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And we are all working hard as individuals and organizations to evolve. This year The Omo Obatala Egbe Inc. is hosting our 23rd Annual International Orisa and 2nd Virtual Conference. Imagine three days where you can showcase your products or services to hundreds of online attendees...all from the comfort of your home or place of business. To begin your sponsor registration, go to Once submitted, someone from our conference committee will get back to you with more information. We are again using the versatile platform Hopin. We will be offering a free tutorial (date TBD) to familiarize registered sponsors with the platform. We look forward to you joining us. Two Packages: Sponsor Only - Virtual vendor booth to showcase products and services Sponsorship + Register - Above PLUS registration for conference. Sponsors will be admitted based on space availability as well as product distinction. Please complete our order form to secure your spot. 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Lumumba is the former National Strategies and Partnerships Director at The Movement for Black Lives. From 1994 – 1998 Lumumba served as programming coordinator at the Franklin H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCC). During his tenure at CCC, he also co-found Azabache, an organizers training conference and workshop series for young activists. All the while as a Black Studies Major at City College of NY/CUNY. He went on to receive his Masters in Human Service from Lincoln University in 1998. As a member and organizer with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Mr. Akinwole-Bandele helped establish its campaign to counter police abuse and misconduct. He also co-founded the world renowned Black August Hip Hop Project. Black August raises awareness and support for political prisoners in the United States. From 2002 to 2007 Lumumba served as a counselor and lecturer at Medgar Evers College/CUNY. Fall 2019, Lumumba taught an Introduction to Ethnic Studies course at San Francisco State University. Lumumba continues to teach his community organizing class as an adjunct lecturer within the City University of New York. From 2011 to 2020, he served as the Director of Community Organizing at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Lumumba currently sits on two boards, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602814822764-PHK5J9GK408X97I0J7V5/416788_10150647244446878_327652122_n+%282%29+%281%29+%281%29.jpg Presenter Gallery Dr. Ayoka Wiles has over 20 years of leadership experience transforming and inspiring organizational and program development for arts, culture, education, youth development, and social justice organizations. Ayoka has worked with several community-based organizations integrating the arts, literacy, spirituality, and cultural education in programming for youth and adults.   She served as the first Associate Director of Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy and then returned to serve as the Associate Executive Director/Interim Director of Finance for 5 years. While at Ifetayo, she also was a dance teacher/coach and managed an award-winning youth ensemble which received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award recognized by First Lady Michelle Obama. Ayoka has led a consulting firm supporting nonprofit organizations build capacity; a Business Manager for the Village of Arts and Humanities, the Director of a Nonprofit Incubator at Resources of Human Development as well as Grants Director and Director of Programs and Strategies at the Brooklyn Arts Council. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1604007606414-FO9WD3YBPIXJUIPBALZP/abusia-radio-logo-alt-simple-3-transp.png Presenter Gallery Abusia means family, and Abusia Radio has created a sanctuary- a new home for the music that makes you Dance. For 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there is a landing space where the music lovers, the marginalized, the misfits and the House-Heads are always welcome. Abusia means family, and Abusia Radio plays music for your soul. Abusia Radio was created to maintain Dance music culture in its purest form, rooted in the expressions of the Black experience. The station is meant to give the listener the same vibes as the legendary clubs/dance rooms, and record stores, but from the comfort of your phone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603937652117-XUZ1T5MDGT13JLF3GDMS/Guellwaar+Adu%CC%81n+por+Mauro+Akin+Nassor.jpg Presenter Gallery Marcus Gonçalves da Silva, aka Guellwaar Adun, has used music, writing, and socially-engaged artistic work to contribute to the vitality of contemporary Afro- Brazilian culture in his home of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil since the late 1980s. Guellwaar is the co-founder, director, and editor of the first Black publishing house in northeastern Brazil, Ogum's Press—Editora Ogum's, which began publishing in 2014 and grew out of the Afro-Brazilian writer's collective, Coletivo Literário Ogum's Toques. Since its founding, Ogum's Press has published poetry, novel, non-fiction, and children's book. Guellwaar has also published his first book of poems, desinteiro, in 2016 (Ogum's). The publishing house mission is to publish black writers in Brazil, United States, and African Diaspora, translating them to add effort to our collective and international challenge of building bridges and dialogues between us. Guellwaar is qualified to lecture about the religion of Candomblé, an African-based spiritual religion created in Brazil by the people stolen from Congo/Angola, Nigeria, and Benin, as a practitioner and as an expert in the field of religious studies. He was initiated thirty years ago, by the hands of Ogum in one of the few remaining Ijexa temples in Bahia, at Ilê Axé Ogum Tolufá, by Iyalorixa Mirinha. After Iyalorixa Mirinha's transitioned to the ancestors' side, he found a new home on the arms of Oxum, kissed by the Paraguaçu River. Temple Raiz de Airá led by Iyalorixa Mariah Kecy in the heart of São Felix/Cachoeira, the birthplace of samba in Brazil. There, Guellwaar keeps his journey dedicated and committed to the Orixa tradition. He has bestowed the title of Aficodé, the one responsible for caring for the house of Orixa Oxossi/Odé, the hunter. In his artistic and cultural work, he creatively and critically senses the dynamic cross-currents and impact of history and informs modern life in Salvador. And he responds with songs, poems, books, and educational initiatives to speak to the beautiful complications of life in Bahia, the epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture in Brazil. Guellwaar is an accomplished composer of contemporary Afro-Brazilian music. The Blocos Afro/African Brazilian Carnival groups, such Ilê Aiyê, one of the most prestigious cultural organizations in Bahia, sings his songs during its performances; Ilê Aiyê also recorded some of his songs. Four times, his songs have earned him 1st place in the Black Music Composer Contest held by Ilê Aiyê and Malê deBalê. Guellwaar's commitment to music education for the African-Brazilian youth, both street, and community adolescents, has also been an influential strand of his creative and cultural work. He's taught young people music and composition to celebrate self-empowerment and promote self-expression. Many of these youth have followed careers as musicians with musical groups in Brazil. Others are currently working as actors and composing for television and cinema. Nowadays, Guellwaar focuses on establishing the Ogum's Press abroad, preparing the new books the publishing house is about to launch in Brazil and the United States. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603495895630-CHETDC9UGBSADVRAHVFQ/ECF424CB-C657-424F-8E59-915CA429EDD4.JPG Presenter Gallery Mel Adún is an African Brazilian writer engaged with race and gender issues in Brazil. Graduated in Mass media and with a Master degree in Black Literature from the Federal University of Bahia, Mel Adún is also a specialist in script writing. She is the founder of Tobossis, a non profit organization that focuses in gender and race and is the Vice President and co-founder of the Editora Ogum’s Publishing Company. She has been part of over 15 anthologies (poetry and short stories) and has two children books published. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603236289956-6RRW230UC8VGEUFJF91I/Whitney%27s+photo.jpg Presenter Gallery Whitney Battle-Baptiste, is a Professor of Anthropology and Director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Center at UMass Amherst. A native of the Bronx, New York, Battle-Baptiste is a scholar, activist, and priest of Obatala. She sees the classroom and the university campus as a space to engage contemporary issues with a sensibility of the past. Her academic training is in history and historical archaeology. Her research is primarily focused on how the connections of race, gender, sexuality, and class through an archaeological lens. Her research includes archaeological investigations in Nashville, Boston, Great Barrington, and the Bahamas. Her first book, Black Feminist Archaeology, outlines the basic tenets of Black Feminist Thought and research for archaeologists and shows how it can be used to improve contemporary historical archaeology. Her most recent work is an edited volume co-authored with Dr. Britt Rusert, titled W. E. B. Du Bois’s Data Portraits: Visualizing Black America. She is currently working on a project about the material dimensions of police brutality and anti-Blackness in our current moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982681087-9L07LB2TXFLJGJYCH0CF/Joan+Ashley+Head.JPG Presenter Gallery JOAN ASHLEY founding musical director of Alakande! Spread Joy! is a percussionist, vocalist, educator, and composer. A veteran performer, who has toured internationally, brings with her a profound understanding of many magical instruments which is her great appeal to diverse audiences throughout the globe. Ashley’s path graduating from Wellesley College and retiring from The Con Edison Company of New York has allowed her to continue to follow her passion of music and creativity full throttle. Ashley has shared the stage with internationally renowned musicians and performers such as Hugh Masekela, Max Roach, Roy Ayers, Odetta, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. Additionally, she has toured with the enchanting musical “Edutainers” Women Of The Calabash, Opus Dance Theartre Company, Ase Drumming Circle and Edwina Lee Tyler and A Piece of the World. Ashley has created a variety of original compositions with a wide range of sounds and percussive effects, including a performance piece with visual artist Faith Ringgold. Ashley’s vast performances include appearances in notable venues across America such as, The Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center , The Village Gate, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Symphony Space, The Albright-Knox Art Gallery, The Walker Arts Center, The Brooklyn Museum, Zellerbach Hall, IMAC Theater, Prospect Park Band Shell, and Jacob’s Pillow. Most recently Alakande had the honor of performing at the Marvin Gaye stamp dedication at the African Burial Ground National Monument in NYC. Her collaborations with other musicians, poets, storytellers and dancers are a highlight of her career that brings her not only great fulfillment but also great inspiration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602816809772-DVQZ5APKUHVLDTC3RXIR/Ernestine+B+Headshot+%281%29.png Presenter Gallery Iyalocha Ernestine Belgrave is an ordained priest of 16 years in the Yoruba Lukumi tradition. As the founder of The Adura Circle, a weekly online prayer group, she is dedicated to supporting the spiritual practice of ATR devotees and newcomers by fostering meaningful and transformational dialogue between ordained thought leaders and the larger community. She is also an active member of Egbe Omo Yemoja, Inc. Iya Ernestine graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Communications and has applied her knowledge of public relations and marketing to a myriad of national and regional accounts that span across the sectors of lifestyle, hospitality, travel, food, beverage, beauty, construction, and entertainment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602816622077-HVJ754IFB1W5SMTZBA07/Yaba+Blay+Photo.jpg Presenter Gallery Dr. Yaba Blay is a scholar-activist, content creator, and cultural consultant whose work centers on the lived experiences of Black women and girls, with a particular focus on identity/body politics and beauty practices. Lauded by O Magazine for her social media activism, she has launched several viral campaigns including 'Locs of Love,' #PrettyPeriod, and #ProfessionalBlackGirl, her multi-platform digital community. Widely respected as one of the foremost thought leaders on Black racial identity, colorism, and beauty politics, her commentary is featured in A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond, a permanent installation exhibited in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Dr. Blay is the author of the award-winning One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race, which will be republished by Beacon Press in February 2021. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602816720742-YPOVI93KOMUD9WZWCDH4/myrah+head+shot+%281%29.jpg Presenter Gallery Dr. Myrah Brown Green is an art historian, author, lecturer and independent curator. Born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dr. Myrah moved to Brooklyn, New York to complete her BFA at Pratt Institute. She later received a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in world symbols. Dr. Myrah is also a professional quilt maker who has been quilting and teaching textile arts for over thirty years. Her quilts are in a number of prestigious collections including the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Museum in Washington, D.C. and Michigan State University. Over the past ten years, Dr. Myrah has devoted much of her time assisting artists of color document and archive their personal art-work and private collections. Her award-winning book, Brooklyn on My Mind: Black Artists from the WPA to the Present, was released in November of 2018. Dr. Myrah interviews women artists of color on her bi-weekly webinars, Voices of Art: Interviews with Master Artists. She is extensively researching the presence of African symbols in North American quilts for her upcoming manuscript. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602816238266-5NFG2KH11MBC9XVDWZDK/Ayodele%27s+Headshot.jpg Presenter Gallery Born and raised in the culture-rich suburbs of New York City, Ayodele Carter-Davis was surrounded by art, music and other uncategorized expressions of the human spirit. In her early years, Ayodele watched her Mom cut patterns and sew their clothes in the living room. From her Mom’s simple sketches at the age of seven grew the love for drawing. Art, specifically drawing and painting, has been the mainstay of Ayodele’s curriculum from the 7th grade through college. With a major in Architecture and a minor in Fine Arts, Ayodele built a strong career in the world of engineering and technology consulting. Never far from her art, she began to share her talents with the public in 2012 with her first solo art show in Brooklyn, New York. As resident of Manassas, Virginia for over 15 years, Ayodele held her second art show in Manassas in 2014. With the strength of two successful shows, Ayodele now shares her art each Saturday morning at the Reston Indie Market in Lake Anne, VA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602816388481-OTU7QGBJPDUUED9W4F0I/Chief+Baba+Neil+Clarke+-+Hd+Sht.jpeg Presenter Gallery Chief Baba Neil Clarke is a master African-centered percussionist, bandleader, producer, educator, and scholar. He studied with and was mentored by some of the world’s master percussionists of his time notably: “Chief” James H. Bey, Baba Kwame Ishangi, Ladji Camara, Olukose Wiles, Souleye Diop, Orlando Rios, among others. An award-winning musician himself, Chief Baba Neil has collaborated and performed with countless noted artists globally, including Dianne Reeves, Phyllis Hyman, Third World, Norman Connors, David Sanborn, Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu, Mr. Harry Belafonte (for 15 years) and NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston (for close to three decades). In 2016, Chief Baba Neil received a Jazz Impact Award from the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium. He is a founding member of both “Omi Yesa” the oldest African American Orisa music group and the legendary International African American Ballet. Chief Clarke currently sits on the Council of Elders of Dance Africa. He’s received multiple research grants and fellowships in support of his efforts, most notably twice from the BMRC in Chicago, Ill. and most recently in 2019-20, a highly competitive Scholar-in-Residence Fellowship from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, NYC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982888439-Z6Q4JFZMK12LZ3EQ5RMM/Antoinette+Emers.PNG Presenter Gallery Iya Antoinette Obaforable M. Emers is a native of Harlem and Washington Heights. She was born to Miguel A. Emers which has provided a rich African-American Cuban foundation. In other words ‘A Plantaino Collard Green’ Life. Iya Antoinette a priest of Palo, Lucumi, Spiritualism and Eucharist layperson. Iya Antoinette is dedicated Mother, Grandmother, Godmother, Goddaughter, Community Activist, Builder and Poet. Her mantra is Pay forward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603985110804-QO2CIGF257XPHB8BN88N/Ola+DeJean+%281%29.jpg Presenter Gallery Denise “Ola” Dejean began her career to Repertory Theater as a performer and choreographer with The Demi-Gods, under the direction of Joseph A. Walker. She performed with this company at numerous venues including the Negro Ensemble Company, Lincoln Center and Brooklyn Academy of Music. Ms. Dejean joined the Chuck Davis Company as a dancer and teacher. As a dancer, she traveled throughout the continental United States conducting workshops, giving lecture demonstrations, and teaching master classes. Through a National Endowment for the Arts artist funded schools program, she taught classes to senior citizens, the mentally and physically challenged youth, adults and children. Ola holds a Masters of Science Degree from Hunter College in Dance/Movement Therapy. In 1980, Ms. Dejean began singing in the Yoruba/Santeria vocal tradition. She has recorded with Heriberto Dalman, Milton Cardona and Amma Mcken. She has performed nationally, in Boston, California, Pennsylvania, Florida and internationally, in Panama, Cuba, Brazil, and at the Berlin, Germany Jazz Festival. Ms. Dejean was initiated into the priesthood of the Yoruba faith, to the deity Obatala, on December 1983. She is one of the founding members of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc. She has been one of the rotating instructors at the Orisa Song and Dance Workshop, which is one of the most highly anticipated activities of this event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602816991914-0VKVHUQYMDS296O0C5MO/PicsArt_10-06-11.14.21.jpg Presenter Gallery Ogundipe Fayomi A Brooklyn resident since 1969, he graduated from Pratt Institute after transferring from Hillsdale College in Michigan. In 1973, He graduated from Pratt with a B.F.A. in sculpture with honors. His work is in the collections of the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Arthur Ashe Estate, Medgar Evers College, Randy Wexton archives. He has created sculpture, jewelry and artwork for over 50 years. Also, as a member of the Yoruba Orisha community here in the U.S.,He has created numerous religious artifacts in fabricated metal, forged metal and carved wood. The legendary Nigerian Yoruba carver, Lamide Fakeye, gave me the title of “master carver” here in the U.S. Some of his Art Commissions include: He won the art commission from the NYC Parks Dept. for the Dr. Ronald McNair Monument, He also created a 5” brass model of the “Prometheus” sculpture at Rockefeller Center in NYC, He has created numerous religious objects and jewelry, for the Yoruba religious community of the U.S. and Brazil. His “Yoruba Pendant Collection”, which depicts some of the most popular “Orisha”, has been in production for more than 40 years. He also designed and created the original “Black Cameo” for Coreen Simpson Designs, which thousands of women were proud to wear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1604104403453-OTGWPX42WZTO0Z644WLG/20201030_181523.png Presenter Gallery Suzanne M. Henderson received her Ph.D. in African American Studies from Temple University in 2007. Dr. Henderson is the former Assistant Dean in the Graduate Division of St. John College at St. John’s University. In the time Dr. Henderson was at St. John’s University, she was instrumental in the re-formulation and execution of policies that affect all graduate students across the university. She taught African American Studies in the Sociology department, served on the committee in creating a major in Africana Studies on the graduate level, served on the Presidential Multicultural Committee, re-vitalized the Africana Studies professional certificate and continues to publish articles in referred journals within her field. Dr. Henderson is a subject matter expert in the religious tradition of the Yoruba people of West Africa particularly the practice of the tradition in the United States. Her groundbreaking research focuses on African-Americans in the United States who practice the Yoruba religious tradition of Orisha worship. Her previous higher education assignment was as Coordinator of Student Activities at Temple University Ambler. As a seasoned higher education administrator, Dr. Henderson planned and implemented various types of programs and educational opportunities that illuminated the value of scholarship and distinction in higher education. She is very passionate about conceptualizing, implementing, and adapting a full range of significant administrative services and programs that have pedagogy of learning and service that intersects race, ethnicities, class, gender, sexual orientations, and nationalities of all students. