To Lift and Affirm the Humanity and Goodness of Black Families
Parent Handbook
About the Book
The Strengths of the Black Family Parent Handbook is a structured and culturally grounded resource developed to help Black parents, caregivers, and families strengthen their cultural identity, deepen their understanding of African centered values, and support their children’s growth with confidence and clarity.
Created by North Star Rites of Passage, LLC (NSROP), this Handbook is designed for use in a group workshop series or as an independent, self-paced learning tool. The content reflects decades of community work, scholarship, and lived experience, offering families practical guidance through a strength-based and culturally affirming lens.
What This Handbook Provides
A Guided Cultural Learning Experience
Cultural Foundations
Parents and caregivers are introduced to a range of foundational concepts, including:
- Rituals and cultural traditions
- Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa)
- The Principles of Maat
- Ubuntu philosophy
- African storytelling
- African and African American history
A Sequential Learning Journey
The workbook’s structure is intentional and progressive:
- Chapters 1–5 follow a sequential format, building insight and cultural understanding step-by-step.
- Chapters 6–8 may be completed in any order, offering flexibility for families and facilitators.
Practical Parenting Tools
The Handbook offers specific strategies to support Black parents, including:
- Effective praise and communication
- Building family traditions
- Understanding social learning theory
- Strengthening resilience in Black children
- Navigating social media and modern challenges
Reflection & Engagement Activities
Each chapter includes worksheets, storytelling prompts, family-centered exercises, and guided practices to help parents apply lessons directly to their home environment.
About NSROP , LLC
North Star Rites of Passage, LLC specializes in culturally responsive programming for Black youth and families. NSROP brings extensive experience working with the City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, and various community organizations, providing Rites of Passage programs, Black Parent Training, and Train-the-Trainer sessions for educators and youth development staff.
About the Authors
Elder Michael D. Campbell
Former professor of African American Studies and advocate for Black men, fathers, and families, with extensive youth and community development experience.
Eldress Jackie Campbell
A respected community leader with nearly four decades of service supporting youth and families, and an active member of several Black leadership and cultural organizations.
Handbook Contents
Cultural Foundations
- SBF Introduction: Rituals, Nguzo Saba, Ubuntu, self-discovery activities.
- Cultural Understanding: Initiation rites, name research, Adinkra symbols.
- My Village: Storytelling, traditions, family story building, elder interviews.
- Black Family Values: Strengths of Black families, traditional frameworks.
- My Family Story: Mission statements, family shield, proverbs.
- Family Communications: Praise strategies, rules, guidelines, love languages.
- Being Community: Social media awareness, resilience, community resources.
- Community Celebrations: Cultural holidays, libation, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, MLK, Malcolm X, resource lists.
Stand with Us. Strengthen The Next Generation.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community leader, you can help shape a generation of confident, culturally grounded youth.