OIDSI

In Houston Doing What We Do2014

Greetings to All!

It has been two long years, but the 2nd Biennial 2014 OIDSI Conference is finally upon us! Thank you so much for registering, as I am aware that for many of you it was a huge sacrifice! Whether the sacrifice was related to business or your personal affairs, I am grateful and excited about seeing all of your faces, both familiar and unfamiliar! For those clients and Godchildren who made sincere attempts to attend the 2014 conference, but due to circumstances beyond your control were not able to do so, I am equally as appreciative of your efforts. In your absence your names will be included in all prayers and ceremonies. I pray that 2016 will be a prosperous and successful year for you and your families. At this year‟s conference you can expect to receive an abundance of valuable and informative lectures/classes, in addition to the opportunity to participate in many fun-filled events and activities!

I am elated to announce that, once again, this year we are expecting more than 100 participants to be in attendance! Many of the presentations will be in lecture-like settings, but there will also be ample time for informal interaction and networking outside of the scheduled sessions.

I, along with the 2014 OIDSI Conference Committee, which has shown unceasing diligence during the planning process of the conference over the past year, would like to say to OIDSI Texas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington ….WELCOME TO H-TOWN!!!!!!!! We are excited that you will be in attendance for this momentous event! For those of you who will be extending your stay in Houston past Sunday, June 22nd, make note that there are additional activities on Monday and Tuesday to enjoy. Lastly, our prayer is that Ifa grants each of you safe travels to and from Houston, that you have an incomparable experience at the 2014 conference, and that you return to your respective cities with a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, anticipation of boundless personal expansion and blessings beyond measure!!!! ASE!!!!!!!

Chief Oluwo Obafemi Fayemi Epega The Maiyegun of Ode Remo, Ogun State

Photos by: Mujilu & White Cloth Photography

19

Acknowledgements :

Bembe Musicians

Olori Aje Oba Oosalase Efundeji, El Quasim Efundeji, Zakar Ajibilu Efundeji, Brotha Tee. Thank you for traveling to Houston to offer sacred songs and rhythms.

DJ William Everett

Thank you for playing that funky music and keeping the ile moving and grooving throughout our conference.

White Cloth Photography

Thank you for providing your professional photo skills for this special occasion.

DoubleTree Hotel

2014 OIDSI Conference was held at the Double Tree - Hobby Hotel in Houston, Texas.Many thanks to the hotel Staff for their hospitality and support for another successful conference. Ase!

OIDSI Conference Committee

Thank you for all your careful planning, structure, and unfaltering commitment. This wonderful event would not have happened without your dedication.

And most importantly Mo‟Dupe Olodumare! Thank you for bringing us all together safely, in good health and warm laughter to create more wonderful memories with our spiritual family. Blessings to Ifa.

Ase, Ase, Aseooo!

Dr. Wade W. Nobles

Ifagbemi Sangodare, Nana Kwaku Berko I, Bejana, Onebunne. Dr. Wade Nobles is the son of John Nobles (1900b) whose father was Mims Nobles who was born into slavery in 1863. His father was Wade Nobles who was born into the barbarism of American slavery in 1836 and the oldest son of Candace/Agnes (Cilla) also born into captivity in Edgefield, South Carolina in 1810. Dr. Nobles is the namesake of Candace/Agnes‟ oldest son. Cilla was sold by the Mildred Cook Nobles Estate with her three children to the Sam Sheppard Plantation for $2,500.00. Dr. Nobles‟ mother and father named him Wade which means one who is able to tred through difficult matter like mud, snow or ignorance.

Along with his wife, Dr. Vera Lynn Winmilawe Nokwanda DeMoultrie whose Mitochondrial DNA identifies her as from the Jola people of Senegal, they have five children (Michael Chikuya, Omar Jahmal, Zetha Awura, Ayanna Yasmeen and Halima Bisa) and eleven grand children (Talia, Mikal, Kristofer, Donovan, Deborah, Maasai, Afolarin, Moromi, Folasade, Yasmeen, and Oni Chinyere).

Dr. Nobles was initiated into the Ifa spiritual system in 1992 by Babalawo Ifayemi Elebuibon, the Araba of Osogbo, Nigeria. Ifa named him Ifagbemi (Ifa blesses me) Sangodare (Sango protects me). In receiving the high honor of being enstooled as the Nkwasohene (Development Chief) of Akwasiho-Kwahu Region of Ghana, West Africa, in 1996, Dr. Nobles has been reintegrated into the ancient clan system of the royal chieftaincy of the Akan civilization. African wisdom traditions (Akan, Yoruba, Bantu, Wolof, Dogon, Fon, Lebou, etc) as the grounding for the development of an authentic Black psychology.