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Henderson graduated from Iowa State University in 1990 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Speech Communications/Theater. In 1993, she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Education with a specialization in Counseling. She has a proven track record of accomplishments within higher education and student services. While working on her Ph.D., Dr. Henderson served as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Student Life at Temple University Ambler. During this time, she collaborated with the Assistant Dean for Student Life on advisement and program development to agencies and organizations throughout the university. Throughout her professional career, Dr. Henderson has endeavored to enhance higher education opportunities for all students. Her assignments have included being the Coordinator of Community Affairs with the Institute for the Study of Literature, Literacy and Culture at Temple University, Registrar at the Illinois School for Professional Psychology and Scholarship Coordinator for a not-for-profit agency in a Chicago public housing projects. Even as an undergraduate student, Dr. Henderson worked as the Assistant Director of the Iowa School Business Management Academy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602967723119-FSS240T4RLTD83QIDMOR/IMG_8642.JPG Presenter Gallery Dr. Kokahvah Zauditu-Selassie is a Professor of English at Coppin State University in the Humanities Department. She earned her Doctorate in the Humanities from Clark Atlanta University. She is the author of “I Got a Home in Dat Rock: Memory, Orisa, and Yoruba Spiritual Identity in African American Literature” in Orisa: Yoruba Gods and Spiritual Identity in Africa and the Diaspora, as well as several journal articles including, “Women Who Know Things: African Epistemologies, Ecocriticism, and Female Spiritual Authority in the Novels of Toni Morrison, Dancing Between Two Realms: Sacred Resistance and Remembrance in African American Culture. She is also the author of an award-winning book of critical essays titled, African Spiritual Traditions in the Novels of Toni Morrison a 2009 publication of the University Press of Florida. Her research focuses on highlighting ritual acts of memory and resistance. A priest of Obàtálá in the Lukumi Yoruba tradition, she is a descendant of a matrilineal group of Vodun believers from New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently she is studying the traditions of Osain in the Lukumi system and in other global African cultures, as well as indigenous systems in the Americas. Her current publication is a novel titled, The Second Line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603904506751-XIZUJLW1YANZKIZ4V89Z/Headshot+red+hat.jpg Presenter Gallery Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper is a self-taught visual artist who transforms found objects and mixed media into assemblage art. As an arts instructor she uses the arts to nurture the creativity of cancer patients, their families, and staff in healthcare settings. She also guides elderly participants through arts projects at senior centers and conducts art workshops for the general public in her Washington Heights art studio. Wilhelmina is the founder of SISTAAH, Inc. (Survivors Inspiring Sisters Through Art and Advocacy for Health), an arts-based non-profit organization which seeks to inform, encourage and facilitate access to early detection of breast cancer by connecting the medically underserved to free screening service information. Using SISTAAH, Inc. as a platform, Wilhelmina has launched successful grant-funded community projects: Saving Our Sisters in the African American Community, and the Harlem Hand Fan Initiative and Open Your Eyes Community Arts Project. Wilhelmina was honored with numerous prestigious awards for art: The Black Art Makers Award of National Conference of Artists, The Women’s History Month Creative Power of Women Award presented by New York State Senator Bill Perkins, and The Alain Locke Art & Action Award presented by The Harlem Arts Alliance. She was also a NoMAA (Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance) 2016 Uptown Arts Stroll Honoree. Her first self-published book, A Feeling of Fullness: Insights of a Divinely Guided Journey Beyond Breast Cancer (2016, Xlibris Publishing Company) chronicles the journey from the nearly missed breast cancer diagnosis at age 37 through her present-day life as an artist/author/health awareness advocate and arts instructor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603073848550-0VZ61941IG3VCKPIRNR1/Photograph+Of+Iyanifa+Jo+Anna+Hunter.png Presenter Gallery Jo Anna Hunter, Ìyánifá Omotinúwe, owner of Black Madonna Enterprises Publishing Company, has been involved in the study of Yorùbá Isese (traditionalism) and Lùkùmí Òrìsà religions for more than three decades. She is an Ìyálòrìsà of Aganjú and an Ìyánifá with an M.A. Degree in Cultural Sociology from the University of Louisville. She has lectured and written on the many healing aspects of Yorùbá Culture, and her experiences living and traveling in Africa, Cuba, Europe, Asia and Brazil. Ìyánifá Omotinúwe, is also the author of the groundbreaking book My Journey to Aganjú: The Òrìsà so Hard to Find. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602815798191-BOD2G1V0YOIMVGWA5IKJ/Iya+Michelle+Hutton.JPG Presenter Gallery Michelle Hutton Iya Michelle’s career has largely been driven by a calling to service her community as a spiritual advisor. Iya Michelle acquired a Master of Arts degree in Education from Grace Graduate School in 1985 and a Master’s of Divinity from ITC Interdenominational Theological Centre in Atlanta in 1989. Upon her graduation, she completed a CPE Clinical Pastoral Education, while working in several Atlanta hospitals as a chaplain and ordained minister. Iya Michelle then went onto become the first female chaplain to be hired by the Atlanta Police Department. Shortly after, she again made history by becoming the first female chaplain to open two federal prisons, one in Illinois and another in Brooklyn. As a chaplain, she was responsible for all religious services across all different denominations. She retired right before 9/11, and since then she has serviced the orisha community as a designer and as an iyalorisha ordained to Ochosi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603026949132-FCFKPX1R1W913CD2244A/Shantrelle2.jpeg Presenter Gallery New Orleans native, Shantrelle P. Lewis, a United Nations Programme for People of African Descent Fellow, is a multi-hyphen creative and scholar who accesses multiple genres and disciplines to help elucidate African Diasporic history, aesthetics, culture and spirituality. Her directorial debut, in collaboration with GirlTrek, Daughters Of premiered at the BlackStar Film Festival in 2020 and won the Shine Award for Best Film from a Philadelphia based filmmaker. Her celebrated exhibit, Dandy Lion: (Re)Articulating Black Masculine Identity, has exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and Europe. This work led to the publication of Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style, her first book, with Aperture in 2017. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, BBC, Washington Post, Salon, The New Yorker and the Philadelphia Inquirer. She co-founded SHOPPE BLACK with her husband and fellow Howard alum, Tony Oluwatyoin Lawson. In 2016, after their Royal Wedding of Zamunda themed wedding went viral, it was dubbed as "The Blackest Wedding Ever." Shantrelle is also an initiated Lucumi Sango Priest. Also, a self-identifying Hoodooist, Shantrelle can be found waxing poetics about all things African spirituality online at Beaucoup Hoodoo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982336908-GWAXTWLPALX8MNIF292L/Mandisa+Mchawi+%281%29.jpg Presenter Gallery Mandisa Mchawi Born into the Yoruba/Lucumi tradition and initiated in 1985 by Olusunmi (Lloyd Weaver) and Adeleti, Ibae (Wambui Mills) Mandisa Mchawi, Osun Moremi has been running Ocha kitchens for 30 years. Apprenticing with her ojubona since age 9, Mandisa contends that the kitchen is the heart and soul of the igbodu and has participated in thousands of initiations and ceremonies. Mandisa has worked in youth development for over 25 years and lives in Brooklyn, NY. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602985170650-2432JA8V3Q6BOWQT9P7N/Screen+Shot+2020-10-17+at+9.37.20+PM.png Presenter Gallery Kemba Mchawi, Ed.S is the author of Growing Up Yoruba, a book for teens and parents coming up in the Yoruba Lucumi religious tradition. She has worked in education for over 25 years as a teacher and education specialist. Ms. Mchawi's current social activism includes being president of Oloshas United Atlanta, and co-founder of Water For Justice, a social justice based organization, which formed this past summer in support of the struggle for justice and equality for black people. Ms. Mchawi is mother of three college-educated daughters. She works closely with her godchildren, and members of her religious community. In her spare time, Ms. Mchawi enjoys reading, writing, and walking the mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603403895260-A82GTXFSS6FZUGR1TZ5Z/carlos+headshot.jpg Presenter Gallery Carlos Mena is a music producer and DJ that has produced music for Grammy winning and Platinum selling artists. A frequently requested DJ and resident at the world famous now defunct Output club, His eclectic sets continue to garner him the label of one of the hottest DJs on the U.S. circuit, having played at 6 of Rolling Stone's TOP Clubs in the U.S. Carlos is also initiated in the Lucumi tradition to the Orisha Aganyu and is also an Olubata. His program Ocha Talk can be seen on instagram and Youtube every Friday afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602818923766-BZU9BQGTXYCIWUU2I1R2/20200229_YESMAAM_%C2%A9ralstonsmith.com-4.jpg Presenter Gallery Kateria Niambi has a professional career spanning over thirty years and within every niche area in the field of marketing; most notably and namely as a subject matter expert in school branding and digital marketing. However at a very young age, Kateria connected with spirit on a different plane than others. A plane that didn’t manifest in huge and amazing ways until she was much older and drawn to the African spiritual tradition of her ancestors as her foundation for worship. As a spiritualist and priest in the Yoruba Lukumi tradition, Kateria eventually found her path to alignment with Source and everything that comes with that: a greater desire to help others on their personal journey as she travels on her own. Now as The Hungry Medium, her goal is sincere; to inspire folks to make a shift. Whether it’s lowering or eliminating the consumption of animal products to fight disease or feeling “lighter” in our everyday lives, she hopes to impart techniques she uses to move in this world with intention and prayer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602817306731-5FD24TGZCBBX3XGMG008/DJO+John+Midgley+Headshot+1+%281%29.jpg Presenter Gallery Daniel José Older is the New York Times bestselling author of the Middle Grade historical fantasy series Dactyl Hill Squad, The Book of Lost Saints, the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series, Star Wars: Last Shot, and the award winning Young Adult series the Shadowshaper Cypher, which won the International Latino Book Award and was shortlisted for the Kirkus Prize in Young Readers’ Literature, the Andre Norton Award, the Locus, the Mythopoeic Award, and named one of Esquire’s 80 Books Every Person Should Read. He is a lead story architect on the Star Wars cross platform initiative The High Republic. He co-wrote the upcoming graphic novel Death’s Day and writes the monthly IDW comic book series The High Republic Adventures. He's been an initiated priest of Yemonja for ten years. You can find more info and read about his decade long career as an NYC paramedic at http://danieljoseolder.net/. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603157730341-1M7VLAE3SD4M7V3D8B2E/Verda+Olayinka.png Presenter Gallery In her professional role as a Culture Broker, Verda H. Olayinka assisted individuals and families who were not able to navigate social healthcare systems for themselves. She has been a Cultural Consultant thirty-four years providing social science solutions in community education, public health, and integrated healthcare. Professor Verda Olayinka formerly served as an Adjunct Professor in the Africana Studies Department at CUNY Brooklyn College teaching “The Black Family” and “Black Women in America.” From 2014 - 2019, Ms. Olayinka taught “Roots and Routes of African Diaspora Resistance”, and participated in course development for the online course “The African American Experience” at SUNY Empire State College’s Center for Distance Learning. In 2016, Professor Olayinka published Activating Social Solutions: Essential Keys to Progress. By 2018, Ms. Olayinka edited, Ifa: Path to Enlightenment, which provides spiritual grounding to enhance active engagement in the continued urgency for social transformation. This presentation was written in response to repeated requests on social media asking essentially, how to connect with one’s Ori? Chapter 5: “Ori”, provides the foundation for the Saturday morning 9 – 10:30 Author’s Reading Room presentation, Ori: Sacred Language for Our Collective Liberation, at the 22nd International Orisa Conference. Please feel free to email VerdaOlayinka@gmail.com if you missed this presentation or for further information on “Ori.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982025796-JH1GQUFG6H2S1SNP6LYC/Oludare.png Presenter Gallery OLUDARÉ- it means, “God gives me the sanction to LIVE!” Oludaré is a Balogun (Priest of Ogun), Aponni (Music Healing Ceremonial Leader), Omo Anya (Sacred Healing Drummer), Dancer and Author of Breathing With Orisha. He is a #RespiratoryActivist and believes in #RESPARATIONS- a spin off of reparations that includes the freedom and time for African Descendants to practice intentional healing through the breath, song and movements of their own ancestral lineages. He is the Author if Breathing With Orisha which has been archived in the Harvard University Library as a living document that discusses the breathing methods of resilience for Black communities during the rise of the Global Covid 19 pandemic. Through Kìire Wellness, Oludaré teaches private and public chair breathing, dance, song, and music workshops that culturally restore African descendants, strengthen their physical health and fortify their spiritual practice. His work is dedicated to promoting wellness in African Descendant communities- and it all starts with the Breath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982199062-OIZRLHA8UUGCTABGCYN9/Oloriwaa%21+pic+SkaRunch+Hat+Gele.jpg Presenter Gallery Iyalorisa Amma Oloriwaa! is a passionate artist, community activist, leader, teacher, and lecturer. A proud Brooklyn native initiated in the Yoruba/Lukumi tradition often called to represents religions of the African diaspora in the interfaith community. Iya Oloriwaa! is a visionary who is the Founder and Alakoso (Director) of the Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin * Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin (Society of Young Men and Young Women of Character) Rites of Passage Program. She is an Apon (singer of traditional African religious music) and an Oba Oriate (leader of religious ceremony) in training. Iya is a published author, and designer of Brooklyn SkaRunch Hats. She is a founding member of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc, and of the Ijo Orisa Yoruba Church, and has served as vice admin of Oloshas United NY. With Oloshas United she created the now annual Ibaye-In Memoriam Tribute to honor deceased members of African traditional communities. She is an esteemed member of Dance Africa’s Council of Elders Iya is most proud of her children and Egbe Iwa Alum Amma Whatt, Kofi Agyapon, and Oludare Bernard who are making their own mark on the world. She performs with the Kiire Wellness family created by Oludare. Iya Oloriwaa! has received many awards and commendations for her work. She is honored and considers it a blessing to be of service. She would love to hear from you at Egbeiwadirector@gmail.com and invites you to please visit the Egbe’s web site at www.EgbeIwa.org https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603742911029-M1NLG4HOQCJTLL7RCQ6S/Profile+Pictures.png Presenter Gallery Richard Onque is a Spiritual Advisor, medium, practitioner, and instructor for over 25 year. Additionally, he a practicing Buddhist, and a Priest of Obatala in the Yoruba/Lucumi practice for over 22 years. Professionally, his has been employed by a few Fortune 500 organizations for over 20 years. He has held various positions where he gained experience in management, leadership, development, and training. His most recent position, he was a recruiter for one of the top nationwide recruiting firms. He resides in New Jersey where he is a community spiritual medium, counselor, and trainer. He teaches classes on spiritualism, tarot, goal setting, elements, and religious practices. He is an independent business owner, who has a meditation CD, various spiritual products, and courses. His primary goal is helping people discovering their purpose, and development of self. His believes in the power of manifestation; “So Say It, So Be It.” You can learn more about him on his website: GuidanceByRichard.com and/or via email at: hello@guidancebyrichard.