owner in the future.
Jabari's mentor team is Olden and Joyce Jordan.
Imani Ross- Imani is the eldest daughter of Warner and Dawn Ross, and the granddaughter of Gloria Ross. Imani is an honor student at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders where she will begin her junior year in the fall. She is on the school's Track and Field team and a member of its Cheer Club. Imani is courting a number of colleges and universities, but Baylor University in Waco carved a special place in her heart after a recent visit with her mother. Imani has two younger brothers, Warner and Donalvan, and is often seen displaying the perfect example of firm, loving guidance toward them. Imani's membership in her school's Spanish club includes a 20-day language immersion experience in Costa Rica in Summer 2011. Imani participates in Metropolitan's Praise Dance team and YPD.
Imani's mentor is Constance Kennedy.
Quincy Brown - Quincy is the son of Quincy Brown, Sr and Candis Hernandez. He is the great-grandson of one of Metropolitan's beloved former associate ministers, Rev. Elizabeth Brown and Bro. Malvin Brown, and the grandson of Merv and Ardtria Griffin. Quincy is the oldest of five siblings and attends Dessau Middle School. Quincy was once selected as Student of the Year during elementary school. Quincy enjoys playing sports, especially football and basketball, but he has a real passion for singing and rapping. One of his heroes is Michael Jackson. Quincy participates with Metropolitan youth activities, including Easter and Christmas programs, in which he displays and strengthens his public performance skills. More recently, Quincy has been part of the effort to revitalize Metropolitan's hip hop ministry.
Quincy's mentor is Anthony Johnson.
Kaylan Michelle Henderson- Kaylan is the elder daughter of Gerald and Mary Henderson, of Smithville, Texas. Kaylan is the granddaughter of long-time Metropolitan members, Mrs. Carrie Henderson and the late Gerald Henderson. She has a younger sister, Tiffany. Kaylan attends Smithville High School, at which she participates in both athletics, the Student Council and is an active Girl Scout. She is also very active with Metropolitan's YPD. A fun-loving teen, Kaylan loves to hang out with her friends, but she takes advantages of many opportunities to be exposed to experiences that will help her in the future! This last school year, she participated in a entrepreneurial challenge. The business model presented by Kaylan and her partner earned them a 2nd place award and visibility by major local businesses.
Kaylan's mentor is Cynthia Harry.
D'Wazauhn Xavier Washington- "DY", as he is called by his family and friends, is the son of Juan and Lucresha Foster. He is the grandson of longtime Metropolitan member Alphaye Washington and has a large extended family throughout the congregation. DY attends LBJ High school and will graduate with the class of 2012. DY is proud of starting this last school year off strong, achieving the A/B Honor Roll. He is learning productive life skills through his participation with the Boys and Girls Club. DY plays basketball and runs track for the LBJ Jaguars and is looking forward to continuing his participation in sports in college. He has been active with YPD his whole life and regularly participates in Metropolitan youth activities. DY is a big brother to a younger sister, Juanayshia and little brother, Juan.
DY's mentor team is Ken and LeBerta Ballage.
Jabari Davis- Jabari is the middle child born to Malachi Davis and Lisa Grant Davis. He has an older brother, Malachi and a younger sister, Zuri. Jabari is entering his senior year at John Connally High School in the Pflugerville ISD and would like to attend Huston Tillotson University after he graduates. Jabari achieved Brown Belt level in Shaolin-Do Kung Fu under Sifu Sean Gooden, and enjoys playing basketball for fun and exercise. He also enjoys weightlifting with his friends. Jabari's real passion is rap music, both writing lyrics for himself and others, as well as performing at youth concerts. He spends much of his free time in his at-home studio mixing beats and creating new songs. Jabari was an original member of Da Disciples, a Christian rap group birthed at Metropolitan. Jabari has an eye for business and hopes to be an independent business owner in the future.
Jabari's mentor team is Olden and Joyce Jordan.
