About Us - The Crossing
Prior to earning membership into KMT, every initiate experiences a ten-week rite of passage (a "Crossing"). The Crossing is designed to bring the initiate into the ASEN (brotherhood) with a new perspective of himself. Beginning with the ancient dictate, "Know Thyself," physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development are fostered in an environment conducive to such growth.
Modeled after communal rites of passage found throughout Africa and other parts of the world, this process is designed to be mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally challenging. While much of the process is private as most rites of passage rituals are, much of it is public as well since the crossing is designed to increase the ability of initiates to serve in the public sphere. The culminating event of the crossing is the public Resurrection March. During this trial, the new initiates symbolically demonstrate their collective commitment to the community by carrying a tree. Although the crossing process is challenging, the Brotherhood of KMT maintains a strict policy against hazing.
It is our belief that when Black men paddle, beat or otherwise physically or mentally abuse each other, brotherhood and Black manhood is not developed but demeaned.
Ultimately, the collective challenges of the crossing are designed to build - not destroy. As a result of the crossing, KMT hopes to continue to produce Black men that are better able to serve their communities and humanity itself.