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602816113659-V1EQZU7Q3CJIQMLUY4PO/DA_VERA_VB.jpg Presenter Gallery Vera Passos, dancer, choreographer, master teacher, holds the position of Associate Artistic Director with Viver Brasil Dance Company and is considered one of Salvador, Bahia’s most elegant and eloquent dancers. Vera’s profound and indigenous relationship with Afro-Brazilian movement and music richly infuses Viver Brasil’s artistic and cultural offerings. In her own words, Vera acknowledges the importance and impact that Bahian culture has in shaping the power and expression that she articulates and commands as an artist, “My culture is my inspiration, my feet speak with the earth and bring ancestral messages of joy, resistance and harmony.” Passos has taught the Silvestre technique and orixa dance symbology throughout the world since 2002. She was a principal dancer for the acclaimed Balé Folclórico da Bahia touring throughout Brazil, Europe, Asia, the US and South America for ten years. In 2010, she was invited by Viver Brasil to train the company, to perform and to tour. Vera’s dynamism and choreographic works grace the repertoire of Viver Brasil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602985691696-JKHQBLBM2BQTH8O9ZV6V/Peggy+Robles+Alvarado.jpg Presenter Gallery Peggy Robles-Alvarado is an award-winning performance poet and an initiated Lucumí and Palo Priestess. She is a Pushcart Prize nominee, 2020 Atticus Review Poetry Contest winner, and a BRIO award winner. Peggy has received fellowships from CantoMundo, Homeschool, Desert Nights Rising Stars, The Frost Place, VONA, and The Kweli Journal. She is also an International Latino Book Award winner and a tenured New York City educator with degrees in elementary, bilingual education, and an MFA in Performance Studies. She was featured on HBO Habla Women, Lincoln Center, Poets & Writers, The Black Spirit Solstice Summit, and The BADD! ASS Women Festival. She’ s authored Conversations With My Skin (2011), Homage To The Warrior Women (2012), and through Robleswrites Productions created The Abuela Stories Project (2016) and Mujeres, The Magic, The Movement and The Muse (2017). Her poetry appears in the anthologies The Breakbeat Poets Vol. 4: LatiNext (2020), What Saves Us: Poems of Empathy and Outrage in the Age of Trump (2019), Latinas: Voices of Protest and Struggles (2017), and ¡Manteca!- Afro- Latin@ Poets (2017). She directed sold-out performances of the poetic play Live Big Girl (2017) as well as a staged performative reading of her latest anthology. Currently, she facilitates a highly popular virtual writing workshop titled Line Breaks and Bronx Beats and continues to curate writing and performative experiences through Robleswrites Productions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603660062066-B1MQJF9GKXNGGPMW9M53/Baba+Hector+%281%29.jpg Presenter Gallery My name is Baba Hector. I was born in New York City. I am second generation to Obatala Ajaguna. My father was made from Junito Yemoja and I was made from Oshun Kelly. My lineage is Ibaye Efuche Warikondo. In my mid 20's, I attend Full Sail University, were I was able to receive my B.S. in Game Art & M.S. in Game Design. After few months of graduation, I was guided, by my Ori, in a dream to illustrate children's books about Orisha. I have always been involved in Art programs throughout my life. And, I have also been surrounded in this tradition from a very young age. I was able to use my talents to help our community because in the 90's, there were no children's books about Orisha from what I experienced. Being an independent publisher has enabled me to connect the children with Orisha. That is very important to me, as a new parent, and for all our future generations. Ashe O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603742695872-WUDB583AW28U6C4GBMGL/Victory+at+Columbia+U+.jpg Presenter Gallery Gloria M. Rodríguez, is a Professor of Psychology at Bronx Community College of The City University of New York and holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Her interests and ongoing research include womanist/mujerista feminism, cultural, spiritual, and social psychology. She has contributed chapters to: The Invisible Alliance – Psyche and Spirit in Feminist Therapy, Through The Eyes of Rebel Women – The Young Lords: 1969-1976, Latina Outsiders: Remaking Latina Identity and has authored several articles for academic peer-reviewed journals. Gloria released her first self-published book, You Are More Than Good Enough in 2011, which won First Place awards in the Self-Help and Spiritual categories, and Second Place in the Women’s Issues category at The International Latino Book Awards. In Fall 2018, Gloria was awarded Faculty of the Year award by the Association of Latino Faculty and Staff and in Spring 2018, she was awarded Faculty of the Year by the broader college community. She has also received numerous awards by various women’s and community organizations, including Hispanicize Positive Impact Award, The National Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee, Dedicate to Educate, Inc. The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diasporic Institute, El Comite Noviembre and FIERCE Woman of the Year,among others. Gloria founded and is the faculty director of Womxn Up! - the first Women’s Center at Bronx Community College and the only one in the three CUNY Bronx Colleges. Since it’s inception in Fall 2019 – Womxn Up! has provided innovative, intersectional and collaborative programs and workshops that have served thousands of students at BCC. Gloria’s volunteer community service record started over 45 years ago, with her involvement as a student, community leader, and social activist in her community of Brooklyn and as a leading member of the Young Lords Party in NY and Philadelphia. Equality for women was integral to the Young Lord’s philosophy and her history serves as a strong foundation for the founding, building and direction of DeAlmas Women’s Institute, a community-based organization, literally meaning “of the soul.” DeAlmas is dedicated to providing women and girls the opportunity to reclaim, honor, heal, express and celebrate their Divine Feminine power and potential – whereby transforming the larger society for a just and compassionate world. Ms. Rodríguez presents workshops, keynote addresses and lectures to national and international audiences at major colleges, conferences and retreats. Her signature program - the Guapa Leadership Retreat for adolescent girls has served hundreds of middle and high school young womxn in the Aspira schools in Philadelphia, and independent schools and mental health organizations in New York City. Gloria is the mother of two adult children - Nicole Rodriguez-Leach and Zaydee Santiago, and an adoring Lela (abuela) to Jalen, Talia and Lola – her 3 grandchildren. She is an initiate in the Lukumi-Yoruba religious tradition as a daughter of Oshun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982548173-371YA7WO9XE49LQ1ZJH0/Copy+of+Laura+Soaries.jpg Presenter Gallery Laura Ayeshah Soaries is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with over 40 years of experience in the New York City Health Care System. Laura attended Long Island University Respiratory Therapy Program and Eventually Graduated From The New York City Health And Hospitals Respiratory Program At Coney Island Hospital Back In June Of 1976. She immediately started her career path working at Goldwater Memorial Hospital on Roosevelt Hospital and in May of 1978 Laura Ayeshah was recruited to work at New York Methodist Hospital, where she worked for 36 years up to her retirement,in June of 2015. Laura Ayeshah currently works per diem at New York Community Hospital to keep her license and skill up to date. In 1984 what started out as a hobby, turned into a part time professional African Dance Career Spanning over 15 years. Laura Ayeshah was a principal Dancer, Actor and Instructor with the following Dance companies: Izulu Dance Theater, Calabash Dance Company and Sabar Ak Ru Afriq Dance Theater, as well as a founding member of KowTeff African Dance Company. The past 10 years Laura Ayeshah has used her skills in healthcare and cultural arts to work with young girls and boys helping them to navigate the difficulties transitioning from teens to young adults in such programs as Egbe Iwa Odo Kunrin/Binrin Rites Of Passage Program and as an original parental board member of Ifetayo Cultural Arts Program. Laura Ayeshah currently serves as a Board Of Directors member of KowTeff African Dance Company and as secretary for the first Orisha Egbe formed in the USA, Awo Osun. As part of another need to serve her community, Laura Ayeshah was called as a founding member and administrator for The Adura Circle. Every one of these positions are dear to her heart, because giving back to her community and family is her number one priority. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602981830084-K0K3HEIS1QB8XHI0VEE9/Solomon+Omojie.jpg Presenter Gallery Baba Solomon Mgbejume Omojie (Osundara) is an Ika and Yoruba priest living and working in Lagos, Nigeria. He was born into a amily that has been cultivating Olokun in the Edo tradition for the kings of Owa in the Delta state of Nigeria for 500 years. He initiated to Olokun at the age of 12 and is an Ohenren Olokun. Solomon initiated to Osun and Yemonja with Baba Olukunmi Egbelade. The Baale Yemonja of Ibadan and hold the title Amoja (sash holder) there. Baba Solomon has studied Merindilogun and ritual practice with many great Babas and Iyas including the Baale Yemoja of Ibadan. He has over 100 studens in the US and students in Nigeria as well. While teaching, he also continues to study and visit regularly with his elders. Solomon also holds a postgraduate degree in Criminology from Obafemi Awolowo University and is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in the same field. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982954923-MMTDY58MX68Z4V17N810/Alex+Spencer.JPG Presenter Gallery Alex Spencer is a priest of Shango who has been initiated for 29 years and been seated as an Oriate for the past 21 years. He is the proud father of a 12 year old girl. He is also an educator who has worked for the New York City Department of Education for the past 28 years, the last 13 of them as a Principal. He is a firm believer in the power of moral leadership in both fields of study. He also believes that as parents, priests and as educators we must strive to give what we were given and support others as we have been supported. As an Oriate he has seated one other African American Oriate and as a Principal he has helped four of his Assistant Principals go on to become Principals in their own right. He considers himself to be a student and teacher of this religion and hopes that through continued work and conversation he can continue to teach and learn from all whose who he interacts with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603403772932-6LDCF5E179WSP13C0N68/UR_Logo_Black+%281%29.png Presenter Gallery Underground Revival is an entity founded in the truest traditions of Dance Music from yesterday, today and the future. DJ Josh Thomas's background includes his youthful immersion in music of the Caribbean, and extensive experience watching classics being built from the ground up. DJ Kwab has cultivated a lifelong study of African Dance and music, and has a deeply rooted understanding of Jazz and Soca, among other styles. Together, this unique tandem of DJ’s possess a fused playing style and talent for production that ranges from the international underground to the global mainstream. As the name implies, Underground Revival was born of an overwhelming call to help return dance music and the New York club scene to its roots: the broad spectrum of underground dance music – including Afrobeat?, Jazz / Nu-Jazz?, and, other styles – all being heard under the same roof in one night. Josh and Kwab have been able to expand their quest for revival beyond the trappings of their local scene. Their monthly residency, at the famed Oasis Party in Montreal, has become a place where lovers of all dance music come to sweat uninhibitedly. In addition to landmark New York clubs and parties such as Caviar Studios, Together in Spirit, the monthly House-Dance-Conference and Turntables on the Hudson, they have DJ’d on NY radio, numerous internet mix-shows, and at some of the most talked about venues in Washington DC, Montreal QC (Salon Daomé, Academy, Delima, Stereo Bar, La Panthère Noire) and California among many other places. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982817545-CITU6QJTLJ3M2NSVWWDN/Assata.jpeg Presenter Gallery Assata Ketema Mchawi Assata, initiated at age 8, by her godfather, Alex Spencer, is an OloObatala priest of 22 years. Assata is one of several fourth generation initiates in her family. She grew up in the Yoruba Lucumi tradition under the tutelage of her godfather, mother, Kemba Mchawi and grandmother, Oseye Mchawi. She is a graduate of Egbe Iwa Odo’Kunrin/Egbe Iwa Odo’Binrin, Inc., and a member of Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc. Professionally, Assata is master of public health with a strong interest in Epidemiology. She has worked on several healthcare initiatives over the course of 8 years, including disease prevention and care coordination for underserved populations in New York City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602985361861-4WGMAQ7EB5WTL1R0VTMR/Baba+Larry+Washington.jpg Presenter Gallery “Music has taken me to hundreds of places that 4 years in the U.S. Navy never did,” says Larry Washington. Early in life Washington was trained and worked as a mechanic in his dad’s auto repair business. Cars and music became the two loves of his youth. “Baba Larry” as he is known, turned his childhood love of congo and other hand drums into a career more than 30 years ago. As a professional musician he has traveled and performed locally, nationally and internationally – appearing in such diverse venues as basement after-hour clubs and Madison Square Garden. An arts educator, Baba Larry works with children of all ages and abilities. He has taught workshops and residencies in senior centers, universities, elementary schools and even day care centers. One of the keys to his success is Baba Larry’s belief that in order to teach/facilitate learning, one must continue to be a student. Among those he has studied with includes Chief Bey, Orlando “Puntilla” Rios, Louis Bauzo, Babafemi Akinlana, Felito Oviedo, Glen Weber, Babatunde Olatunji, Lazaro Ros, Felipe Garcia, Lazaro Calarga and Lillian Burchard. Born a son of Ogun, Baba Larry was initiated into the Yoruba priesthood in 1999 by Barbara Kenyatta-Bey and Frances Humphrey. He can still keep his car well tuned, but has added the tools of a woodcarver and instrument maker to Ogun’s pot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982479632-34HOR3ZK09SRYXVM7VTH/Lynette.png Presenter Gallery Iya Lynette White-Mathews is a Priest of Obatala with 41 years in the Lukumi Yoruba tradition. Her godparents were, Ascension Serrano Rodrigues, Osaunco, “Sunta” Ibaye as she was affectionately known and Haydee Ramirez, Yomi Yomi, Ibaye. The year was 1979, and I continue claim and understand that receiving the ache of Obatala was a positive and pivotal point in my life. I received a Bachelor of Science, in Education from New York University in 1975, and a Master of Science, in Educational Administration and Supervision from the College of New Rochelle in 2001. As a member of Omo Obatala Egbe. Inc., I understood the need to join Obatala Priests, from other houses. As a member of the Egbe I availed myself for the greater good, by becoming one of the Board members of Ijo Orisha Yoruba Church, Inc., representing the Egbe. When my tenure was up, I was approached by then President of the Board, lya Barbara Kenyatta Bey, Ogunrelekun Ibyae, to assume the position of Executive Director for the Church. This was an honor as I as stepping into the shoes of one of the pioneers in our community, Alfred Davis, Omi Toki Ibaye. While attending New York University, I joined the Chuck Davis Dance Company. The company received a National Endowment for the Arts Grant to travel the United States, teaching dance and core curriculum through art. My first trip to Nigeria was 1977 was the highlight of my dance career, when as a member of Baba Chuck’s company I participated in F.E.S.T.A.C., an arts festival bringing artist throughout the Diaspora together. In 1992 I began my tenure with the Department of Education, retiring as an Assistant Principal in 2013. My growth in the knowledge of Orisha grew with a new understanding, when in 2015 I went back to Nigeria to witness the crowning of two young women to Oshun. I was home. I continue to return to Nigeria, with Obatala’s blessings every January during the Obatala Festival in Ile Ife as Chief Yeye Alala. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602815499863-OH7ZPBAT3O3RUZQI60YS/David+Wright%27s+Headshot.jpg Presenter Gallery David D. Wright Born and raised, in the Peoples Republic of Brooklyn, (the second largest Caribbean Island in the World), DAVID D. WRIGHT (Sound Designer, Playwright, Composer, Radio Drama Producer/Director, Foley Artist, Actor, Audio Book producer, Percussionist), sat at the feet of the late Morris Levy and the late Nate McCalla, of Roulette and Calla Records respectively. Under their tutelage he became one of the youngest successful African American Regional record promoters in America during the early 1970’s. David compiled the first R&B Radio Directory which consisted of all the primary and secondary R&B radio markets and radio stations in the entire United States. David has also performed as a percussionist/keyboard player with the likes of the legendary Eddie Palmieri’s Harlem River Drive, Fonzi Thorton, the Coasters, Tommy Mandel, and the late Chief Bey. He has toured with, Mark Radice, Brass Construction, The Ohio Players, The Trammps, and K.C. and The Sunshine Band to name a few. David worked as a drummer for some of the great dancers, and instructors in America including the late Charles Moore and Alvin Ailey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1604005561906-J955TR4OC0PAH7PZ81NH/AW+BW.jpg Presenter Gallery Amma Whatt is a life-long Orisha devotee with 26 years initiated to Sango in the Lukumi Yoruba tradition. Recognized by the New York Times for her “…silk-infused vocals…” the songwriter, vocalist, and Brooklyn, NY native has a unique musical talent that has taken her all over the globe. She was recently featured as lyricist and vocalist on the two-time, Grammy-nominated jazz album “Nate Smith + KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere” and continues to write and tour with the band internationally. When asked where her inspiration comes from, Amma harkens back to her experiences born into a musical family that immersed her in various African and Black American cultures. She was destined to become an artist with a universal appeal as she learned Afro-Cuban Orisha chants and music, and Sene-Gambian dance from her parents, who toured the world, performing professionally throughout her childhood. The American Idol Hollywood finalist honed her vocal skills at the prestigious Howard University, and released her critically acclaimed debut E.P. “Maybe” in 2012. While earning her songwriting chops as a staff writer with the Grammy-nominated songwriting team, Big Drawz Music, Amma co-wrote “Just the Way You Are” for Kindred and The Family Soul, and has had music placed in various TV shows, including “Running Russell Simmons”.TV viewers then continued to enjoy Amma as the singer of HomeGoods long-running “Get Happy” campaign. Highlights in her career include guesting as a lead vocalist/co-composer for improvisational funk group, Vinx and the Groove Heroes, lead by genre-bending impresario, Vinx. Now Amma continues to write, sing, vocal produce and tour, while raising two children with her husband. She is attune to the causes for social justice around the world, and as a board member for several Non-Profit Organizations, seeks to use her voice as a tool for advocacy and allyship around the world. Her current music is a modern-pop fusion of Soul, Afro-Caribbean styles, House, and Jazz, that features lyrical storytelling reflecting love, pain, and hope. https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/ooe-onstage daily 0.75 2020-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1604277862082-S2GMJGQY366TGW7FR31L/OOE+%282%29.png On Stage https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/conference-2020 daily 0.75 2020-12-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1606918659265-Y17ASFLB2DR3Z4UNBL7U/Iya+Oseye+Headshot.JPEG Conference 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1606919202044-KM71ZSARRMAGI8Y392GC/On+Demand+Banner Conference 2020 https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/rsvp daily 0.75 2021-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1628623542940-I8RQB0Q1G98K5YXXU88D/August+flyer+Jeanette+Ana+Maria.png 2021 Vision Web Series - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story 