RITES OF PASSAGE CEREMONY FOR THE HONORABLE DANIELLA LEVINE CAVA OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
BY DESMOND ALUFOHAI
On June 9th, 2024, the African Diaspora community in South Florida convened at the Arts and Recreation Center (ARC), Opa-Locka, Florida, to honor Mayor Daniella Levine Cava of Miami-Dade County, and to proclaim her as an “African Diaspora Elder Stateswoman” during a Rites of Passage ceremony.
Known for its diverse cultural ecosystem, Miami Dade County has a large population of Africans, mainly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Cape Verde, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Morocco and others. In recognition of the mayor’s exceptional leadership and accomplishment as the first-ever elected female mayor of the County, the African diaspora community decided to host this special occasion to appreciate Mayor Daniella Levine Cava for her dedication to public service over many decades.
The mayor’s 40-year career advocating for South Florida families as well as her community-oriented personality resonates with many Africans who are familiar with the history of women who played key leadership roles in their communities at historic moments. To name a few: Yaa Asantewaa, the influential Ashanti queen of Ghana (1840–1921) became the Commander in Chief of the Ashanti army because she stood her ground and rallied the troops to resist the British colony. Likewise, Queen Amina earned her reputation as the lead warrior of the kingdom’s army during her 34-year rule in Zaria, a Hausa city-state in Northern Nigeria.
Rites of passage are found in many cultures around the world, but the details of the rites and the initiation process vary across different societies. In the African tradition, rite of passage is a ceremony that symbolizes an upward movement from one phase of life or social status to the next more mature phase. It involves a significant change of status in society, and it is fundamental to individual’s growth and development.
The five African rites of passage are: Birth, Adulthood, Marriage, Eldership, and Ancestor ship. The ceremony performed for the mayor was the “Rite of Eldership”.
The Rite of Eldership is the fourth of the five-stage initiation process, and it represents the highest status in African culture. Being an “elder” does not relate to age or being old; it’s a recognition of someone who has led a purposeful life and stands as a living example for others in the society to emulate.
At the ceremony, Chief Joseph Obadeyi led a group of African traditional chiefs to perform the rites. Dressed in African attire, the mayor was decorated with some African ornaments: coral beads necklace and bracelet which represent wealth, royalty and beauty. Other accessories used to adorn her include the African bridal horsetail hair and specially made animal skin round hand fan – each signifying honor, power, authority and symbol of greatness.
