The Earth Center of Maanu proudly presents its 14th generation of graduating initiates. The Fyeteq generation has completed their first level of initiations on their path towards growth and enlightenment. Nashabara (previously Chad Pilcher) completed the first level of all three courses in the M'tam education: Medu Myeet (Initiatic Language), Ka'at Ibi (Kemetic Meditation), and Sounnt (Traditional Healing). Metimaat (previously Neahriah Jael) completed the first level of Medu Myeet and Ka'at Ibi. Nemauhati (previously Senyah Haynes) and Pershara (previously Yakini Branch-Ibura) completed the first level of the Medu Myeet course. As students of M'TAM, this has been a long and arduous journey, demanding the patience and integrity of every individual in their generation. The 29th of Penipt in the year 409 (November 8, 2009) is surely a notable day in their quest to achieve and maintain the highest quality possible and we are grateful to see and be a part of the challenges and progress they have endured.

The Medu Myeet course is considered to be the cornerstone of the M'TAM initiation. It is extremely difficult to make it through this first stage of development for any student. Unlike modern education, though this class focuses very much on language, it is not regarded as just a language class. Each class is divided into two segments, the first consisting of a lecture that gives the individual philosophical and historical perspectives and experiences of the people that speak, preserve and live by the values this language carries. Commonly referred to by the Greek term "hieroglyphs," Medu is the language that humanity was given for the purposes of communicating and functioning within the paradigm, in which it was introduced to the world. At the Earth Center, we do not deal with or entertain the aspects of politics, race, religion or any of the social distractions that have prevented us from returning to our culture for so many millenia. The Medu it is a language that belongs to human beings, our humanity is claimed by our quest to grow.

Learning to read, write and value everything that comes with this language is a lifelong process that requires a very difficult paradigm shift, a shift from our modern, foreign way of approaching an authentic education. This is a shift in which we must shed ourselves of who we think we are and from what we think we know by opening our minds to learn and apply the knowledge of our ancestors. This transition is what these graduates have shown to be worth their struggles. It's not a process that happens overnight, nor does it come without its internal conflicts. However, if we are honest in wanting to reclaim our culture and live the way that allowed our ancestors to thrive for so long, students have to understand that this education cannot be approached like any other. These four have succeeded at this level.

The Ka'at Ibi course can be identified as a meditation class. However, it is not to be confused with what average perception of what typical "meditation" consists of, this class is structured similarly to the Medu. There is first a lecture that is very important in providing a platform for students to really gain the essence of what it is they are doing, its origins, values, and meanings. The lecture and course overall is spiritually rich with notions that correct many misunderstandings that are imposed on our consciousness. The teacher defines and clarifies the necessary approach to attaining everything this class has to offer. In this society people think they can just grab a mat and walk into any pilates, yoga, or tai chi studio, break a sweat and feel fulfilled in some "spiritual" way without even knowing what it means or where these styles of movement originated.

Nothing is invented by the human brain, we are only inspired from what precedes us. Ka'at Ibi is the first form of meditation known to mankind and it is done for purposes beyond the attempt to get in shape or to simply partake in an activity because the modern world says it is a good thing. If we exercise even the slightest honesty as people looking to understand the world as we know it, we can see the many contradictions in thinking any of these methods of exercise can be associated with meditation. These are the traps set up for individuals wanting to find a way to incorporate their idea of spirituality in or around their life without really knowing what it is or how to identify it. In addition, these options that are presented to the public come to be something new or trendy to capture the attention of those looking for some sense of fullfillment. As people trying to reclaim our culture, the main thing to keep in mind that we have so much to learn. Having the courage and determination to readjust our way of thinking is a success that is notable. Our goal is to grow everyday, to be a better person today than we were yesterday with positivity and optimism in our hearts. M'TAM is a demanding education for anyone on the path to perfection, accomplishing the first level of responsibilities and expectations is only the beginning.

Graduation is a very important day, not only for the new initiates, but for the entire community, their families, friends, and anyone who has been a part of their experience along the way. Reaching this point is a recognition of the commitment and hard work that has been demanded of them thus far. They receive their new Kem names and revel in the pride of overcoming the obstacles that have allowed them to see this day. It is a very valuable part of any initiate's history and a time that those who have not encountered it look forward to very much. We honor and celebrate the successes thus far for this generation and wish wholeheartedly for the continued growth and success under the guidance of their teachers and the wisdom and education of the ancestors who made it all possible.