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Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771699339-ME6CE6KAH3XCD7311G0R/DSC00334.JPG Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771699300-3W6P0OGP9DNZ09QFJDV2/DSC00336.JPG Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771701590-BY8WW0HZ7RW7S8CJFPDU/DSC00337.JPG Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771731682-K68BUDYO91XFNC7GUMRQ/DSC00338.JPG Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771732511-LR0T491CE0K4Q7LED7LU/Ayoka+Wiles.JPG Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771854784-9H9P6MECHJORVISZ4QUI/Doris+Rodriguez+and+Stan+Kinard+2017+Awardees.JPG Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771859775-ZVWAGD8ZBTDSWMJRFSTF/2017+Conference+Presenters+_+Mama+Aida.JPG Conference Homepage https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/presenter-gallery2021 daily 0.75 2021-09-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/dbc511ad-94c0-449a-ada6-c5e66fc2a8b1/Oseye+Mchawi.jpg Presenter Gallery 2021 Iyalorisa Oseye Mchawi, was a long-time community activist of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, now resides in Irvington, New Jersey. She is a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a Yoruba Priestess. Ms. Mchawi was initiated to the Yoruba deity, Obatala on July 24, 1976, and in 1990 was bestowed the chieftaincy title Adesesefun from the Obatala Shrine in Ibadan, Nigeria. Mama Oseye, as she is affectionately called, is intricately involved with several African traditional spiritual groups and is one of the founding members and present Executive Director of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc. Additionally, Mama Oseye, is the founder and President of the Yoruba Society of Brooklyn, Inc; was a founding member and first President of the Board of Ijo Orisa Yoruba Church, Inc. She is also proud of her relationship as a spiritual leader and elder with the youth Organization Egbe Iwa formerly known as Egbe Iwa Odo Binrin and Egbe Iwa Odo Kunrin. Mama Oseye has worked diligently to raise the awareness of the plight of Yoruba traditionalists here in New York, in Africa, and, in throughout the Diaspora. As a spiritual leader and “godmother” to many, she has organized a disparate group of people from a myriad of backgrounds into a family unit. She is very happy to claim four generations of Orisa initiates and devotees within her own family. In 1987, Mama Oseye adopted the Candomble house in Bahia, Ile Iya Nasso Ile Funfun (Casa Branca) as a Sister House, thus beginning the experience of the Yoruba Society of Brooklyn’s annual African Heritage tours of Brazil, which are conducted by her. Also, as a result of her visits to Casa Branca, Mama Oseye introduced the tradition of Agua de Oxala (Waters of Obatala) to the Omo Obatala Egbe several years ago, and it continues to be a highlight, and an integral part of the Annual International Orisa Conference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603495895630-CHETDC9UGBSADVRAHVFQ/ECF424CB-C657-424F-8E59-915CA429EDD4.JPG Presenter Gallery 2021 Mel Adún is an African Brazilian writer engaged with race and gender issues in Brazil. Graduated in Mass media and with a Master degree in Black Literature from the Federal University of Bahia, Mel Adún is also a specialist in script writing. She is the founder of Tobossis, a non profit organization that focuses in gender and race and is the Vice President and co-founder of the Editora Ogum’s Publishing Company. She has been part of over 15 anthologies (poetry and short stories) and has two children books published. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602816238266-5NFG2KH11MBC9XVDWZDK/Ayodele%27s+Headshot.jpg Presenter Gallery 2021 Born and raised in the culture-rich suburbs of New York City, Ayodele Carter-Davis was surrounded by art, music and other uncategorized expressions of the human spirit. In her early years, Ayodele watched her Mom cut patterns and sew their clothes in the living room. From her Mom’s simple sketches at the age of seven grew the love for drawing. Art, specifically drawing and painting, has been the mainstay of Ayodele’s curriculum from the 7th grade through college. With a major in Architecture and a minor in Fine Arts, Ayodele built a strong career in the world of engineering and technology consulting. Never far from her art, she began to share her talents with the public in 2012 with her first solo art show in Brooklyn, New York. As resident of Manassas, Virginia for over 15 years, Ayodele held her second art show in Manassas in 2014. With the strength of two successful shows, Ayodele now shares her art each Saturday morning at the Reston Indie Market in Lake Anne, VA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/3333fd7a-4b09-4a0b-92dd-a8d0d5e41041/Image+of+Bishop+Cheeks.jpg Presenter Gallery 2021 Bishop Yao Rainey Cheeks , Albert Rainier Cheeks (Rainey) as he is known by family and friends was born and raised in Washington DC. He started his training in Traditional Tae Kwan Do at age 14 under Grand Master Ki Whang Kim. He made black belt in 1968 this also began his studies into traditional energy healing, massage and meditation techniques. He was rated in the top 10 in the United States and was the co-captain on the first US team that competed in the World Championship in Seoul Korea in 1973. There he won silver medal in team and bronze medal individual he was inducted into the Tae Kwon Do hall of fame in 2007 he now serves as the Grand Master of the Ki Kwan Kim Traditional Marshal Arts Association and holds the rank of 9th Degree. He became a social justice activist in 1968 when Dr. King was killed walking women home to get out of danger this experience lead him to a fight for social justice for the rest of his life for all people of Color. He studied Kryia yoga and was initiated by Swami Hariharanada Giri in 1978. 1981 he was certified in Energy an Charkra balancing energy techniques. He was ordained in 1982 from the National Spiritual Science Center of Washington D.C. In 1985 he founded of Us Helping Us, People into Living a holistic training program in for people living with AIDS. He has presented at three World health Conference on HIV on the interconnection of mind body healing techniques in Amsterdam Germany and Japan. In 1988 he was certify as a grief counselor from the St. France Center in Washington D.C... 1993 He founded and open Inner Light Unity Fellowship Church in Washington D. C. 1999 he was honored with his Doctor of Divinity from The St. Andrews Theological School of London England the same year he was consecrated to the office of Bishop while serving with the Unity Fellowship Church Movement. 2000. 2018 Inner Light Ministries became a member of United Church of Christ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/7750bcec-f144-4541-8269-228a5957a4bf/Image+Approved_ChiefAyandaClarke_bySolwaziAfiOlusola-94.jpg Presenter Gallery 2021 Chief Ayanda Ifadara Clarke Ajibilu Awo of Osogboland, Chief Babalawo at Ile Oturupon Sokun Temple, Brooklyn NY is a spiritual health counselor who serves as an initiate of Ifa, Orisa, Ayan, and Egungun (ancestors). He tends to the needs of individuals, couples, and familiesin his native New York and throughout the United States. Chief Ayanda has emerged as an esteemed consultant, advisor, and officiant for ancestral veneration ceremonies. As such, he conducts programs at cultural arts and academic institutions including Princeton, Yale, Wesleyan University, Brooklyn Museum, Cleveland Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. In addition to co-founding and co executive producing the annual Isese Festival NYC, Chief Ayanda is the founder and Chief Babalawo of Ile Oturupon Sokun Temple in Brooklyn. As a business leader, Chief Ayanda founded THE FADARA GROUP to house his spiritual, cultural, and musical endeavors. Through its public events, high caliber performances, and the referral network known as IWA (Integrated Wealth Alliance), THE FADARA GROUP is a program presenter, producer, and a trusted partner to many organizations and causes in the community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982025796-JH1GQUFG6H2S1SNP6LYC/Oludare.png Presenter Gallery 2021 OLUDARÉ- it means, “God gives me the sanction to LIVE!” Oludaré is a Balogun (Priest of Ogun), Aponni (Music Healing Ceremonial Leader), Omo Anya (Sacred Healing Drummer), Dancer and Author of Breathing With Orisha. He is a #RespiratoryActivist and believes in #RESPARATIONS- a spin off of reparations that includes the freedom and time for African Descendants to practice intentional healing through the breath, song and movements of their own ancestral lineages. He is the Author if Breathing With Orisha which has been archived in the Harvard University Library as a living document that discusses the breathing methods of resilience for Black communities during the rise of the Global Covid 19 pandemic. Through Kìire Wellness, Oludaré teaches private and public chair breathing, dance, song, and music workshops that culturally restore African descendants, strengthen their physical health and fortify their spiritual practice. His work is dedicated to promoting wellness in African Descendant communities- and it all starts with the Breath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/76c603ed-b142-4ae0-b93d-a1fc5a568eb3/Egbe+Iwa+logo.png Presenter Gallery 2021 EGBE IWA Rites of Passage and Cultural Mentoring Program, formerly known as Egbe Iwa Odo'Kunrin*Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin, has served the community since its inception in 2002. Our Yoruba name indicates we are a Society (of Young People) of Character. With over 88 Alumni and a robust and dedicated community. the Egbe Iwa family is excited about our 2021 virtual relaunch and conference participation! The Egbe Iwa 2021 Akeko's retreat and conference attendance was made possible in part by generous donations from The Orisa Community Development Corporation, and Egbe Iwa Olukos (Mentors) Lisa Gibson and Lesedi Ntsane https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/b22bf7c7-64f3-4106-bdb9-2783248d6216/IMG_0760-preview+%281%29.jpg Presenter Gallery 2021 Kevin Greene is a Priest of Obatala in the Lukumi-Yoruba tradition for 18 years, a certified massage therapist of 26 years, a diviner/reader, teacher/ facilitator and health care activist. In 1996 he created the Alternative and Complimentary Therapies Program at Action AIDS, a Philadelphia Non-Profit Organization that served People living with AIDS and HIV+ clients in Philadelphia. He is the founder of the L.T.H.L. Ministry Baba Kevin is a student of Qi Gong and Tai Chi since 1996. By cultivating a daily practice of Qi Gong he has been able to share his personal experience in surviving “life threatening illnesses,” by including Qi Gong Practice into a holistic health care program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603742695872-WUDB583AW28U6C4GBMGL/Victory+at+Columbia+U+.jpg Presenter Gallery 2021 Gloria M. Rodríguez, is a Professor of Psychology at Bronx Community College of The City University of New York and holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Her interests and ongoing research include womanist/mujerista feminism, cultural, spiritual, and social psychology. She has contributed chapters to: The Invisible Alliance – Psyche and Spirit in Feminist Therapy, Through The Eyes of Rebel Women – The Young Lords: 1969-1976, Latina Outsiders: Remaking Latina Identity and has authored several articles for academic peer-reviewed journals. Gloria released her first self-published book, You Are More Than Good Enough in 2011, which won First Place awards in the Self-Help and Spiritual categories, and Second Place in the Women’s Issues category at The International Latino Book Awards. In Fall 2018, Gloria was awarded Faculty of the Year award by the Association of Latino Faculty and Staff and in Spring 2018, she was awarded Faculty of the Year by the broader college community. She has also received numerous awards by various women’s and community organizations, including Hispanicize Positive Impact Award, The National Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee, Dedicate to Educate, Inc. The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diasporic Institute, El Comite Noviembre and FIERCE Woman of the Year,among others. Gloria founded and is the faculty director of Womxn Up! - the first Women’s Center at Bronx Community College and the only one in the three CUNY Bronx Colleges. Since it’s inception in Fall 2019 – Womxn Up! has provided innovative, intersectional and collaborative programs and workshops that have served thousands of students at BCC. Gloria’s volunteer community service record started over 45 years ago, with her involvement as a student, community leader, and social activist in her community of Brooklyn and as a leading member of the Young Lords Party in NY and Philadelphia. Equality for women was integral to the Young Lord’s philosophy and her history serves as a strong foundation for the founding, building and direction of DeAlmas Women’s Institute, a community-based organization, literally meaning “of the soul.” DeAlmas is dedicated to providing women and girls the opportunity to reclaim, honor, heal, express and celebrate their Divine Feminine power and potential – whereby transforming the larger society for a just and compassionate world. Ms. Rodríguez presents workshops, keynote addresses and lectures to national and international audiences at major colleges, conferences and retreats. Her signature program - the Guapa Leadership Retreat for adolescent girls has served hundreds of middle and high school young womxn in the Aspira schools in Philadelphia, and independent schools and mental health organizations in New York City. Gloria is the mother of two adult children - Nicole Rodriguez-Leach and Zaydee Santiago, and an adoring Lela (abuela) to Jalen, Talia and Lola – her 3 grandchildren. She is an initiate in the Lukumi-Yoruba religious tradition as a daughter of Oshun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602815798191-BOD2G1V0YOIMVGWA5IKJ/Iya+Michelle+Hutton.JPG Presenter Gallery 2021 Michelle Hutton Iya Michelle’s career has largely been driven by a calling to service her community as a spiritual advisor. Iya Michelle acquired a Master of Arts degree in Education from Grace Graduate School in 1985 and a Master’s of Divinity from ITC Interdenominational Theological Centre in Atlanta in 1989. Upon her graduation, she completed a CPE Clinical Pastoral Education, while working in several Atlanta hospitals as a chaplain and ordained minister. Iya Michelle then went onto become the first female chaplain to be hired by the Atlanta Police Department. Shortly after, she again made history by becoming the first female chaplain to open two federal prisons, one in Illinois and another in Brooklyn. As a chaplain, she was responsible for all religious services across all different denominations. She retired right before 9/11, and since then she has serviced the orisha community as a designer and as an iyalorisha ordained to Ochosi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/013006ed-af64-4296-bf57-8aa119f54f97/Joan+Henry+picture.jpeg Presenter Gallery 2021 Joan Henry is a Native American woman deeply committed to her culture and spiritual practice. I know her as a ceremonialist, drumming and singing traditional songs. She is also a wise woman who could speak well to how her spiritual practice supports her to survive and in fact thrive through difficult times. This is a bio from her website www.earthsinger.net Here is a snippet from her site. Through song they were teaching me moments, experiences, an environment that is spherical, vibrational— not static. They were waking up my original memory, the knowledge in my cells of experiencing Mother Earth all around us, of experiencing my relationship with everything that is alive. And make no mistake: everything is alive – and everything sings. Everything has a song. Where I’ve come to is the place of carrying these songs in a good way, so that they can be sung whenever they are needed. That’s what Kanogisgi – dekanogisgi, more accurately – or “Song Carrier” means. A singer becomes responsible to wherever a song is from and means you have to be available when that song needs to be sung. A lot of elders put a lot of time and energy into me; I am responsible to honor that, to carry that. More and more it seems that I’ve come to a place now of focusing on moving songs out into the world, and listening for the ones that are emerging at this time, in order to bring them forth, eh? –because the songs thread the people together, to one another and to the Earth, re-member-ing or reminding us of our integral interrelatedness. Songs make a living web… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1603026949132-FCFKPX1R1W913CD2244A/Shantrelle2.jpeg Presenter Gallery 2021 New Orleans native, Shantrelle P. Lewis, a United Nations Programme for People of African Descent Fellow, is a multi-hyphen creative and scholar who accesses multiple genres and disciplines to help elucidate African Diasporic history, aesthetics, culture and spirituality. Her directorial debut, in collaboration with GirlTrek, Daughters Of premiered at the BlackStar Film Festival in 2020 and won the Shine Award for Best Film from a Philadelphia based filmmaker. Her celebrated exhibit, Dandy Lion: (Re)Articulating Black Masculine Identity, has exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and Europe. This work led to the publication of Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style, her first book, with Aperture in 2017. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, BBC, Washington Post, Salon, The New Yorker and the Philadelphia Inquirer. She co-founded SHOPPE BLACK with her husband and fellow Howard alum, Tony Oluwatyoin Lawson. In 2016, after their Royal Wedding of Zamunda themed wedding went viral, it was dubbed as "The Blackest Wedding Ever." Shantrelle is also an initiated Lucumi Sango Priest. Also, a self-identifying Hoodooist, Shantrelle can be found waxing poetics about all things African spirituality online at Beaucoup Hoodoo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/bf1458eb-0d25-4d67-a34e-62359ea10428/Iya+O+Headshot.png Presenter Gallery 2021 Iya Amma Oloriwaa! is the daughter of Mr. Leon Bryan-Iba’ye and Elder Mrs. Mamie Buncamper. She hails from a long line of powerful women including her great grandmother Mamie “Mama” Warnock- Iba’ye a woman who defied the law teaching Black women how to read and write, and who inspires her to this day. A Brooklyn, NY native, she is the founder and Alakoso (Director) of Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin * Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin Inc, the society of young men and young women of character, Rites Of Passage Program established in 2002 now affectionately known as Egbe Iwa. Iya Oloriwaa! is a traditional singer of African music, a trained African dancer, and a designer of the clothing line Brooklyn SkaRunch Hats, LLC. She is a founding member of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc, and Ijo Orisa Yoruba Church,Inc., as well as a member of The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Africa’s esteemed Council of Elders, Inc. An avid community activist and leader, she has received numerous awards for her tireless and selfless work. She formed Egbe Iwa for the benefit of her 3 children Amma, Kofi, and Oludare, all graduates of the program who are now mentors and workshop leaders. She is the doting and joy filled Gaga (grandmother) of Nnedi- Abena, Drew Moremi, and Amma Oshun Ayo. Iya Oloriwaa!’s Rites of Passage initiative is the first of its kind and has brought a community of people together internationally and generationally. She is honored to be of service and offer opportunities to give youth tools to ensure a better chance of success in life. Egbe Iwa celebrates and honors their transition to a new life status and affirms their place in the world community at large. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/b8380b36-b974-4bb8-83e3-f552c746670f/Ana+Maria+Serrano.jpeg Presenter Gallery 2021 Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Ana María Serrano, is a licensed professional counselor and life coach based in Houston, Texas, trained in EMDR and certified in intuitive medicine. She is a multipreneur having founded her coaching practice, Increase Your Bliss, LLC and her private practice Blue Bayou Counseling, PLLC. Ana María is a public speaker, mindfulness instructor, certified trauma professional and couples therapist who is passionate about helping WOC, in particular, to overcome trauma-based challenges in their personal and family lives, as well as earn their first 100k in business through solution-based approaches. She has helped families, individuals, and couples to face their fears, heal generational trauma, improve family bonds, re-organize emotional experiences and improve their lifestyle through mindfulness practices and nonviolent communication skills. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Mind-Body Medicine at Saybrook University as the culmination of an academic career which includes a BS in Psychology from Howard University and MS in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. When she is not supporting her community in healing, she is spending time as close as possible to the ocean with her beloved daughter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/8d00500a-b68b-4d7d-a916-74792e81ecd7/Dwana+Smallwood.jpg Presenter Gallery 2021 Proclaimed “one of the greatest modern dancers” by Vogue magazine, Brooklyn born dancer Dwana A. Smallwood danced before millions as a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show as a part of her “The Best…” series. Smallwood learned to dance at an early age, which led to her tenure as a principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She has appeared on many American television shows including Sesame Street, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Vibe, BK Live, WBLS FM 107.5, ABC 7 NY News, The Kennedy Center Honors and was featured on Oprah’s: Where Are They Now. Smallwood was also featured in American Public Broadcasting’s “Great Performances,” and the documentary “Beyond the Steps.” and appears in the documentary, “A Hymn for Alvin Ailey.” She was featured in Vogue Magazine, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, National Geographic, Girl Scout Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Moves, Essence Magazine and was the second black woman to ever grace the cover of Dance Magazine. In 2005, Ms. Smallwood was celebrated as one of the “50 Most Beautiful New Yorkers” by New York Magazine. Ms. Smallwood, who has spent a lifetime mentoring young people, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from Ile-Ase, Brooklyn in 2009 for her continued support of the world’s young women. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982954923-MMTDY58MX68Z4V17N810/Alex+Spencer.JPG Presenter Gallery 2021 Alex Spencer is a priest of Shango who has been initiated for 29 years and been seated as an Oriate for the past 21 years. He is the proud father of a 12 year old girl. He is also an educator who has worked for the New York City Department of Education for the past 28 years, the last 13 of them as a Principal. He is a firm believer in the power of moral leadership in both fields of study. He also believes that as parents, priests and as educators we must strive to give what we were given and support others as we have been supported. As an Oriate he has seated one other African American Oriate and as a Principal he has helped four of his Assistant Principals go on to become Principals in their own right. He considers himself to be a student and teacher of this religion and hopes that through continued work and conversation he can continue to teach and learn from all whose who he interacts with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/4ca087bc-a651-4b79-895a-2eb818a209bf/Jeanette+Williams%2C+LMFT_12.jpg Presenter Gallery 2021 Jeanette Williams, MS, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, is an initiate of Oshun in the Lucumi tradition and is the Clinical Director and Owner of Deeper Change: Personal Growth, Therapy & Counseling Group, LLC. Jeanette is a Systemic Psychotherapist Licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy with offices on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and in South Plainfield, NJ and specializes in anxiety, intergenerational reconciliation, family issues, individual, and couples counseling. Prior to Jeanette moving into the therapeutic realm, she taught for the NJ Business Consortium, in conjuncture with Union and Passaic County colleges, providing training and empowerment skills to companies, municipalities, nonprofits and individuals in conflict resolution, communication, team development, and interpersonal skills development. A trained Contextual & Multi-systemic Therapist, Jeanette provides a training ground for students entering the field through mentorship and supervision. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Organizational Psychology. In her work, Jeanette draws from an integrative systems framework while incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Holistic Therapy, Contextual Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, which collectively promote intergenerational healing and reconciliation. She operates from a place of empowerment and growth and identifies that we all inherently have the right to change, shift, and/or modify our story. Tennent’s of Contextual Therapy, her work is rooted in the belief of fairness, equality, morality, and balance. Several of Jeanette's favorite quotes are “Live your truth, and everything else will follow", “The truth will set you free” and “To know me is to love me” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/161cadc6-85e4-4748-bcac-b54bfeac3adc/Amma+McKen+Head+shot+better.jpg Presenter Gallery 2021 Amma D. McKen has been a lifelong member of a vibrant community who describe themselves as Yoruba traditionalists or Lukumi, practicing a way of life and religion of West Africa. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, McKen has sung traditional sacred Yoruba music since she was 14 and is recognized as a Priestess of Yemonja. The Yoruba refer to God as Olodumare, as well as deities known as Orisas. Orisa worship was spread to the new world through the slave trade and, in order to preserve their religious traditions against repression, the African slaves matched the Orisas to Catholic saints. McKen holds several roles and titles in Yoruba, including the title of Akpon, a lead singer and officiator for the drumming and dancing celebrations. Akpon is a title held by very few people and is critical to keeping the tradition in place. McKen became the first African American female Akpon to produce a musical recording of the traditional songs, titled Alaako Oso: Owner of the Songs is Eloquent. Sought after to lead Bembes (dancing celebrations) throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean, McKen preserves the traditional songs of Yoruba and helps participants connect with the history and spiritual context of the tradition. McKen is the director and co-founder of Omiyesa, a cultural music group located in New York, where she offers a wide range of apprenticeships, workshops, and lecture- demonstrations in Afro-Cuban and Orisa songs, dance, and music. In 1998, she collaborated with the African American Dance Ensemble, directed by Chuck Davis, and the Carolina Theater to stage the well-received production Cultural Journey Back to the Roots. https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/soap daily 0.75 2022-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1635628661841-H41UIQLRVI7FHJ7J0FEO/IMG_0405.jpeg Verdalaga Soap - Verdalaga Soap Made with love and prayer to Obatala by Iyalosa Oseye Mchawi $20 a bar (plus shipping and handling) Ingredients: fresh verdalaga herbs; goat’s milk soap; tuberose oil Please PayPal: YSBbrazil@aol.com Please put your address in notes section. https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/2021-conference-homepage daily 0.75 2022-06-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1632855938452-7LJXDCA0VR7DONEJR7JG/Pic+Flyer+with+Presenters+Names.png 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629505-5L8U1YPN3HRGE3PMTJGO/10661675_807313985987192_6651980525942024917_o.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629449-HLLMKXOEGPQDBC3CIETC/258636_197891546929442_7059743_o.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629451-37C2BXYCQUHJQM7HCUYE/266694_197479523637311_591040_o.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771646200-1B9CXS80F1WNH4BSLHOB/271314_197479126970684_2038557_o.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629684-8J258Y11TJ6O72ANV9NZ/271438_200362600015670_3577471_o.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631149-CP9KUCRJ4RC2XZMQIX9M/38641810_2031869076865004_2940033894411403264_o.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629940-RJ9Q9X978YPDXP69E904/857_10152313866122571_32423624_n.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631031-WL2BMFP0E49L5W704JLY/1148906_10152313891987571_514383602_n.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631049-96AI1JXXHYGDJHCGVMOT/1383897_10152313905827571_792324891_n.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631228-FMK85IIX1OXRNEW8GPI3/1384366_10152318332657571_2944143_n.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631562-PQB925JRA50JON4WHNKR/1391978_10152313822817571_113315478_n.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771647787-OTX611U0XHR2W7TLKAHW/Conference+Presenter+Chief+Bey%2C+Ibae+bae+tonu.jpg 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771699339-ME6CE6KAH3XCD7311G0R/DSC00334.JPG 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771699300-3W6P0OGP9DNZ09QFJDV2/DSC00336.JPG 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771701590-BY8WW0HZ7RW7S8CJFPDU/DSC00337.JPG 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771731682-K68BUDYO91XFNC7GUMRQ/DSC00338.JPG 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771732511-LR0T491CE0K4Q7LED7LU/Ayoka+Wiles.JPG 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771854784-9H9P6MECHJORVISZ4QUI/Doris+Rodriguez+and+Stan+Kinard+2017+Awardees.JPG 2021 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771859775-ZVWAGD8ZBTDSWMJRFSTF/2017+Conference+Presenters+_+Mama+Aida.JPG 2021 Conference Homepage https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/presenter-gallery-2022 daily 0.75 2022-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/f8989852-ff73-4fab-af42-dcf1e0fc3b2d/Mel+Adun+photo.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Mel Adún is a writer, journalist, and Master in Literature and Culture at the Federal University of Bahia. She is co-founder of Editora Ogum's Publishing House in Brasil. Mel Adún is the author of A Lua Cheia de Vento (children's book, 2015) and Adumbi (children's book, 2016); Peixe fora da Baía (short stories, 2021), and Quantas Tantas (poetry, 2021). Her writings can be found, in poetry and prose, in several anthologies inside and out of Brasil. Mel Adún is part of and organized/edited the poetry anthology Quilombellas Amefricanas Vol. 1 and 2, with black women poets from Brasil, Moçambique, Colombia, Costa Rica, and more. She also is part of the literary program #VumboraLêOgums/#LetsReadOgums. Chosen by the Waters, Mel Adún is a daughter of Oxum and the mother of Ominirê. In her writings, black-amefrican-feminist voices can be heard, always carried by the ancestors' power in her texts. Mel Adún is part of the Ogum's Toques Negros Collective and is a coordinator at Kilomba - Black Brazilian Women Collective. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/3cb7c798-c759-4671-8c10-911d39b2a8e2/Whitney+Battla+Baptiste+better.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Whitney Battle-Baptiste is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Center at UMass Amherst. A native of the Bronx, New York, Dr. Battle-Baptiste is a priest of Obatala and an activist-scholar who uses the classroom and campus as a space to engage contemporary issues with a sensibility of the past. Her academic training is in history and historical archaeology. Her research critically engages the interconnectedness of race, gender, class, and sexuality through an archaeological lens. Her books include, Black Feminist Archaeology (2011); W. E. B. Du Bois’s Data Portraits: Visualizing Black America (2018), co-edited with Britt Rusert; and she remains busy - completing a second edition of her first book, Black Feminist Archaeology and an edited volume on new research on W. E. B. Du Bois with Dr. Richard Benson. And last but not least, she is currently the President-elect of the American Anthropological Association. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/a5ed2628-ffd4-4eb4-867c-a84f2508c7a7/Image+of+Bishop+Cheeks+%281%29.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Albert Rainer Cheeks (Rainey) as he is known by family and friends was born and raised in Washington DC. He Graduated from the National Spiritual Science Center in 1982 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Dian Nagorka After graduation he served as assistant minister at NSSC for 5 years. In 1993 he founded Inner Light Ministries church and served as the senior pastor for 29 years. He now serves as the Spiritual Director of the National Spiritual Science Center of Washington D.C.. In 1999 he received his Doctor of Divinity from The St. Andrews Theological School of London England the same year he was consecrated to the office of Bishop while serving with the Unity Fellowship Church Movement. 2016 Inner Light Ministries join United Church of Christ with full standing. He is the founder of Us Helping Us People into Living, a holistic training program in 1985. He has presented at the World Health Conference on HIV/AIDS on the interconnection of mind body healing techniques in Amsterdam, Germany and Japan. He was initiated as a Tegare Priest in the west African tradition from Ghana he also practices Kriya yoga and was initiated by Swami Hariharanada Giri in 1978. Rainey has trained in Traditional Tae Kwon Do from the age of 14 under Grand Master Ki Kwan Kim. He was rated in the top 10 in the United States and was on the first US team that competed in the first World Championship in Seoul Korea in 1973. He was inducted into the Tae Kwon Do hall of fame in 2007. He now holds the rank of 9th degree black belt and is the Grand Master of the Ki Kwan Kim Traditional Martial Arts Association. He graduated from the Potomac Massage Institute as a licensed massage therapist and has private practice in massage, chakra and energy healing work. His life work has been focused on inner personal healing and soul development. Rainey has presented and led retreats throughout the U.S. he is an author his book is “Reclaiming Your Divine Birthright”, you can hear him every Thursday night” on YouTube “Rainey Speaks” most of all a child of God! I See God in You Yaw A. Rainer Cheeks D.D. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/ccb89009-450c-413c-8050-0a1c24a029aa/Imna+Arroyo+pic.png Presenter Gallery 2022 Aliento Divino Divine Breath The museum/library at La Casa del Libro is proud to present Aliento Divino (Divine Breath) in its exhibition space in Old San Juan (Puerto Rico), as part of its events for Fall 2022 and the first months of 2023. The exhibition presents a selection of graphic works that provide an overview of the career of Imna Arroyo Cora, a renowned Afro-Puerto Rican graphic artist noted for her explorations and transmigrations that extend from graphic language to sculpture in paper and paper-mâché, as well as installation. Aliento Divino invites the viewer to take a tour of the artist’s graphic production beginning with the initial stages of her career, and her evolution into works that evidence schematic forms related to the presence of distant ancestors, which the artist has continued to refine in figurative representations as she became initiated into the Regla de Osha (an African Diasporic religion). Since then, she has delved into the creation of artist's books and portfolios dedicated to the Orishas, which are cultivated from her own devotion in keeping with the traditions of that practice. In her formative stage as an artist, Arroyo responded to the call to self-discovery as a Black woman from Guayama, in southern Puerto Rico, the so-called “Town of the Witches (or Sorcerers).” During that creative stage of her youth, she made various key trips in recognition of her cultural ethnicity to learn more about primary sources in Africa. Parallel to that, she began to respond to an internal yearning to study and understand the divine energies that are found in nature. That immersion has guided her practice and led to an amplification of her art as an expression of faith. This exhibition includes more recent work created specifically for presentation at La Casa del Libro, as well as graphic impressions and matrices that represent the presence of Èṣù/Elegba in the rites of her life. As an engraver, Imna Arroyo has a deep knowledge of the methodological structure of her artistic language. As a woman devoted to her cultural religious complex, she affirms her life from the traditional structures of her practice of faith. These two parallel disciplines serve as an axis for continuing her transmigrations. The breath of life and the divine breath intermingle to propose the attainment of a higher level—one that is grounded in knowledge and inspiration. The exhibition Aliento Divino will be presented at the Museo Biblioteca La Casa del Libro from October 20, 2022, until March 31, 2023. The museum is located at #255 Calle del Santo Cristo, in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/3caca705-7682-4fa9-b5d1-16b4ac32054b/Deborah+Edwards-Anderson+pic.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Deborah Edwards-Anderson is a priest of Obatala, initiated in 2006 by Joseph Smith Abbott (Baba Segun) and Lydia Payne-Johnson (Okun Aina). A wife and mother of adult sons, she is program manager of the City College Undergraduate Program in Early Childhood Education and an adjunct lecturer. Deborah’s M.A. thesis research on Dakota language revitalization and commemorations of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 was featured in conjunction with the traveling exhibit “Civil War 150,” a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Library of America, and Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in 2014. Her article "From Reconciliation to Resurgence: Dakota Commemorations of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862" was published in Middle West Review. Her research process was life-changing, attuning her to indigenous traditional knowledge, sovereignty, the rights of Mother Earth, the values of interconnectedness, relationality, reciprocity, and character, and the common ground these hold with Yoruba Lukumi worldviews and traditions. Deborah and her husband are twenty-year stewards and members of the Walt L. Shamel Community Garden, a verdant GreenThumb garden in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/36a44139-6e69-440a-b2c6-b15db0c9b92e/EmiOkun%27s+picture.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 EmiOkun is a spiritual herbalist, urban farmer/gardener, writer and educator who has been working to heal women and youth for over 20 years. She has developed rites of passage programs for several non-profit organizations in NYC, as well as monthly women’s healing circles. She has been a community advocate in her role as director in youth development programs in under-served communities. An initiated Yoruba priest of Yemoja, Emi holds a master’s degree in Philosophy and Religion with an emphasis in Women’s Spirituality. She studied urban farming with Farm School NYC and herbalism with The People's Medicine School. Emi is passionate about plants, wellness and is dedicated to healing the community through Spiritual Herbalism, gardening, education and advocacy. EmiOkun is the founder of The Black Mermaid Society, a spiritual wellness lifestyle brand which promotes herbalism and healthy living and urban farming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/9440e4ed-5323-4151-99f4-af7760472e52/Kevin+Greene+pic+alone.