Imani Ross- Imani is the eldest daughter of Warner and Dawn Ross, and the granddaughter of Gloria Ross. Imani is an honor student at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders where she will begin her junior year in the fall. She is on the school's Track and Field team and a member of its Cheer Club. Imani is courting a number of colleges and universities, but Baylor University in Waco carved a special place in her heart after a recent visit with her mother. Imani has two younger brothers, Warner and Donalvan, and is often seen displaying the perfect example of firm, loving guidance toward them. Imani's membership in her school's Spanish club includes a 20-day language immersion experience in Costa Rica in Summer 2011. Imani participates in Metropolitan's Praise Dance team and YPD.
Imani's mentor is Constance Kennedy.
Diante Lashone Ortiz- Diante is the son of Anthony and Cherri Johnson. Originally from California, Diante generally spends his summers on the west coast with his father's (Fabrice Ortiz) side of the family and his school year in Texas, where his family relocated in 2005. He is a recent graduate of Westwood High School and plans to take courses at Austin Community College, at which he will determine his major course of study. Diante likes playing basketball and would enjoy the opportunity to flex his leadership muscles as a coach for younger players if given the chance. Diante is an active member of Metropolitan's youth group, having starred as "Jesus" in last year's Easter production and regularly participates in many other activities at the church. Diante has three younger siblings: DaJour, Malcolm and Maya.
Diante's mentor is Milton Howard.
Diante's mentor is Milton Howard.
Drum Roll Please...!
Metropolitan's Rites of Passage Program has an official, bona fide logo!!
Many thanks to Thandi Montgomery, the graphic designer, who offered her services to us! Even while working full time in Atlanta and pursuing graduate studies, Thandi took time to hear what we needed and responded with an image that perfectly represents what we want to do: Lift our young people up to higher heights--one at a time!
We were given several color schemes from which to choose and the vast majority of the submitted votes were for the one shown on the header of the blog! Think it was a coincidence that it matches our blog color scheme perfectly? Naaah!
Everything is simply working together as part of God's plan to use us, our time and talent, even the logo, to make a huge difference in our community!
Here we go!
Many thanks to Thandi Montgomery, the graphic designer, who offered her services to us! Even while working full time in Atlanta and pursuing graduate studies, Thandi took time to hear what we needed and responded with an image that perfectly represents what we want to do: Lift our young people up to higher heights--one at a time!
We were given several color schemes from which to choose and the vast majority of the submitted votes were for the one shown on the header of the blog! Think it was a coincidence that it matches our blog color scheme perfectly? Naaah!
Everything is simply working together as part of God's plan to use us, our time and talent, even the logo, to make a huge difference in our community!
Here we go!
And We're Off- The First ROPP Meeting is a Wrap!
Every member of the newly established ROPP team attended the first planning meeting of the year!
This is the sort of dedication and unity that will ensure the success of the program.
Here are a few pictures from the first meeting. You may CLICK on the image to enlarge it, if desired.
Sis. Constance and Sis. Cynthia visit after the meeting.
The ROPP Team celebrates a successful first meeting.
Yes we are...off to a wonderful, unified beginning!
Metropolitan's 1st Rites of Passage Team 2011:
(L-R): Eric McDaniel, Olden Jordan, Cynthia Harry, Anthony Johnson, Joyce Jordan, Constance Kennedy, Ken Ballage, Lisa Grant Davis, Milton Howard, LeBerta Ballage, Yolanda Gary Fisher
Not Pictured: Pastor Mkwanazi and Deborah Franklin (photographer!)
This is the sort of dedication and unity that will ensure the success of the program.
Here are a few pictures from the first meeting. You may CLICK on the image to enlarge it, if desired.
(L-R): Eric McDaniel, Olden Jordan, Cynthia Harry, Anthony Johnson, Joyce Jordan, Constance Kennedy, Ken Ballage, Lisa Grant Davis, Milton Howard, LeBerta Ballage, Yolanda Gary Fisher
Not Pictured: Pastor Mkwanazi and Deborah Franklin (photographer!)