Dr. Nobles is a founding member of the Association of Black Psychologists and former national President (1994-95). He is Professor Emeritus of Africana Studies and Black Psychology at San Francisco State University and the author of over one hundred (100) articles, chapters, research reports and books; the co-author of the seminal article in Black Psychology, Voodoo or IQ: An Introduction to African Psychology; the author of Seeking the Sakhu: Foundational Writings in African Psychology, an anthology of over thirty years of African centered research and scholarship and his newest manuscript, The Island of Memes: Haiti’s Complex Cache of Consciousness, The Unfinished Revolution. Dr. Nobles is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family Life and Culture, Inc., a free standing independent community-based, nonprofit Black “think-tank” and scientific, educational training and research corporation specializing in the scientific educational and cultural aspects of family life and human development.

18

2014 OIDSI Speakers

2

Alaafia OIDSI Family!

I greet you in peace, love and light. Welcome to Houston and the 2014 OIDSI Conference, our second biannual “family reunion” and learning space to fellowship, soak up divine knowledge and have amazing fun! I give thanks for your presence, your energy and for what you will bring to this wonderful experience. Ase!

Love and Light from your Sister,

Iya Ominike

Iya Ominike, Chair

Iya Ominike Ifamutimi Fayemi Adesanya Awoyade (Jeneé Pierre) was initiated as a Yemoja Priestess of the Adesanye Awoyade lineage in Ode Remo, Nigeria. She discovered her daily purpose is to inspire the lives of fellow women by sharing her story and creating a platform for other inspiring stories to also be shared. Through her business vision and purpose, The Woman‟s Earth® Nurturing Studio, she links the nurturing of physical self to spiritual self incorporating fun, healing truth. Jeneé is a native Houstonian and daughter of Ora and Christine Pierre. She has a B.S. in Psychology, Master‟s in Public Administration, and is a certified mediator. Jeneé is a community advocate for young girls, writer, flower child, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a certified human resources practitioner with 10 years of experience in non profit and for profit administration and a current Professor at Texas Southern University.

Chief Dawolade, Treasurer

Chief YeYe Dawolade Adesanya Awoyade, Orisa Kanyin Ifatoyin, was initiated as a Priest of Obatala in January, 2007 in Acura, Gaga Community, Nigeria. She also received her Chieftaincy in January 2010 in Ode Remo – Ogun State, Nigeria. Dawolade is a healer, mediator, teacher and entrepreneur. Chief Dawolade is Treasurer for the 2014 OIDSI Conference Committee. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her god children (Taiwo and Kehinde).

Iya Osunkemi, Hospitality Advisor

Osunkemi Ifasayo Adesanya Awoyade was initiated as a Priest of Osun in Ode Remo – Ogun State, Nigeria. She is the Hospitality Advisor, for the 2014 OIDSI Conference Committee. Iya Osunkemi is currently working on a project in Belize and her non-profit for community development for the elderly. She loves to read, travel and spending time with her family. She has one sister, Iya Ogundoyin Ifaseyi Adesanya Awoyade, who recently returned to Houston after residing in Brooklyn, New York for over 3 years.

2014 OIDSI Conference Committee

4 17

2014 OIDSI Speakers

Iya Oyadele

Fawunmi Oyadele Ifayemi Adesanya Awoyade, LMSW, MPA, is initiated as a Priest of the divinity Oya and proud mother of ibeji Taiwo and Kehinde. She passionate about the business of “transformation, cleansing, and reclaiming your power.” She is the great-great granddaughter of the revered Louisiana midwife and root woman Haitian American, Artheminse Le'veille' (Memere Temis) and is a vessel of handed down familial healing and knowledge. Ifawunmi is an accomplished licensed social worker and psychotherapist for a nationally ranked hospital in The Medical Center, Houson, Tx.. She offers a holistic approach to mental health care that encompasses your mind, body, spirit, and nature. Ifawunmi is a social entrepreneur blessed by Ifa, Egun, and Oya to birth Crystal Clear Communal Concepts and Consulting, Inc., R&R Holistic Psychotherapy, and a bioregional botanical line. She is co-partner of juice bar and co-partner of an herbal bouquet company. She is a practicing community herbalist, certified holistic health consultant, and public speaker. Iba se Oya!