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Kevin Greene has been a Priest of Obatala in the Lukumi-Yoruba tradition for 24 years. He has been a certified massage therapist for 34 years, a diviner/reader, teacher/facilitator, and health care activist. In 1996 he created the Alternative and Complementary Therapies Program at Action AIDS, a Philadelphia non-profit organization that services people living with AIDS and HIV+ clients in Philadelphia. He is the founder of Lukumi Temple of Healing Light Ministry. Kevin has been a student of Qi Gong, Tai Chi since 1996. He has cultivated a daily practice of Qi Gong and has been able to share his personal experience in surviving “life threatening illnesses” by including Qi Gong practice into a holistic health care program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/3db68c4f-5fc6-4cab-8754-093af892fe58/Khalebo%27s+chosen+pic.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Khalebo Harris, MBA (Media Management). I am a member of Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc., a documentation specialist/administrative professional/software trainer and an unabashed Octavia Butler aficionado. I admit to seriously fangirling when receiving a personalized autograph in my much-treasured copy of “Parable of the Talents”. I look forward to discussing different themes found in the cautionary writings of the late Ms. Butler, and how they are applicable to the present. Daughter of Verda Harris-Olayinka, sister of Khalim Harris, and auntie to Torin, KJ and Yannice, I believe that Ms. Butler’s work should be required reading for all who wish for a strong Afro PRESENT and future for their descendants. I am very grateful to Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc. for the opportunity to share my respect for this author’s contributions at this Conference. “We do not worship God. We perceive and attend God. We learn from God. With forethought and work, We shape God. In the end we yield to God. We adapt and endure, for we are Earthseed And God is Change. Lauren Oya Olamina.” Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower, p. 17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/e29d612a-c71a-40c7-801b-949f4ad45b48/Kadijah+Janna+head+shot.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Kadi Janna (aka Kadijah Janna) is an initiated Lucumi Priest, Wholistic Intimacy Coach, Medium, Energy worker, trained Sex Educator, and Founder of The Pleasure Alchemy, a self-care focused community centered around women’s pleasure, transformation and spiritual development. She helps women move from feeling stuck, to self-actualized, through deep self-care and sensuality practices. Her areas of expertise include coaching, podcasting, and workshop facilitation; and she offers a signature subscription service to help diverse women-identifying people deepen their spiritual and sensual practice at home. Kadi’s specialty is using a customized, one-on-one approach to intuitive readings, guided meditations, ritual bathing, breathing exercises and goal setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/3e759ff6-6ef3-4b9f-b30c-e6285706e6d0/Imani+Gross+FB+better+pic.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Imani OshunL’ade Talabi Gross is the youngest daughter of Baba Yomi and Iya Carole Robinson, a New York native, and has been living in Nashville, TN since 2017. When she isn’t teaching in her school, Imani Montessori, she is selling Real Estate or serving her community through various community engagement opportunities. Imani’s first call to service was in Domestic Violence Survivor Housing as a primary educator in the Bronx, NY. She served there supporting women and children during one of the most challenging and emotional times of their lives until her second call to service, as an active duty military member. She honorably served in the United States Navy for six years during the Global War on Terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Electronics Technician and earned her undergraduate degree in Engineering. As a civilian she worked as a Clinical Engineer in a variety of medical settings. Although this field was worthy, her work with and service to children and families called to her. Through her children, Imani was introduced to the Montessori method, and it’s holistic approach to education resonated with her spirit. As her children were aging out of their elementary school Imani realized there were no diverse Montessori middle schools for her children to attend in the Nashville area and again, she stepped up to serve. She went back to school and earned her Master of Education degree while simultaneously becoming certified to teach Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary through the American Montessori Society. During that time, Imani also bought and renovated a small church, and started a micro-school to offer not only her children, but other children in her community a safe and inclusive space to learn. She later completed her Secondary Montessori 1 & 2 training which completed her K-12 Montessori credential. In addition to her work as a school owner and classroom teacher, Imani also offers free Homeschool Education classes to parents, Farm-Based Homeschool Enrichment to homeschooling families, hosts a Banned Book Club, and serves as Troop Leader of a Girl Scout Troop. In her spare time, she spends time renovating her farm in Gallatin, TN with her husband and daughters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/73b31303-170a-4a32-88d3-ab79f088ce34/Amma+Mcken+Headshot.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Amma D. McKen has been a lifelong member of a vibrant community who describe themselves as Yoruba traditionalists or Lukumi, practicing a way of life and religion of West Africa. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, McKen has sung traditional sacred Yoruba music since she was 14 and is recognized as a Priestess of Yemonja. The Yoruba refer to God as Olodumare, as well as deities known as Orisas. Orisa worship was spread to the new world through the slave trade and, in order to preserve their religious traditions against repression, the African slaves matched the Orisas to Catholic saints. McKen holds several roles and titles in Yoruba, including the title of Akpon, a lead singer and officiator for the drumming and dancing celebrations. Akpon is a title held by very few people and is critical to keeping the tradition in place. McKen became the first African American female Akpon to produce a musical recording of the traditional songs, titled Alaako Oso: Owner of the Songs is Eloquent. Sought after to lead Bembes (dancing celebrations) throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean, McKen preserves the traditional songs of Yoruba and helps participants connect with the history and spiritual context of the tradition. McKen is the director and co-founder of Omiyesa, a cultural music group located in New York, where she offers a wide range of apprenticeships, workshops, and lecture-demonstrations in Afro-Cuban and Orisa songs, dance, and music. In 1998, she collaborated with the African American Dance Ensemble, directed by Chuck Davis, and the Carolina Theater to stage the well-received production Cultural Journey Back to the Roots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/000ef19c-c96f-481f-a3c5-18cbf173dfd2/Alade+McKen+Headshot+%281%29.png Presenter Gallery 2022 Dr. Alade S. McKen is a native New Yorker and diversity, equity, and inclusion thought-leader with more than 15 years of developing, managing, and evaluating initiatives to enhance policy, programming, belongingness and equity. He has taught youth as a rite of passage instructor and is an adjunct professor at undergraduate and graduate levels. Through his research and publications, Dr. McKen examines the social dynamics of education and culture within society and their impact on race and equity issues. Dr. McKen brings forth new opportunities to examine and address the broader cultural, economic, political and social structures, policies, and practices around admissions, diversity, equality and inclusion. While at Iowa State University, he was Editor of the Journal of Critical Thought and Practice, an Asa G. Hillard III and Barbara A. Sizemore Fellow, and awarded a Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. McKen’s research interests include critical race theory, inclusive educational design, community-school partnerships, and engaging in a thoughtful, rigorous, and sustained inquiry into social justice struggles and educational systems. He received hid B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Binghampton University, Masters in Higher Education from Baruch College, and his Doctorate in Education with a Social and Cultural Studies emphasis from Iowa State University. Dr. McKen currently works at Columbia University, where he is the Assistant Dean of Recruitment, Diversity, Inclusion in the Graduate School of Architect, Planning, Design and Preservation. He is also a lifetime member or Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., A Master Mason of Joppa Lodge No. 55, of Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge in the State of New York. He has also completed several traditional rites of passage “programs” as an initiate of Ogun in the Yoruba Lukumi tradition and as an Awo of IFA within the Isese traditional practice in Nigeria, which refers to a tradition in Ifa spirituality and refers to the wisdom passed down from our ancestors and spiritual progenitors. Dr. McKen is a proud husband and father of three children who are his pride and joy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/9a5144dc-415b-423b-a575-7f5924e47e45/Tania+Molina+pic.jpeg Presenter Gallery 2022 Tania Molina MSc. Omo Yemaya Omisayade Born and raised in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. She has a undergraduate degree in Economics from University of Massachusetts Boston and graduate degree in Economic Analysis from Brooklyn College. While in Boston, she became a dance member of Wamenegui “Our Hope” Garifuna Dance Company directed by Denia Caneddy, showcasing heritage and Garifuna culture for which it’s survives language, food and spirituality since their arrival to Honduras in exile from Saint Vincent In April 12 1797. In addition to promoting her culture she started taking Afro-Cuban Orisha Dance class at the Dance Complex in Cambridge under the tutelage of Reynaldo Gonzalez, former dancer from Muñequitos de Matanzas. Tania also received the “2019 Caribbean Cultural Center Innovative Cultural Advocacy Fellow” Moved to NYC to continue her education at a graduate program and became a member of Hamalali Wayunago "La Voz of our Ancestors" directed by Luz Solis. After some time she joined Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NYC as a dancer and choreographer from 2009 to present. Being exposed to dance and searching for spirituality; she initiated Palo Mayombe under her madrina Luz Malagon in early 2000. As a Buyei (Garifuna spiritual leader) by Tola Guerrero and finished her consecration in 2019. Yayi en Palo Mayombe April 2021 by my padrino Tata Americo Paez and Tata Rich. Recently finished her Iyawo year in June 2022 Omo Yemaya by her Madrina Carmen Pellot-Paez okunfumito Omo Yemaya and Padrino Ojubona Oba Americo Páez Ochailu Omo Obatala. She was a co-founder of the Afro-Latino Festival of New York. Also, collaborated with other organizations in the Garifuna community Casa Yurumein in the Bronx and Garifuna Queens promoting and teaching financial literature. Currently she is the founder and manager director of African Roots in Latin America collaborated with the Bronx Music Heritage with seminars about different diasporic cultures Garifuna, Dominican Haitian, Afro Colombian and Afro Peruvian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/172ef006-da57-4ca7-a862-96a5527efef7/Iya+O+Headshot+%281%29.png Presenter Gallery 2022 Iya Amma Oloriwaa! is the daughter of Mr. Leon Bryan-Iba’ye and Elder Mrs. Mamie Buncamper. She hails from a long line of powerful women including her great grandmother Mamie “Mama” Warnock- Iba’ye a woman who defied the law teaching Black women how to read and write, and who inspires her to this day. A Brooklyn, NY native, she is the founder and Alakoso (Director) of Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin * Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin Inc, the society of young men and young women of character, Rites Of Passage Program established in 2002 now affectionately known as Egbe Iwa. Iya Oloriwaa! is a traditional singer of African music, a trained African dancer, and a designer of the clothing line Brooklyn SkaRunch Hats, LLC. She is a founding member of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc, and Ijo Orisa Yoruba Church,Inc., as well as a member of The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Africa’s esteemed Council of Elders, Inc. An avid community activist and leader, she has received numerous awards for her tireless and selfless work. She formed Egbe Iwa for the benefit of her 3 children Amma, Kofi, and Oludare, all graduates of the program who are now mentors and workshop leaders. She is the doting and joy filled Gaga (grandmother) of Nnedi- Abena, Drew Moremi, and Amma Oshun Ayo. Iya Oloriwaa!’s Rites of Passage initiative is the first of its kind and has brought a community of people together internationally and generationally. She is honored to be of service and offer opportunities to give youth tools to ensure a better chance of success in life. Egbe Iwa celebrates and honors their transition to a new life status and affirms their place in the world community at large. (FOUNDER/ DIRECTOR) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/f1d899ee-c079-4586-a642-5564799e92d6/Esmeralda+Headshot.JPG Presenter Gallery 2022 Esmeralda Simmons is a civil rights and human rights attorney of Caribbean American heritage whose practice focuses on racial justice for people of African Descent in New York. She recently retired from the Center for Law and Social Justice in Brooklyn where she was the founding executive director and organizational leader for 34 years. The Center is a community-based legal advocacy and research institution at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York. During her illustrious career, Esmeralda served as the First Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights for New York State, and as a Civil Rights Attorney for the US Department of Education, a New York State Assistant Attorney General, a New York City Assistant Corporation Counsel, and as a law clerk to a federal judge. In addition, she has served on several major public boards in New York City government, including the NYC Board of Education, the NYC Districting Commission, and the NYC CIvilian Complaint Review Board that serves as a watchdog to the New York Police Department. Esmeralda strongly believes in community service and has a history of activism in progressive political movements and electoral politics. Esmeralda also volunteers her skills and currently serves on the board of directors of UPROSE — a climate justice organization; the Council of Elders for African Cultural Heritage; and Little Sun People -- an outstanding African-centered early childhood education center. In the recent past, she has served on several boards of national organizations: the Applied Research Center (now “Race Forward”); Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center; the Child Welfare Fund; and, the Poverty and Race Research Action Council (PRRAC). Esmeralda is a deeply spiritual woman who serves as a Yoruba Lukumi priest. She resides in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn with her husband Lesly Jean-Jacques and is the mother of two adult sons and the grandmother of seven fantastic youth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/e46d8999-18c3-4ded-8e8c-acc9ee7b7e88/DJ+Carlos+Mena.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 To understand Carlos Mena and his music, you must understand his background. Born in Puerto Rico, raised in Brooklyn, and childhood summers in the Dominican Republic, Carlos soaked up the vast array of sounds and musical idioms —from Djing House to Hip-Hop to Salsa—to help form a unique foundation for his music sensibilities that can be heard throughout his music today. A frequently requested DJ and resident at the world famous now defunct Output club, His eclectic sets continue to garner him the label of one of the hottest DJs on the U.S. circuit, having played at 6 of Rolling Stone's TOP Clubs in the U.S.. He has opened for Black Coffee, Theo Parrish, Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega, and played b2b with Ron Trent and b2b with Osunlade, to name a few. Carlos has toured around the world having played, in Japan, South Africa, France, UK, Kenya, Greece and other countries. His organic approach to remixes have him working with artists such as, Grammy winners Jody Watley, Roy Ayers, Lazaro Galaragga, Arrested Develpment, and House legends, Louie Vega, Atjazz, Osunlade, Ron Trent, and DJ Spinna. His focus on Deep, Afro and Soulful House, Hip-Hop and Latin music with over 30 years experience, as well as being a priest within the Afro-Cuban spiritual tradition Lucumi (Santeria), Carlos Mena is poised to continue to bring forth new fusions of genres while respecting and maintaining traditions. His most recent offerings have charted at #1, “Oggun” with Hallex M and “One” with Jimpster Carlos Mena is also music producer and DJ that has produced music for platinum selling artist Arrested Development, Tre Hardson (The Pharcyde), and labels, Defected, Yoruba Records, Vega Records, Freerange, Got Soul Records, Deeper Soul Records, and Phuture Soul. He also lead the popular Bay Area group 10BASS T, to many accolades and opening stints for Counting Crows, The Roots, and the Lollapalooza Festival. His Solo debut “Hip-Hop Meditations” fuses Afro-Cuban music with hip-hop and has received wonderful reviews from major hip-hop publications across the country. Carlos recently received an artistic fellowship grant from the City of Oakland for his work on Hip-Hop Meditations. He was also included in URB MAGAZINE’s NEXT 100 up and coming artists. Carlos is also the founder and president of Ocha Records, a record label, based in Brooklyn, NY, that works with uncompromising artists to produce music that feeds our souls. The label is 15 years strong with releases by: Black Coffee, Osunlade, Deetron, Manoo, Atjazz, Culoe De Song, Black Motion, Boddhi Satva, DJ Spinna, and more. CASAMENA is currently in production on his first solo project in over 10 years as well as collaborations with several well known artists across different genres including Georgia Anne Muldrow and Marcus Gilmore. Catch Carlos at his celebrated party BEMBE on global stages as well as his upcoming new weekly residency, and his popular podcast, THE CASAMENA RADIO HOUR. (http://podcast.casamena.com). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1602982954923-MMTDY58MX68Z4V17N810/Alex+Spencer.JPG Presenter Gallery 2022 Alex Spencer is a priest of Shango who has been initiated for 29 years and been seated as an Oriate for the past 21 years. He is the proud father of a 12 year old girl. He is also an educator who has worked for the New York City Department of Education for the past 28 years, the last 13 of them as a Principal. He is a firm believer in the power of moral leadership in both fields of study. He also believes that as parents, priests and as educators we must strive to give what we were given and support others as we have been supported. As an Oriate he has seated one other African American Oriate and as a Principal he has helped four of his Assistant Principals go on to become Principals in their own right. He considers himself to be a student and teacher of this religion and hopes that through continued work and conversation he can continue to teach and learn from all whose who he interacts with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/0f8aea42-b383-4fc3-a99e-4098f03931d9/Corriel+Smith+pic.