Community Gardening- It's a ROPP Thang!
One of the principle objectives of the ROPP program is an appreciation for the process of growing our own food and developing a healthy relationship with nature.
To that end, ROPP participants will be contributing to the community gardening efforts in East Austin.
The ROPP Leadership Team is in the process of partnering with the Blackshear Community Garden, located at 2011 E. 9th Street. A plan is being established that will enable ROPP participants to contribute to all phases of planting a garden, from deciding what should be planted, sowing the seeds, maintaining the garden and associated property and harvesting the produce. ROPP participants will work as a group as well as being assigned individual times to tend to the garden as part of meeting ROPP requirements.
Here is the link to the Blackshear Garden site: http://communitygardensaustin.org/?page_id=26
Here's to a green thumb!
Sis. Lisa
Sis. Lisa took a snapshot of this water tank at a recent visit to the Blackshear Neighborhood Garden!
The ROPP Leadership Team is in the process of partnering with the Blackshear Community Garden, located at 2011 E. 9th Street. A plan is being established that will enable ROPP participants to contribute to all phases of planting a garden, from deciding what should be planted, sowing the seeds, maintaining the garden and associated property and harvesting the produce. ROPP participants will work as a group as well as being assigned individual times to tend to the garden as part of meeting ROPP requirements.
Here is the link to the Blackshear Garden site: http://communitygardensaustin.org/?page_id=26
Here's to a green thumb!
Sis. Lisa
The ROPP Leadership Team!
We are growing and going!
We thank God for the willing hearts of these participants. Will you please take a moment and pray for them? Pray that their contributions into the lives of ROPP participants will be magnified and multiplied...in Jesus' name!
2011-2012 ROPP LEADERSHIP TEAM:
Pastor
Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi
Email Pastor Mkwanazi
ROPP Director
Sis. Lisa Grant Davis
Email Sis. Lisa
ROPP Advisor/ Consultant
Bro. Dr. Eric McDaniel
Email Bro. Dr. Eric
ROPP Administrative Coordinator
Sis. Yolanda Gary Fisher
Email Sis. Yolanda
ROPP Consultant/ YPD Liaison
Sis. Deborah Franklin
Email Sis. Deborah
2011-2012 ROPP MENTORS:
Sis. Constance Kennedy Email Sis. Constance
Bro. Milton Howard Email Bro. Milton
Sis. Cynthia Harry Email Sis. Cynthia
Bro. Anthony Johnson Email Bro. Anthony
Sis. LeBerta Ballage Email Sis. LeBerta
Bro. Ken Ballage Email Bro. Ken
Sis. Joyce Jordan Email Sis. Joyce
Bro. Olden Jordan Email Bro. Olden
We thank God for the willing hearts of these participants. Will you please take a moment and pray for them? Pray that their contributions into the lives of ROPP participants will be magnified and multiplied...in Jesus' name!
2011-2012 ROPP LEADERSHIP TEAM:
Pastor
Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi
Email Pastor Mkwanazi
ROPP Director
Sis. Lisa Grant Davis
Email Sis. Lisa
ROPP Advisor/ Consultant
Bro. Dr. Eric McDaniel
Email Bro. Dr. Eric
ROPP Administrative Coordinator
Sis. Yolanda Gary Fisher
Email Sis. Yolanda
ROPP Consultant/ YPD Liaison
Sis. Deborah Franklin
Email Sis. Deborah
2011-2012 ROPP MENTORS:
Sis. Constance Kennedy Email Sis. Constance
Bro. Milton Howard Email Bro. Milton
Sis. Cynthia Harry Email Sis. Cynthia
Bro. Anthony Johnson Email Bro. Anthony
Sis. LeBerta Ballage Email Sis. LeBerta
Bro. Ken Ballage Email Bro. Ken
Sis. Joyce Jordan Email Sis. Joyce
Bro. Olden Jordan Email Bro. Olden
Mark Your Calendar!
