In an attempt to demonstrate the role that culture plays in youth violence intervention, this research examined the Connections intervention program, an African-centered rites of passage program developed to address the needs of youth in the West Englewood community of Chicago. The purpose of the study was to delve into the culture of Connections to find out how the staff members and participants perceived the programs mission and its effectiveness. Given that the program used transitional initiation rites to instill youth with an African-cultural social ethos that promotes a sense...