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Baba Corriel Smith is a 35-year-old Grenadian American and native New Yorker; who is also a proud Husband, Father, God Father and Priest of Obatala in the Yoruba - Lukumi tradition. Born and raised in the heart of Harlem USA, just blocks away from the world famous Apollo Theater; Corriel is the youngest of two boys born to his mother, partner in crime and Ibeji (twin) in Ocha; Oshun priestess Iya Patricia Smith. Born with Sickle Cell Anemia, a debilitating chronic blood disease, Corriel spent the majority of his childhood and the greater part of his adulthood in and out of hospitals overcoming hundreds of sickle cell crises, and heavy drug dependencies. At the age of 34, Corriel was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure, the latest of his adversities which he also overcame receiving a kidney transplant in May of 2021. Despite all of his life challenges, Baba Corriel managed to become the first one in his family to graduate college receiving a Bachelors’ Degree in Psychology from Lehman College, and later his Master’s Degree in Youth Studies from The CUNY School of Professional Studies. For the past ten years, Baba Corriel has worked to support the community he was raised in as a Social Services Case Worker at the Harlem Children's Zone; providing Social, Emotional and Behavioral intervention for children ages of 3 to 18 years old. Baba Corriel gives thanks to the heavens, his ancestors and living support systems as he believes they have all helpped pave the way for him to become the social advocate and one of life's unwavering warriors that he is today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/956d3778-e9cc-4f54-854c-5f5118b2c32f/Adisa+Terry+pic.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Adisa Terry is a high school senior at the Special Music School in Lincoln Center where he is a jazz tenor saxophone major. He is also learning to play bata, having begun to teach himself some rhythms during the pandemic and then learning with Baba Oludare Bernard. An Omo Sango, Adisa recently completed his Iyaworaje and is excited to learn more and contribute to his ocha family and community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/f682e662-b0c9-43ce-ab51-6456393a286c/Mmoreno-1-2022+copy.jpg Presenter Gallery 2022 Dr. Marta Moreno Vega has grounded her life's work in the powerful experiences of people of African descent, developing cultural institutions that affirm their impact on the world stage. She has created a legacy of international advocacy and institution-building. Dr. Vega is recognized globally for her contributions as: a respected scholar institution builder cultural activist narrative shifter truth teller context educator author professor cultural producer Yoruba priestess “The honoring of those that are now spirit is essential as is honoring their work to assure that their work continues to be expanded upon generation after generation.” MARTA MORENO VEGA DemystifyingthehistoryofAfroLatinxandpeopleof Africandescent Dr. Moreno Vega has been an advocate for cultural equity, cultural studies, art as a tool for culture, social change and education. She started her career as an elementary school teacher in New York City, then went on to be the second director of El Museo del Barrio. She was also one of the founders of the Association of Hispanic Arts, Network of Centers of Color, and the Roundtable of Institutions of Color, Dr. Moreno Vega has contributed to assuring that the contributions of African and African descendants are integral to the lives of civil society in the Americas. A lifetime of institution building Institution building has been one of Dr. Moreno Vega's life's purposes. She has established, founded and cofounder institutions for more than 50 years. She became the Museo del Barrio second Director in 1971 and then went on to establish the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) in 1976, inspired by a vision to create an international organization to promote and link communities of African descent. As CCCADI’s founder and executive director she guided the capital campaign for the renovation of the landmark firehouse at 120 East 125th Street, that became CCCADI's new home. Through her lifetime she was the founding Director of Association of Hispanic Arts, founder of Network of Centers of Color and first director of the Roundtable of Institutions of Colors one of the founding board members. Moreno Vega has been consistently involved in uplifting Latino Arts and Culture for that reason she went on to be one of the founding board members of the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture and Global Afro Latino Network Centers initiative co-founder Moreno Vega is also co-founder of the Global Afro Latino and Caribbean Initiative (GALCI), a former program of Hunter College/Latin American and Caribbean Studies In 2017, Dr. Moreno Vega founded Creative Justice Initiative and 2 years later became the co-founder of Corredor Afro along with Maricruz Rivera Clemente, Ph.D, longtime cultural worker and activist and founder of C.O.P.I. Recently seeing the need for collaboration within the Caribbean she founded Afro Global Network a Caribbean based organization with a Global perspective. “For Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, a Black woman of Puerto Rican descent, born and reared in El Barrio, the current rise of a global movement for Black lives and collective liberation aligns with her unwavering vision for a better world. Her steadfast commitment throughout her long career—creating new spaces, opportunities, and possibilities for our communities to see themselves in an empowering light while challenging oppression—is her legacy.” The Latinx Project African Diaspora traditions She has conducted research in Yoruba belief systems in the African Diaspora and has organized international conferences uniting scholars and leading traditional experts focused on expanding the knowledge and importance of sacred African Diaspora traditions. Editor, director producer... Moreno Vega is co-founder of the Global Afro Latino and Caribbean Initiative (GALCI), a former program of Hunter College/Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program. She is chief editor of Women Warriors of the Afro-Latina Diaspora (Arte Publico Press) and author of The Altar of My Soul (One World/Ballantine, 2001). She is director and co-producer of the documentary When the Spirits Dance Mambo: Growing Up Nuyorican in El Barrio and has written a personal memoir by the same name (Three Rivers Press, 2003, Black Classic Press, 2018). Dr. Vega is also co-editor of Voices from the Battlefront Achieving Cultural Equity. Dr. Moreno Vega also co-edited Actualidad de las Tradiciones Espirituales y Culturales Africanas en el Caribe y Latinoamerica with Maria Elba Torres Muñoz and A SNAP SHOT: Landmarking Community Cultural Arts Organizations Nationally with Dr. Sonia Bassheva Manjon. She also participated on the documentary In In Our Mothers’ Gardens which celebrates the strength and resiliency of Black women and Black families through the complex, and oftentimes humorous, relationship between mothers and daughters. ACADEMIA Dr. Vega was a professor at El Centro de Estudios Avanzados Puertorriquenos de Puerto Rico y El Caribe in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was also an adjunct professor at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and an adjunct professor in New York University’s Department of Arts and Public Policy. Previously, she was an adjunct professor of Afro-Caribbean Religions and Afro Latinos in New York City at Hunter College, City University of New York where she was acting director of the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program. Dr. Moreno Vega has created cultural and social equity courses for the Arts and Public Policy Department of NYU, based on the work of the network of community-based art organizations, known as the Cultural Equity Group. The lecture/seminar series, Art of Justice and Futurology a collaboration between NYU and CCCADI focused on an African Diaspora agenda for CCCADI. ACTIVISM Community organizations With community-based organizations and in collaboration with human rights lawyers in New York City and Puerto Rico, she participated in the organization of Town Hall Meetings at which testimonies from Puerto Ricans displaced by hurricanes Irma and Maria were being collected and documented. Moreno Vega was key in assisting community-based organizations and representatives to organize a community tribunal to present documented evidence to the United Nations on International Human Rights Day in December 2018 of the genocidal conditions existing in Puerto Rico. CURRENT INSTITUTIONS CREATIVE JUSTICE INITIATIVE Moreno Vega continues her legacy of institution building, in 2017 she created the Creative Justice Initiative (CJI) with the intention of building an intergenerational, inclusive platform to confront systemic inequality. In a recent interview Marta told The Latinx Project’s Neyda Martinez & Néstor David Pastor: “Arts and culture organizations representing communities of Black/African and African Descendants, Latinx, Native, Arab, Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander, Appalachian, LGBTQIA+/Two Spirit and People with Disabilities remain chronically under served and underfunded. Rooted in community and solidarity, Dr. Moreno Vega believes that “it is in honoring our unique contributions that we establish common grounds of understanding.” To that end, Marta lead built a coalition for CJI’s first national action, a survey under the banner “Achieving Cultural Equity;” a title that reflects the mindset which has informed her life-long approach to work. CORREDOR AFRO & CASA AFRO In 2017 after devastating hurricane Irma and María hit Puerto Rico Marta Moreno Vega moved to the land of her parents and ancestors and a year later 2018, co-founded Corredor Afro. Corredor Afro is an international creative, sociocultural, educational, and artistic innovation project focused on highlighting, conserving, and making visible the cultural heritage and ancestral intelligence of Afro-descendants of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the World. The project was created along with Dr. Maricruz Rivera Clemente, a sociologist, and a long time racial, social and environmental justice warrior from Piñones. Corredor Afro creates innovative, intersectional, and multisectoral networks that unite creative entities, communities, researchers, and academics with educational and community-based institutions to develop comprehensive projects with community, local and international impact. https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/mama-oseye-bio daily 0.75 2023-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/dbc511ad-94c0-449a-ada6-c5e66fc2a8b1/Oseye+Mchawi.jpg https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/conference-homepage-1 daily 0.75 2024-01-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/ebd5814f-a654-4763-9288-e7e5ab1e106e/Corrected+Final+2023+OOE+Conf+Flyer+with+link.png 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/36b152fd-1f9d-490a-af45-2b80d76d6fad/front_large_extended.jpeg 2023 Conference Homepage - Make it stand out Fundraiser T-Shirt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/185fdf78-2ba4-4209-8dbb-886d6857f142/yeyeo+black+white+logo+with+trademark.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629505-5L8U1YPN3HRGE3PMTJGO/10661675_807313985987192_6651980525942024917_o.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629449-HLLMKXOEGPQDBC3CIETC/258636_197891546929442_7059743_o.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629451-37C2BXYCQUHJQM7HCUYE/266694_197479523637311_591040_o.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771646200-1B9CXS80F1WNH4BSLHOB/271314_197479126970684_2038557_o.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629684-8J258Y11TJ6O72ANV9NZ/271438_200362600015670_3577471_o.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631149-CP9KUCRJ4RC2XZMQIX9M/38641810_2031869076865004_2940033894411403264_o.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771629940-RJ9Q9X978YPDXP69E904/857_10152313866122571_32423624_n.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631031-WL2BMFP0E49L5W704JLY/1148906_10152313891987571_514383602_n.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631049-96AI1JXXHYGDJHCGVMOT/1383897_10152313905827571_792324891_n.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631228-FMK85IIX1OXRNEW8GPI3/1384366_10152318332657571_2944143_n.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771631562-PQB925JRA50JON4WHNKR/1391978_10152313822817571_113315478_n.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771647787-OTX611U0XHR2W7TLKAHW/Conference+Presenter+Chief+Bey%2C+Ibae+bae+tonu.jpg 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771699339-ME6CE6KAH3XCD7311G0R/DSC00334.JPG 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771699300-3W6P0OGP9DNZ09QFJDV2/DSC00336.JPG 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771701590-BY8WW0HZ7RW7S8CJFPDU/DSC00337.JPG 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771731682-K68BUDYO91XFNC7GUMRQ/DSC00338.JPG 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771732511-LR0T491CE0K4Q7LED7LU/Ayoka+Wiles.JPG 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771854784-9H9P6MECHJORVISZ4QUI/Doris+Rodriguez+and+Stan+Kinard+2017+Awardees.JPG 2023 Conference Homepage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/1585771859775-ZVWAGD8ZBTDSWMJRFSTF/2017+Conference+Presenters+_+Mama+Aida.JPG 2023 Conference Homepage https://www.omoobatalaegbe.com/presenter-gallery-2022-1 daily 0.75 2023-04-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/aadd255b-a082-422c-91b7-9d7ae51832e3/Mama+Oseye+2023.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Iyalorisa Oseye Mchawi, is a long-time community activist of first Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and now New Jersey. She is a mother, a grandmother, and a Yoruba Priestess. Ms. Mchawi was initiated to the Yoruba deity, Obatala on July 24, 1976. Mama Oseye is intricately involved with several African traditional spiritual groups and is one of the founding members and present Executive Director of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc. Additionally, Mama Oseye, is the founder and President of the Yoruba Society of Brooklyn, Inc; was a founding member and first President of the Board of Ijo Orisa Yoruba Church, Inc. She is also proud of her relationship as a spiritual leader and elder with the youth Organization Egbe Iwa formerly known as Egbe Iwa Odo Binrin and Egbe Iwa Odo Kunrin. In 1987, Mama Oseye adopted the Candomble house in Bahia, Ile Iya Nasso Ile Funfun (Casa Branca) as a Sister House, thus beginning the experience of the Yoruba Society of Brooklyn’s annual African Heritage tours of Brazil, which are conducted by her. Also, as a result f her visits to Casa Branca, Mama Oseye introduced the tradition of Agua de Oxala (Waters of Obatala) to the Omo Obatala Egbe several years ago, and it continues to be a highlight, and an integral part of the Annual International Orisa Conference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/e15609d3-d205-4f1e-b539-1a3e025b48bf/Funlayo+E.+Wood+2023.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Iya Funlayo E. Wood, PhD, affectionately known as Your Favorite Scholar-Priestess®️, is a scholar-practitioner of Africana Religions, specializing in the Ifa-Orisa tradition with focus on philosophy, divination, gender, sexuality, and technology. She is the founding director of the African and Diasporic Religious Studies Association, chief priestess of Ile Ase Ire, Inc., and founding dean of Ase Ire Communiversity, an independent Africana Studies Institute. Iya Funlayo was initiated in Ifa-Orisa in 2008 and earned her PhD from Harvard University in 2017; she has taught at institutions including Boston College, the City University of New York, and Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she currently serves as adjunct faculty. Her work has been published in academic and popular venues including the Journal of Africana Studies, the Review of Religious Research, and Medium and her book in progress, Obi: Death, Divination, and the Divine Feminine, will produce the first scholarly monograph on the kola nut in the context of Africana religions. A dedicated public scholar, Iya Funlayo lectures frequently and has appeared in documentaries for PBS and the National Geographic Channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/172ef006-da57-4ca7-a862-96a5527efef7/Iya+O+Headshot+%281%29.png Presenter Gallery 2023 Iyalorisa Amma Oloriwaa! is a passionate artist, community activist, leader, teacher, and lecturer. A proud Brooklyn native initiated in the Yoruba/Lukumi tradition often called to represents religions of the African diaspora in the interfaith community. Iya Oloriwaa! is a visionary who is the Founder and Alakoso (Director) of the Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin * Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin (Society of Young Men and Young Women of Character) Rites of Passage Program. She is an Apon (singer of traditional African religious music) and an Oba Oriate (leader of religious ceremony) in training. Iya is a published author, and designer of Brooklyn SkaRunch Hats. She is a founding member of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc, and of the Ijo Orisa Yoruba Church, and has served as vice admin of Oloshas United NY. With Oloshas United she created the now annual Ibaye-In Memoriam Tribute to honor deceased members of African traditional communities. She is an esteemed member of Dance Africa’s Council of Elders Iya is most proud of her children and Egbe Iwa Alum Amma Whatt, Kofi Agyapon, and Oludare Bernard who are making their own mark on the world. She performs with the Kiire Wellness family created by Oludare. Iya Oloriwaa! has received many awards and commendations for her work. She is honored and considers it a blessing to be of service. She would love to hear from you at Egbeiwadirector@gmail.com and invites you to please visit the Egbe’s web site at www.EgbeIwa.org https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/f682e662-b0c9-43ce-ab51-6456393a286c/Mmoreno-1-2022+copy.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Dr. Marta Moreno Vega has grounded her life's work in the powerful experiences of people of African descent, developing cultural institutions that affirm their impact on the world stage. She has created a legacy of international advocacy and institution-building. Dr. Vega is recognized globally for her contributions as: a respected scholar institution builder cultural activist narrative shifter truth teller context educator author professor cultural producer Yoruba priestess “The honoring of those that are now spirit is essential as is honoring their work to assure that their work continues to be expanded upon generation after generation.” MARTA MORENO VEGA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/a5ed2628-ffd4-4eb4-867c-a84f2508c7a7/Image+of+Bishop+Cheeks+%281%29.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Albert Rainer Cheeks (Rainey) as he is known by family and friends was born and raised in Washington DC. He Graduated from the National Spiritual Science Center in 1982 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Dian Nagorka After graduation he served as assistant minister at NSSC for 5 years. In 1993 he founded Inner Light Ministries church and served as the senior pastor for 29 years. He now serves as the Spiritual Director of the National Spiritual Science Center of Washington D.C.. In 1999 he received his Doctor of Divinity from Albert Rainier Cheeks (Rainey) as he is known by family and friends was born and raised in Washington DC. He started his training in Traditional Tae Kwan Do at the age 14 under Grand Master Ki Whang Kim. He made black belt in 1968 this also began his studies into traditional energy healing, massage and meditation techniques. He was rated in the top 10 in the United States and was the co-captain on the first US team that competed in the World Championship in Seoul Korea in 1973. There he won silver medal in team and bronze medal individual he was inducted into the Tae Kwon Do hall of fame in 2007 he now serves as the Grand Master of the Ki Kwan Kim Traditional Marshal Arts Association and holds the rank of 9th Degree. Bishop Cheeks became a social justice activist in 1968 when Dr. King was killed walking women home to get out of danger this experience lead him to a fight for social justice for the rest of his life for all people of Color. He studied Kryia yoga and was initiated by Swami Hariharanada Giri in 1978. 