In African Centered Rites of Passage and Education, Lathardus Goggins II makes a compelling argument for African centered rites of passage as a factor for positive academic success. Goggins examines the relationship between socialization and the learning process. His analysis is drawn from an extensive literature review of noted scholars and narratives from people involved in the rites process.

Goggins frames his discussion with the following questions: 1.How is sense of self dealt within rites of passage, and specifically within African Centered Rites of Passage?; 2. What is the theory regarding the construction of self and its relationship to the educative experience?; 3. What are the operating assumptions about "educating" African Americans?; and 4. In what ways does the rites of passage process influence the educative experience? He answers each respectively in chapters 1. Rites of Passage, 2. Sense of Self and Education, 3. Schooling African Americans, and 4. Academic Implications of African Centered Rites of Passage. Goggins provides an in-depth discussion on the educative process, formation of purpose and discipline, and the tragedy of parental and community noninvolvement in educating African American students. He concludes that regardless of funding, teachers, and the latent values in the surrounding environment, African American students can obtain positive academic success.

This book provides a clear and thought provoking discussion about an effective solution to many of the basic problems facing African American students. Goggins has a smooth and interesting writing style, which allows him to be read and understood by a variety of audiences. African Centered Rites of Passage and Education is a must read for parents, educators, scholars, students, pastors and all who are concerned about the education of African American students.