Episode 15

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Published on:

27th Jul 2026

Ep 15 - Reclaiming Identity, Spirit, and Legacy Through African-Centered Rites of Passage

What happens when you finally discover who you are, why you're here, and how you know it to be true?

In this transformative episode of Fathers Making Progress, host Terron Edwards welcomes Kweku Tangelo Cargill Jr. and Abba Sheila Haygood for a powerful conversation about African-Centered Rites of Passage and how reconnecting with culture can transform identity, purpose, fatherhood, and community.

Together they explore the life-changing impact of understanding your roots, embracing your spiritual identity, honoring your ancestors, and raising the next generation with intention. Through deeply personal stories, they discuss overcoming identity struggles, finding purpose, mentoring young people, becoming community fathers, and why rites of passage are just as important for adults as they are for youth.

This episode is an invitation to stop wandering without roots and begin walking in purpose.

"When you know who you are, you stop living for performance and start living with purpose."

Key Moments:

00:23 Why African-Centered Rites of Passage Matter

01:20 Meet Abba Sheila Haygood & Kweku Tangelo Cargill Jr.

03:03 Better Together Co-Parenting Sponsor

03:22 Who Are You Beyond Your Title?

03:56 Sheila's Journey From Identity Crisis to Self-Discovery

06:03 Learning to Love Your Black Identity

06:58 Kweku's Journey Into Fatherhood & Community Leadership

10:54 Education, Homeschooling & Raising Children with Purpose

12:09 How Rites of Passage Changed Terron's Life

13:54 Ghana, Mentorship & Serving the Community

15:32 What Are African-Centered Rites of Passage?

18:53 Why Male & Female Facilitators Matter

20:00 Teaching Young Men Purpose, Discipline & Self-Respect

22:18 Scholarship Opportunities Through the Battalion Program

23:44 Becoming Rookie Dad of the Year

27:52 Reconnecting With Culture Restores Identity

32:27 Discovering Your Purpose Through Rites of Passage

35:09 Spirituality, Rituals & Honoring Ancestors

39:40 Facts or Cap: What Rites of Passage Really Are

41:25 Helpers vs. Tricksters in Every Stage of Life

43:47 Rites of Passage Are for Everyone

46:19 Facts or Cap: Everyone Has a Purpose

46:43 West Africa & Reconnecting to Your Roots

49:28 Rites of Passage Is Not a Religion

50:39 Rapid Fire Word Association

51:57 Final Reflections on Culture, Identity & Fatherhood

52:56 How to Join the Next Rites of Passage Class

Key Takeaways:

  • Knowing who you are is the foundation for living with purpose.
  • Rites of Passage help answer three life-changing questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? How do I know it to be true?
  • Identity rooted in culture creates confidence, direction, and spiritual grounding.
  • Fatherhood begins long before children are born—it starts with becoming the person your family needs.
  • Mentorship and community are essential for raising strong leaders.
  • Healing your identity allows you to heal future generations.
  • Spirituality is about intentional living—not religion.
  • Rituals help create discipline, gratitude, and deeper connection with family and ancestors.
  • Every stage of life requires growth, guidance, and intentional development.
  • Purpose is greater than money, status, or performance.
  • Strong families are built by people who know who they are and why they are here.
  • Reconnecting with your roots strengthens your future.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message because no matter where you are in life…You’re still making progress!

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About the Podcast

Fathers Making Progress Podcast
Fathers Making Progress is real conversations, real stories, and real growth. Highlighting the journeys of fathers committed to becoming better men, stronger parents, and leaders in their families and communities.
Fathers Making Progress is more than a podcast, it’s a real, unfiltered look into the lives, journeys, and growth of fathers committed to becoming better men, better parents, and stronger pillars in their communities. This is a platform to amplify the mission, expand the movement beyond Milwaukee, and connect with listeners nationwide changing the narrative around fatherhood one conversation at a time. Because the best fathers don’t just show up… they keep growing. Born out of over 20 years of grassroots impact and brotherhood, this podcast gives listeners a front-row seat to the powerful conversations happening inside FMP spaces. These are real discussions, real reflections, and real stories from everyday fathers navigating life’s challenges, breaking cycles, and redefining what fatherhood looks like. Each episode highlights the voices that often go unheard, men who are showing up, doing the work, and making progress despite adversity. From overcoming personal trauma and fatherlessness to building healthy relationships and support systems, this podcast shines a light on the growth, resilience, and excellence of fathers everywhere. Fathers Making Progress also explores the deeper issues impacting families and communities, including the national fatherhood crisis, while offering solutions rooted in connection, accountability, and brotherhood. Whether you’re a father, aspiring father, or someone who simply values strong families, this podcast provides insight, inspiration, and truth.