The graduation is very exciting, encouraging, and important for the community to witness, but even this day is a commemoration of their commitment to continue. Unlike graduation ceremonies that are observed in modern educational systems, the initiate does not ever complete their task of growing. Though they have completed the initial stage in their educational/spiritual development, the road only gets steeper. As in any aspect of life, with success in one thing, the responsibilities only increase. This generation has succeeded in setting a higher standard for themselves. As mentioned previously, to see this day does not come with ease. They are aware of the work that it takes if they are to always be moving forward. This means that the standard they have set for themselves as graduate students will be honored firmly. They will always be challenged to push onward and continually seek quality and refinement. But, if they are going to have this kind of goal, they are in a great position. They have all the support they could ask for: family, guidance, and their newfound understanding of good. They are in a position to be a great inspiration to others, if they continue on the path before them. They will always be learning and improving with the responsibilities that come with the level of knowledge they've reached.

In this initiation, everything about one's humanity is up against the test of constant refinement. Our weaknesses are constantly exposed and the world as we know it becomes bigger and bigger, demanding that we adjust our perception of it. This becomes a difficult task for the average American, born and bred under a system that encourages mediocracy and allegiance to colonialism. The hardest part for these students is not the challenges they will face. There are always solutions and support available for the honest seeker. It's letting go of the things we are holding on to in our hearts and in our minds that become the biggest obstacle to face. For us to fill our consciousness with what makes sense, with the mentality that will secure our future and rebuild the world we want to see-- we will have to rid ourselves of the ideas and notions that have been presented to us by outsiders who don't have our best interest in mind. When learning all the areas where students could stand to improve, they are challenged to part with their egos, emotions, desires, and temptations and walk the path that honors their intellect.

When asked to abandon our addiction to self destructive tendencies and learn to function as survivors, we don't always see what it will require in the beginning. As the weeks go by, the true level of wisdom and clarity that one stands to gain through M'TAM becomes more and more apparent. However, just like anything in life, whatever we put into it is what we get out. Achieving quality is all dependent on the level of commitment each individual has towards his/her own growth. We understand that evil is a very dynamic force and has a way of dominating that space in us that just wants to find an easier route and avoid the hard work. This is why this journey is not for the faint of heart. It is common for students to struggle in the times leading up to and away from graduation feeling the pressures of the responsibility to be good. They are faced with having to be good examples for younger initiates while continuing the internal battle of conquering the evil within.

The advantage that humanity has been given is a guide on how to achieve quality, a road map of how to reach the level of spiritual hygiene a Kem seeks in his/her daily life. The 77 commandments, known also as the Divine Code of Human Behavior, is what governs our approach to how we conduct ourselves inside and out. With the boundaries set by this model, a human being is forced to ascend to new heights. We are all imperfect and sometimes we make mistakes, but the quality an initiate can have is the humility to learn from these mistakes and get back up to face another day.

Though the path is very arduous and highly demanding, the students come out richer if they maintain the focus of quality and goodness. At the Earth Center we seek to acquire what we identify as real wealth. This wealth is what we know to be quality. The values of a kem, the honor of our ancestors and the goodness and cleanliness we keep in our hearts is what transcends death and can never be taken away. A student who is looking to gain these things in his or her life is destined to be faced with hard work. It's no easy task, but the individual comes out a better person if they face each challenge with an open heart. The life of a Kem is surrounded by the constant reminder that there is always the opportunity to do the right thing, make the right decision, and move forward in life. In contrast, it is soon understood that being in the territory of good does not bring a sense of safety, but a sense of awareness, observation, and patience. It means that once we have found ourselves on the side of good, there always exists the possibility of going to the side of evil, so we work very hard to make goodness familiar and comfortable to us. Despite the distractions we create or allow within ourselves, we work hard to fulfill the values that have kept our culture strong and resilient. This is the work of a Kem. This is the work these new graduates are here to take hold of and it is all of our wish to see them continue to flourish and bloom day by day.