Shanequa Williams
ROP Co Chair
I am honored to serve as one of the Co Chairs for the 26th annual Rites of Passage program. As the signature annual event for the Minneapolis Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. the program has a rich history and legacy of excellence in supporting the development of young men in our community.
It brings me great joy to collaborate with this amazing team to develop a meaningful experience that equips and inspires the next generation. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of this year's ROP initiates at the community celebration which is sure to inspire, connect and uplift our community.
Daniel Shannon
ROP Activity Co Chair
I'm honored to serve as the Activity Co Chair for the 2024-2025 Rites of Passage program. I have had the privilege of being connected to this amazing program for more than 20 years, and I'm humbled to represent the scores of former ROP initiates who have contributed to its legacy.
ROP has had a profound impact on the trajectory of my life. The affirmation and mentorship that I received from men like Henry Crosby, TJ Ticey, and The Honorable Judge Mike Davis (just to name a few) during my most formative years helped to set the course for the personal and professional successes I've experienced in the past few decades. My capacity as a husband, father and leader has been influenced by the countless examples of extraordinary Black men who have served in the program, and I'm proud to continue investing in our future's best and brightest.
Tiffany Scott-Knox
ROP Co Chair
I am honored to serve as co-chair for the 26th Rites of Passage! As a lifelong Minnesotan, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact Rites of Passage has had on the Twin Cities community. This is a meaningful opportunity to invest in our future leaders—one that I embrace with great responsibility and gratitude.
As the initiates approach the end of their high school journey, preparing to thrive in college and their careers, my hope is that their ROP experience becomes a cherished core memory—one that shapes and inspires them for years to come. May they step forward with confidence, knowing their strength and resilience will open doors and create lasting opportunities for their future
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Ayo Idowu
ROP Activity Co Chair
I joined ROP as a mentee back in 2008 as a high school senior. I was famously signed up against my will, but I always joked that this was the best thing my mother had made me do.
Growing up on St. Paul’s east side, I loved business and knew I wanted to pursue it, but I lacked black male mentorship in that area. ROP gave me a lifetime full of connections and mentors that I still keep in contact with to this day. Most importantly, it extended the teachings of my own father on how to be a man in this world.