Baba Obaniyi

Erwin E. A. Thomas (Awo Obaniyi Ifasanmi Faymi Awoyade) MFA is a uniquely talented and passionate healer, educator, producer and classically-trained performance artist. Yet the sum of these is more than any of it's parts. Committed to weaving his artistic and spiritual crafts together to engage, inspire, transform and heal audiences, classrooms & communities in the creative exploration of culture, civic-engagement, identity, social justice, leadership & historic legacy. Baba O is honored to be a humble member of the priest class of O.I.D.S.I. in the fulfillment of his ancestral & personal life mission: To fearlessly develop craft, talent and ideas through the practice of disciplined life-long study, teaching and learning with dedicated individuals, communities and institutions towards the harvesting and co- creation of a sustainable, global village fit for future generations.

HIGHLIGHTS! Be sure to check out our vendors

House of Ire is an artist collective..house of mysteries...storytellers & story-makers...visual poetry transforming words & music into new cultures.

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Christopher W. Brown

Awo Ṣàngódaré Fagbemi Epega Orisadamilola Ọṣungbemi Adesanya Awoyade .A teacher, priest, writer, lecturer, researcher and international traveler, Christopher W. Brown (Ṣàngódaré Fágbèmí) is the founder of the Ṣàngódaré Institute for the Study of GAN Philosophy, an organization that bridges the gap between science and religion. Christopher is initiated into four priesthoods in the Ifá system. The late Oluwo Afolabi A. Epega, a fifth generation Ifa priest from Ode Remo, Nigeria, initiated him as a Priest of Ṣàngó. Christopher was initiated as a Priest of Ifá (Babaláwo) by Chief Priest Ṣolade of Akure, Nigeria, Gaga Community. The late Iya Ifálabanke Adesanya of Ode Remo, Nigeria, also initiated him as a Priest of Ọbàtálá and Ọṣun. Christopher is a member of Egbe Ifá Ogunti Ode Remo under the Araba of Ode Remo, Baba Adesanya Awoyade.

In establishing the Ṣàngódaré Institute, Christopher is creating a vehicle that bridges the gap between science and religion, a life ambition of his godfather Dr. Afolabi Epega. The goal and the overall mission of the Ṣàngódaré Institute for the Study of GAN Philosophy, is to help students unveil the mysteries behind religious allegories, focusing on truths expressed through the myths, therefore using religion as a tool to reach higher states of awareness. Through the GAN approach, the student comes to the understanding that religion is science veiled in allegory.

Born in the United States, Christopher spent time growing up on the Navajo Indian reservation and in cosmopolitan Texas. He holds degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from Texas Southern University. He worked as a Software Engineer at Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance in the Space Shuttle Program for NASA. He lectures and teaches Ifa, Numerology and the science of Sacred Geometry throughout the United States and Internationally. and is I involved with Across the King's River, a documentary film that artfully weaves African Shamanism and modern science. Christopher currently resides in Cairo, Egypt where he teaches Mathematics and Egyptology.

Christopher has been a student of comparative religions for approximately 25 years. In that time he has come to the realization, after studying various arts, sciences and religions, that science and religion are in fact one and the same. Studying the intricate mechanisms of language allows one to decode the mysteries of the universe. With this key, the veil of ambiguity is removed and one becomes the student who studies the many, so that he or she may understand the One.

2014 OIDSI Speakers

5

Iya Ogunkemi, Bembe Coordinator

Iyanifa Ifabunmi Ogunkemi Fayemi Adesanya is a Mother. Writer. Activist. Educator. Spiritual-Living Facilitator. She is a priest of Ifa, Ogun, Obatala and Osun. She is the founder of Ile Ogunti Ministries. An organization that focuses on spiritual solutions to physical concerns. A place where transformation meets destiny. Iya Ogunkemi has been working with Baba Femi since 2008.

IfaTayo, Graphic Designer

Ifatayo (LaVita Ru.) is originally from Chicago, Illinois and now resides in Houston, Texas. She attended Columbia College Chicago where she received her Bachelor‟s of Art degree in Fine Art/ Graphic Design in 2000. She received her Ifa in 2011. Ifatayo is the Graphic Designer for the 2014 OIDSI Conference Committee. Today, Ifatayo is a highly regarded Interdisciplinary Artist, spiritualist, and mother of two beautiful children. Ifatayo is the owner of “The Intuitive Wood Shop” online, where one can find eccentric custom wood burned and hand painted Orisha/Spirit inspired, artistic wood jewelry and keepsakes.

