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Rites of passage

Bonnie Newman Davis | 4/6/2023, 6 p.m.
Rites of passage ceremonies traditionally mark important transitional periods in a person’s life, such as birth, puberty, marriage, having children, ...
At the funeral of 28-year-old Irvo Otieno of Henrico County on March 29, at First Baptist Church, Ironbridge, in Chesterfield County, Leon Ochieng, brother of Irvo Otieno speaks during the funeral with his mother, Caroline A. Ouko, at his side.

Vernell Williams, who has a 25-year-old son who suffers from mental health issues, below, shared a message about the need for better mental health services. Mr. Otieno was suffocated while shackled and handcuffed at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County, a psychiatric hospital while suffering from a mental health crisis on March 6. Ten people including deputies and hospital workers have been charged with second degree murder in his death. In delivering the eulogy, the Rev. Al Sharpton promised retribution for Mr. Otieno’s death.

Photos by Regina H. Boone

Vernell Williams, who has a 25-year-old son who suffers from mental health issues, below, shared a message about the need for better mental health services. Mr. Otieno was suffocated while shackled and handcuffed at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County, a psychiatric hospital while suffering from a mental health crisis on March 6. Ten people including deputies and hospital workers have been charged with second degree murder in his death. In delivering the eulogy, the Rev. Al Sharpton promised retribution for Mr. Otieno’s death.

Rites of passage ceremonies traditionally mark important transitional periods in a person’s life, such as birth, puberty, marriage, having children, and death. In recent weeks, Richmond and surrounding communities have witnessed far too many rites of passage for young Black men whose lives were cut short by horrific tragedy.

The March 29 funeral for 28-year-old Irvo Otieno.AMarch 23 prayer vigil for 13-year-old Marquan “Quan” Mitchell-Nash. A March 16 prayer vigil for 21-year-old Tyrek Brandon. Each young man was denied rites of passage filled with joy and new beginnings.

Yet, new beginnings remain possible for our youths when it comes to their overall health and well-being. In celebrating a ribbon-cutting for The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Children’s Tower on March 28, Richmond’s new home for pediatric inpatient, emergency and trauma care stands as a beacon of hope.

The 16-story Tower, which houses the region’s only Level 1 pediatric trauma center and emergency department with 24/7 access to any pediatric specialist a child may need, was built to help families and providers in the community, according to VCU. It provides amenities and 72 spacious private acute and intensive care rooms.

The wonder of it all wasn’t lost on Richmond’s mayor.

“I had the pleasure of attending the ground-breaking for the Children’s Tower and what a difference a few years has made,” Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney said. “As I watched this building rise from City Hall next door, I thought about the kids and families from our city and beyond who will benefit from the beautiful space and dedicated teams inside. Children are our future, and the future of Richmond is bright.”

Indeed, bright moments and Black Excellence were evident on March 18 when members of Concerned Black Men of Richmond, Va. led a session on effective communications for young Black males at Franklin Military Academy. The session was designed to build public speaking skills, a vital tool for any young Black male as he navigates life while pursuing rites of passage that promise him a bright future.

Elias Neujahr, president of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, welcomes families, hospital workers and elected officials to the hospital’s ceremonial ribbon-cutting on March 28. The new building, known as the Children’s Tower, is adjacent to the hospital’s Children’s Pavilion and will house in-patient, trauma and emergency care. The $420 million facility is scheduled to open April 30. In attendance and seated are from left: Dr. Michael Rao, president, VCU and VCU Health System, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Coleman Wortham III, chairman Children’s Hospital Foundation, Janice Roane, vice president of operations of CHoR, Dr. Shari Barkin, physician-in-chief CHoR and chair, department of pediatrics, and Anna Barglof, a mother of a young patient.

Elias Neujahr, president of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, welcomes families, hospital workers and elected officials to the hospital’s ceremonial ribbon-cutting on March 28. The new building, known as the Children’s Tower, is adjacent to the hospital’s Children’s Pavilion and will house in-patient, trauma and emergency care. The $420 million facility is scheduled to open April 30. In attendance and seated are from left: Dr. Michael Rao, president, VCU and VCU Health System, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Coleman Wortham III, chairman Children’s Hospital Foundation, Janice Roane, vice president of operations of CHoR, Dr. Shari Barkin, physician-in-chief CHoR and chair, department of pediatrics, and Anna Barglof, a mother of a young patient.

Kenyetta Nash, center, mother of Marquan “Quan” Mitchell- Nash, 13, attends a prayer vigil on March 23 held in honor of the seventh-grade Binford Middle School student who was accidentally shot by a family member on March 10. She is supported by her daughters Soliel Mitchell- Nash, 16, and Cherish Hope 18, both John Marshall High School students.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

Kenyetta Nash, center, mother of Marquan “Quan” Mitchell- Nash, 13, attends a prayer vigil on March 23 held in honor of the seventh-grade Binford Middle School student who was accidentally shot by a family member on March 10. She is supported by her daughters Soliel Mitchell- Nash, 16, and Cherish Hope 18, both John Marshall High School students.

The vigil was held at the corner of 17th and Stockton streets on Richmond’s South Side.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

The vigil was held at the corner of 17th and Stockton streets on Richmond’s South Side.

Members of the nonprofit organization Concerned Black Men of Richmond listen and applaud a presentation by Joel Green, 15, of Huguenot High School.

Photo by Sandra Sellars

Members of the nonprofit organization Concerned Black Men of Richmond listen and applaud a presentation by Joel Green, 15, of Huguenot High School.

Izay’a Roane, 11, and Raymond Allen, 15, both enrolled at Franklin Military School, gave their full attention to the men who led the educational program that is designed to help young boys become well-rounded young Black men. Concerned Black Men was formed in 1986.

Photo by Sandra Sellars

Izay’a Roane, 11, and Raymond Allen, 15, both enrolled at Franklin Military School, gave their full attention to the men who led the educational program that is designed to help young boys become well-rounded young Black men. Concerned Black Men was formed in 1986.