In the coming years, he would take this program throughout the state of Virginia, Northeastern North Carolina, and other collegiate campuses such as James Madison University. Due to community demand, the program had to be moved to Norfolk State University to accommodate participants. Initially run out of the oldest African American YMCA in the country, The Hunton YMCA, the program was the first rites of passage for adolescent males and manhood development training process for adults in Southside Hampton Roads, and the second in the state of Virginia. (Manhood Through Uplift) Rites of Passage program was formally introduced to Hampton Roads. It was found that the philosophy and practice of African socialization traditions of manhood development called “rites of passage” was the most proven cultural process of personal enhancement for young males and in December 1990 the M.T.U. He and several friends began to hold meetings with others in the community on how they could make an impact, which led to research of successful intervention and prevention programs that would be culturally relevant to their communities. In the course of his cultural and spiritual transition and effort to live the principles of Kujichagulia, Anthony decided to take on a name in harmony with his purpose and serve as a compass in directing his life. A community leader and visionary was born. In response to the escalating crime, violence, racial injustices, and police brutality that ensued at the ’89 Greekfest and within the Hampton Roads community, Askia would go on to write many published articles, lead protests, and work with several organizations and dignitaries up-and-down the eastern seaboard, developing events and festivals to promote the economic empowerment of African Americans. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology in 1990. During his collegiate tenure, he was also a part of the Student Government Association, where he served as Senior Class President, and was initiated into the Pi Gamma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. As the chapter’s President, he led the charge to demand the University increase the curriculum surrounding the socio-cultural-economic development of African Americans and brought many programs and initiatives to the University surrounding cultural self-awareness.
With the help of local civil rights activists, Anthony assisted in the reorganization and resurgence of the student chapter of the NAACP. He later transferred to Norfolk State University. He would go on to graduate from Norview Highschool in 1983.Īnthony began his collegiate years at the University of Houston, where he mentored and provided support to under-served and represented children. His love, skill, and versatility in sports would become the launching pad for his ability to challenge himself and others, as well as his resilience and sense of pride in his community.
He was known for using his wit to outsmart the competition. Throughout his childhood, Anthony spent most of his time playing basketball, football, and track for local youth sports teams and was one of the few Black children in his area to also play baseball. Anthony Darnell Sparrow, later known as Askia, the son of Robena Holley-Mangum and Elijah Holloman Jr., was born on July 5, 1965, in the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
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