1981 he was certified in Energy an Charkra balancing energy techniques. He was ordained in 1982 from the National Spiritual Science Center of Washington D.C. In 1985 he founded of Us Helping Us, People into Living a holistic training program in for people living with AIDS. He has presented at three World health Conference on HIV on the interconnection of mind body healing techniques in Amsterdam Germany and Japan. In 1988 he was certify as a grief counselor from the St. France Center in Washington D.C... 1993 He founded and open Inner Light Unity Fellowship Church in Washington D. C. 1999 he was honored with his Doctor of Divinity from The St. Andrews Theological School of London England the same year he was consecrated to the office of Bishop while serving with the Unity Fellowship Church Movement. 2000. 2018 Inner Light Ministries became a member of United Church of Christ. 1n 2010 he graduated from The Potomac Massage Instituted as a License Massage therapist. Yao Kwabena Rainey was initiated as an Abosomfo and a Priest of Tegare in the tradition of Ghana West Africa. He is the founder of Inner Light Ministries UCC in Washington DC where he now servers as Bishop he is the Spiritual Director at the National Spiritual Science Center in Washington DC. He also serves in the House of Bishop in The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries TFAM under Bishop Yvette A. Flunder. He has received numerous awards for community service for his constant work. He has studied metaphysical principals for many years and has presented and facilitates workshops though out the US on Holistic health. He is a published author and now holds workshops on interpersonal development and meditation for personal growth. He has served on several boards and has been recognized for his work in the liberation of the LGBTQ. He is a retreat team leader with Damien Ministries and is a guest at other retreats around the country. Some of the workshops he facilitates are Visualization, Meditation, Self Esteem development, the Art of Loving Yourself, death and dying and the grief process and Body energy work. He has presented at AIDS Medicine and Miracle, Howard University school of medicine, Brown University student body, George Washington University Hospital, the Mon Valley Aids task force, People for the American Way foundation, the Congressional Black Caucus, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, and diversity training for the DC Police Department, the Place of worship Advisory Board in Washington D.C., The National Black Religious Summit and Inner Visions Institute by Iyanla Vansant. He is a teacher preacher and inspirational speaker and most of all a Child of the Living God still growing from the inside out! He has been living with HIV since 1985 has he says “I have it, it does not have me”! As we say at Inner Light “I See the God In You” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/e46d8999-18c3-4ded-8e8c-acc9ee7b7e88/DJ+Carlos+Mena.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 To understand Carlos Mena and his music, you must understand his background. Born in Puerto Rico, raised in Brooklyn, and childhood summers in the Dominican Republic, Carlos soaked up the vast array of sounds and musical idioms —from Djing House to Hip-Hop to Salsa—to help form a unique foundation for his music sensibilities that can be heard throughout his music today. A frequently requested DJ and resident at the world famous now defunct Output club, His eclectic sets continue to garner him the label of one of the hottest DJs on the U.S. circuit, having played at 6 of Rolling Stone's TOP Clubs in the U.S.. He has opened for Black Coffee, Theo Parrish, Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega, and played b2b with Ron Trent and b2b with Osunlade, to name a few. Carlos has toured around the world having played, in Japan, South Africa, France, UK, Kenya, Greece and other countries. His organic approach to remixes have him working with artists such as, Grammy winners Jody Watley, Roy Ayers, Lazaro Galaragga, Arrested Develpment, and House legends, Louie Vega, Atjazz, Osunlade, Ron Trent, and DJ Spinna. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/7d9d3e84-7841-44b5-95a0-227638473352/Wilhelmina+Grant+Cooper+2023.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Wilhelmina (Obatola) Grant-Cooper, oni Sango, is a self-taught, Harlem-based visual artist, arts instructor, and author. Wilhelmina creates assemblages using mixed-media and found objects which she repurposes into visual art. Her artistic undertakings included assignments as artist-in-residence at The Ralph Lauren Cancer Center and as a Creative Center at University Settlement artist-in-residence wherein she used the arts to nurture the creativity of cancer patients, their families, and staff in a healthcare setting. She also guides elder participants through arts activities at senior centers in Washington Heights, Upper East Side and Brooklyn. In 2010 Wilhelmina was honored with three prestigious awards for art: The Black Art Makers Award of National Conference of Artists, The Women’s History Month Creative Power of Women Award presented by New York State Senator Bill Perkins, and The Alain Locke Art & Action Award presented by The Harlem Arts Alliance. She was also a NoMAA (Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance) 2016 Uptown Arts Stroll Honoree. Wilhelmina is the founder of SISTAAH, Inc. (Survivors Inspiring Sisters Through Art and Advocacy for Health), an arts-based non-profit organization which seeks to inform, encourage and facilitate access to early detection of breast cancer by connecting the medically underserved to free screening services. Using SISTAAH, Inc. as a platform, Wilhelmina has launched numerous successful grant-funded community art projects: Saving Our Sisters in the African American Community, the Harlem Hand Fan Initiative, and O.Y.E. Open Your Eyes Community Art/Health Awareness Project. She self-published her first book, A Feeling of Fullness: Insights of a Divinely Guided Journey Beyond Breast Cancer (2016, Xlibris Publishing Company) which chronicles the journey from the nearly-missed breast cancer diagnosis at age 37 through her present-day life as an artist/author/health awareness advocate. Her second book entitled Uplifting Cancer Survivors in the COVID Era: Expressions of Kindness and Inspiration Between Aunties and Nieces was released in October 2022. Some collectors of her artwork include: Alice Walker, Bill Clinton, The Heath Gallery, and Hamilton Landmark Galleries. Eleven of her assemblages appear as set dressing in Seasons 1 and 2 of the Prime Video Series HARLEM. Wilhelmina is an avid gardener and lives with her husband in Harlem. Her website is: https://sistaah.org https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/c51ea571-efcc-4d0a-81c9-db6148de15b5/Oludare+2023.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Oludare Bernard OLUDARÉ- it means, “God gives me the sanction to LIVE!” Oludaré is a Balogun (Priest of Ogun), Aponni (Music Healing Ceremonial Leader), Omo Anya (Sacred Healing Drummer), Dancer and Author of Breathing With Orisha. He is a #RespiratoryActivist and believes in #RESPARATIONS- a spin off of reparations that includes the freedom and time for African Descendants to practice intentional healing through the breath, song and movements of their own ancestral lineages. He is the Author if Breathing With Orisha which has been archived in the Harvard University Library as a living document that discusses the breathing methods of resilience for Black communities during the rise of the Global Covid 19 pandemic. Through Kìire Wellness, Oludaré teaches private and public chair breathing, dance, song, and music workshops that culturally restore African descendants, strengthen their physical health and fortify their spiritual practice. His work is dedicated to promoting wellness in African Descendant communities- and it all starts with the Breath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/71e9405c-4390-475b-b2f3-9927f3bc74b4/Michelle+Hunton+2023.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Michelle Hunton was born and grew up in New York. She is the last of seven children born to her parents. As a youngster she endured various troubles but persevered to attend North Carolina A&T State University. Iya Michelle went on to earn two graduate degrees and became an ordained minister in 1988. Iya Michelle has served as a chaplain in several hospitals and Police departments. She also served and retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Chaplain. In the 1990’s she became involved in the Yoruba tradition. Throughout her career she has served on several boards and received many awards. Iya Michelle recently remarried and is the mother of the successful sons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/51182011-d4fd-4ea9-9ad3-049cf7ba99f5/David+Sosa+2023.png Presenter Gallery 2023 David Sosa is an initiate to Ochun Ibu Anya in the Lucumi Tradition. Crowned by the hands of Omi Ilari (Leo Orellana- Ibae) and Ojugbona kan Omi Lana (Jordan Bermudez) in Las Tunas, Cuba in April 2010. Trained primarily by Omi Dina (Carmen Catala) in mediumship development in the practice known as Espiritismo. A mentor with Egbe Iwa (Oluko) and a part of the Ethics Committee affiliated with Concerned Citizens, David has utilized his talents as a spiritualist and Olorisa to promote community building, self-actualization, and development, as well as mental health awareness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/f5c28918-fe14-40c6-bc0b-8a5409fe6a9b/Darius+Annnis+2023.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 I am an African historian and Public Health researcher. I have obtained my education from Coppin State University, Howard University, and George Washington University. Throughout my academic journey, my focus has been on various areas, including identifying African continuities in the New World, researching Black Maternal Mortality, and examining the role of African Mutual Aid societies in shaping black sustainability and leadership. My research interests have been profoundly influenced by my involvement in the New York African Burial Ground Project during my time as a graduate student at Howard University. This project served as a significant catalyst for my continued studies in public health, specifically in assessing the measurable impact of structural racism on African communities. The experience of working with the remains of African descendants and the artifacts discovered in their graves highlighted the enduring efforts made to preserve the memories and cultural practices brought to the New World during the enslavement period. Witnessing the spiritual practices reflected in the burial ground became a pivotal moment that sparked my fascination with traditional African spiritual systems. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am passionate about promoting cultural understanding and bridging the gap between historical legacies and contemporary challenges faced by African communities. I aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on racial equity and social justice, using both my historical knowledge and public health expertise. Throughout my career, I have actively engaged in scholarly research, presenting my findings at conferences and publishing articles in academic journals. I have also collaborated with various organizations and community groups dedicated to addressing health disparities and advocating for the well-being of marginalized populations. By combining my passion for African history and public health research, I aspire to make meaningful contributions to the fields of academia, community development, and cultural preservation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/139f5146-239b-4455-a856-e43f1b2bb27a/Ayoka+Wiles+2023.png Presenter Gallery 2023 Dr. Ayoka Wiles has over 20 years of leadership experience transforming and inspiring organizational and program development for arts, culture, education, youth development, and social justice organizations. Ayoka has worked with several community-based organizations integrating the arts, literacy, spirituality, and cultural education in programming for youth and adults. She served as the first Associate Director of Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy and then returned to serve as the Associate Executive Director/Interim Director of Finance for 5 years. While at Ifetayo, she also was a dance teacher/coach and managed an award-winning youth ensemble which received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award recognized by First Lady Michelle Obama. Ayoka has led a consulting firm supporting nonprofit organizations build capacity, a Business Manager for the Village of Arts and Humanities, the Director of a Nonprofit Incubator at Resources of Human Development as well as Grants Director and Director of Programs and Strategies at the Brooklyn Arts Council. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/79c3b05f-a233-45df-b449-eead2451f750/Abusia+Radio+2023.png Presenter Gallery 2023 Abusia Radio Abusia means family, and Abusia Radio has created a sanctuary- a new home for the music that makes you Dance. For 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there is a landing space where the music lovers, the marginalized, the misfits and the House-Heads are always welcome. Abusia means family, and Abusia Radio plays music for your soul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/350509ba-e607-4e86-b061-d7a7baf012c6/Amma+Whatt+2023.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Amma Whatt John is the eldest graduate of Egbe Iwa. She is proud to serve on the board of directors, and contributes her experience to an akeko, fundraiser, and supporter of the program, since its inception. Recognized by the New York Times for her “...silk-infused vocals...” the songwriter, vocalist, and Brooklyn, NY native has a unique musical talent that has taken her over the globe. She was recently featured as a lyricist and vocalist on the two-time, Grammy-nominated jazz album “Nate Smith + KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere” and continues to write and tour with the band internationally. When asked where her inspiration comes from, Amma harkens back to her experiences born into a musical family that immersed her in various African and Black American cultures. She was destined to become an artist with a universal appeal as she learned Afro-Cuban Orisha chants and music, and Sene-Gambian dance from her parents, who toured the world, performing professionally throughout her childhood. The American Idol Hollywood finalist honed her vocal skills at the prestigious Howard University, and released her critically acclaimed debut E.P. “Maybe” in 2012. While earning her songwriting chops as a staff writer with the Grammy-nominated songwriting team, Big Drawz Music, Amma co-wrote “Just the Way You Are” for Kindred and The Family Soul, and has had music placed in various TV shows, including “Running Russell Simmons”. TV viewers then continued to enjoy Amma as the singer of HomeGoods long-running “Get Happy” campaign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/fe38bf73-8ca4-42ff-8e2f-9d350ed68961/Yeye+with+crown.jpeg Presenter Gallery 2023 Yeye Fabukunmi (The Yelomo Obatala Agbaye, Ile Ife USA) Yeye Fabukunmi has been a practitioner of Yoruba tradition for over 25 years and is the Chief priest of the Otura Orire Shrine located globally; and she is the Vice President of the Obatala US Council. She is initiated to Ifa, Obatala, Egungun and is crowned Oloye Yelomo Obatala Agbaye, Ile Ife (USA). Yeye is a spiritualist, educator, creative artist, and motivational speaker. She provides wisdom and insight with humor that motivates and inspires her clients. Yeye Fabukunmi taps into divine messages through consulting with Ifa, Erindilogun, Obi, tarot and spirit divination. Otura Orire Divine Alignment Center, offers classes on spiritual and personal development with Ifa based approaches. Also, you can book Yeye Fabukunmi for Motivational Speaking. She can provide your audiences with encouraging words that can help them see the importance of positive growth in their lives. Yeye Fabukunmi is a straight-forward, humorous, witty and an engaging speaker that can move any audience to action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/72b26d84-f62b-4857-a995-d6518b24f46c/Alex+Lasalle+2023.jpeg Presenter Gallery 2023 Alex LaSalle is a high priest (Tata Nkisi) to one of Kongo-Cuban Palo in Cuba and now New York City-- Batalla Sacampeño Mayombe. His teacher and mentor is Florencio Miguel Garzon (“Loanganga”) from Cuba. In addition to serving as a diviner and priest, Alex is also a specialist in hundreds of Afro-Cuban Kongo Mambo songs and rituals. Alex is fluent in the Afro-Cuban Bantu/Kongo language, is an avid researcher and oral historian. He has presented lectures for educators and students at Yale, Columbia, New York University, Long Island University and others. A teaching artist in the public schools of New York City, Alex is the founder and director of Alma Moyo Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba group, and member of Grammy Nominated Los Pleneros de la 21 and Grupo Folklorico Experimental Nueva Yorquino. Alex has performed with such groups as Roberto Cepeda’s Bomba Aché, William Cepeda’s Afro-Boricua, Felix Alduén y su Tambores, Pa’lo Monte, Nchila Ngoma Mayombe, and 21 Division. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/c2380c16-cfa0-4f3b-9e72-5116b150d047/Verda+Olayinka+Pic.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Iyafa Omi Adedemi Olayinka (Verda H. Olayinka) In her professional role as a Culture Broker, Verda H. Olayinka assisted individuals and families who were not able to navigate social healthcare systems for themselves. She has been a Cultural Consultant thirty-four years providing social science solutions in community education, public health, and integrated healthcare. Professor Verda Olayinka formerly served as an Adjunct Professor in the Africana Studies Department at CUNY Brooklyn College teaching “The Black Family” and “Black Women in America.” From 2014 - 2019, Ms. Olayinka taught “Roots and Routes of African Diaspora Resistance” and participated in course development for the online course “The African American Experience” at SUNY Empire State College’s Center for Distance Learning. In 2023, Professor Olayinka published Activating Social Solutions: Essential Keys to Progress, 3rd Ed. By 2018, Ms. Olayinka edited, Ifa: Path to Enlightenment, which provides spiritual grounding to enhance active engagement in the continued urgency for social transformation. This presentation was written in response to repeated requests on social media asking essentially, how to connect with one’s Ori? Chapter 5: “Ori”, provides the foundation for the Saturday morning 9 – 10:30 Author’s Reading Room presentation, Ori: Sacred Language for Our Collective Liberation, at the 22nd International Orisa Conference. Please feel free to email VerdaOlayinka@gmail.com if you missed this presentation or for further information on “Ori.” (213 words) I was inspired to write, Activating Social Solutions: Essential Keys to Progress, (3rd Ed. 2023) after observing the Nationwide, ongoing, open, and subtly sophisticated assaults against our people. I realized the great dilemma”. She was concerned that folks were demonstrating and returning home to social conditions that were the same as when they left. The book attempts to cultivate another strategy for developing Change Agents and Social Solutions Groups that would meet in a safe space, and work with people they already know, to plan and execute local change projects. Activating Social Solutions... provides the ground work in understanding of the role of the social sciences needed to take place in order to reinforce and ensure focused continued success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e84da61423b3605d023575b/5ed03ea8-131d-4391-8bcf-1a1a67ad137b/Baba+Kevin.jpg Presenter Gallery 2023 Baba Kevin Greene is a Priest of Obatala in the Lukumi-Yoruba tradition for 25 years, a certified massage therapist of 35 years, a spiritualist, diviner, lay teacher of Qi Gong, facilitator and health care activist. In 1996 he created the Alternative and Complimentary Therapies Program at Action AIDS, a Non-Profit Organization that served People living with HIV and AIDS in Philadelphia. Kevin specializes in healing retreats for Black Men and Men of Color. He is the founder of the L.T.H.L. Ministry Kevin is a student of Qi Gong and Tai Chi since 1996. 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