Please review the dates below for all Metro ROPP-related activities for the 2011-2012 year. Any and all dates are subject to change, so check back regularly to verify your commitments.
March 2011
21- Mentor
April 2011
4- Mentor
17- Presentation of ROPP/ Team
ROPP Participant Invitation Extended
ROPP Participant Invitation Extended
27- ROPP Team Meeting (Pastor, ROPP Team)- 5:30PM
May 2011
11- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Team) 5:30PM
25- ROPP Team Meeting (Pastor, ROPP Team)- 5:30PM
June 2011
8- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Team)- 5:30PM
19- ROPP Participants Announced
22- ROPP Team Meeting (Pastor, ROPP Team)- 5:30PM
19- ROPP Participants Announced
July 2011
6- ROPP Team Mtg (ROPP Team)- 5:30PM
20- ROPP Team Mtg (Pastor, ROPP Leadership, Mentors)- 5:30PM
23- ROPP Participant Orientation (Pastor, ROPP Team, Parents,
Participants, BFF, Mentors, Interested Persons)- 5:00 PM
20- ROPP Team Mtg (Pastor, ROPP Leadership, Mentors)- 5:30PM
23- ROPP Participant Orientation (Pastor, ROPP Team, Parents,
Participants, BFF, Mentors, Interested Persons)- 5:00 PM
August 2011
Religion/ Spirituality
Religion/ Spirituality
6- Core Area Event (Participants) 8:30AM- 12:30PM
15- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Leadership, Mentors)- 6PM
31- Core Area Challenge
15- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Leadership, Mentors)- 6PM
31- Core Area Challenge
September 2011
Academia
3- Core Area Event 8:30AM- 12:30PM
Academia
3- Core Area Event 8:30AM- 12:30PM
19- ROPP Team Meeting- 6PM
30- Core Area Challenge
30- Core Area Challenge
October 2011
Sexual Health
Sexual Health
1- Core Area Event (Participants)- 8:30AM- 12:30PM
17- ROPP Team Meeting (Pastor, ROPP Leadership, Mentors)- 6PM
29- QUIZ BOWL 2011!!!
31- Core Area Challenge
29- QUIZ BOWL 2011!!!
31- Core Area Challenge
November 2011
Setting Goals/ Strength in Numbers
Setting Goals/ Strength in Numbers
12- Core Area Event (Participants)- 8:30AM- 12:30PM
21- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Leadership Only)- 6PM
30- Core Area Challenge
30- Core Area Challenge
December 2011
Hygiene/ Etiquette/ Fashion
Hygiene/ Etiquette/ Fashion
3- Core Area Event (Participants)- 8:30AM-12:30PM
11- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Team)- 12:30 (After Church)
15- An Evening Out (ALL ROPP Participants)
31- Core Area Challenge
15- An Evening Out (ALL ROPP Participants)
31- Core Area Challenge
January 2012
Automotive (Males)
Automotive (Males)
Interior Design (Females)
7- Core Area Event (Participants)- 8:30AM- 12:30PM
Volunteers)- 6PM
23- ROPP Team Mtg- 6PM
February 2012
Black History
Black History
4- Core Area Event (Participants)- 8:30-12:30PM
15- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Leadership, Mentors, Finale Volunteers)- 6PM
29- Core Area Challenge
March 2012
Program Wrap-Up
Program Wrap-Up
3- Last Day for Make-up Challenges (with Approval)
12- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Leadership, Mentors, Finale Volunteers)- 6PM
16- 2012-2013Mentor
16- 2012-2013
April 2012
Closure/ Finale Prep
Closure/ Finale Prep
1- ROPP Meeting (ROPP Team, Finale Volunteers)- 1PM
15- 2012-2013 ROPP Mentor
14- ROPP Meeting (Pastor, ROPP Team, Participants, Mentors, Finale Volunteers)-
10AM
10AM
28- Formal Grand Finale- 6PM-10PM
May 2012
18-19- Graduation Weekend
May 2012
18-19- Graduation Weekend
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