AwoSope, Youth Programming

Awo Sope Fayemi Epega (D'Lisa Ramsey Worthy) is graduate of Penn State University where she received a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education. She is a Master teacher who trains teachers, writes policy, facilitates parent groups, and works with young children with disabilities and their families in the city of Baltimore for over 20 years. She is a Reiki Master Teacher, an Integrated Awareness Graduate, An Ordained Minister in the Order of Melchizedek and received her Ifa Sode in 2012. She is a devoted wife and proud mother of three boys, Ifatosi (Jaylen), Ifajinmi (Donovan) and Olabambo ( Amari). Her passion is to help children learn about Ifa and to guide them to follow the path of their highest destiny.

HIGHLIGHTS! WEDNESDAY JUNE 18TH Drum Circle at 5:30 followed by the pool party and 6:30pm

THURSDAY JUNE 19TH An unforgettable performance by HOUSE OF IRE 8:00pm

FRIDAY JUNE 20TH An awesome Bembe OIDSI Style! 8:00pm

SUNDAY JUNE 22ND Brunch with the OIDSI Family 9:00am

2014 OIDSI Conference Committee

6

Chief Olowo Obafemi Ifayemi Epega The Maiyegun of Ode Remo, Ogun State

Stephen Mackey also known as Baba Femi- Lecturer, and

Author of Who Is Sambo, of Houston, Texas- is widely known

as a teacher of the traditional African cultural practice, IFA.

Baba Femi has sought to preserve the cultural heritage of Ifa

in his work and to educate others in the African Diaspora

about the divine sciences, music, art, communication and

healing benefits of this tradition.

Baba Femi travels extensively throughout the United States

and West Africa to promote the restoration and preservation

of the oral traditions of Africans in the Diaspora. Baba Femi

studied extensively with Africana Historian, and Scholar, the

late Dr. Ben Jochanan, and Traditional Priest and Scholar of

Ifa, the late Dr. Epega of Ondo State, Nigeria. He continues to

travel across the United States presenting and lecturing to

large groups as well as providing individual consultations

regarding methods for reconnecting and preserving the

authenticity of African culture and spiritual tradition. Baba

Femi incorporates his love and understanding of nature into

his lectures. He believes that continued practice and teaching

of the Ifa tradition can heal and restore psychological balance

and personal empowerment to all people regardless of their

background. Baba Femi has trained a cadre of priests and

healers to carry on nature based works throughout the

United States.

Baba Femi received the title, Maiyegun or Chief, after being

initiated into the sacred sciences of Ifa Priesthood in Nigeria,

West Africa in 2005. Today, he currently has well over 250

godchildren and this extended family is still growing. He is

humble as well blessed to be surrounded by some highly

intelligent and wise brothers and sisters who are helping him

to build an organization that will bring a constitution of

healing to African American people through Ifa. Baba Femi

often comments that he would not change anything in his life.

He says in this moment he is the summation of all his

choices and experiences, whether it is judged by others as

bad or good. He is proud to be an African American, a

descendant of a slave, Priest of Ifa, teacher, author, mentor,

son and most importantly a father and a friend to many. All of

this allowing his life to display what his heart has chosen.

Ase.

15

2014 OIDSI Speakers

(Continued) With an understanding through personal experiences, she had to get to the bottom of her Core Beliefs. So in 1999 she completed a Self Mastery Course known as “Transology” using the Enneagram. Then in 2000 she received her Bachelor of Divinity as an Ordained Minister of Metaphysics and Spiritualism.

As Spirit led in 2001 Iya was initiated Mamaissii Hounon through the Mamiwata Healing Society Dahomean/Tchamba branch of the ATR Tradition. Her healing journey continued on studying then graduating Inner Vision Institute of Spiritual Development Innaugural Class of 2003 as a Spiritual Life Recovery Coach. Knowing that there was still more to heal within, she traveled to Osogbo West Africa Osun State and was initiated as Iyanifa of Ifa and Osun. Her greatest day in the journey to remembering the truth came in 2010 when she made that trip to Houston Texas to Baba Femi and OIDSI, and found her Spiritual Home. Today she continues her 24 year career in Real Estate and now the Founder and Director of Avalon Wellness Institute a total learning center for spirit, mind and body empowerment.

WE THANK IFA.

Iya Oyaronke

Ifadayo Oyaronke Adesanya Awoyade (Johari Nuru Mills) is a priestess of Oya Omo Iyanifa Sangolana Fasemoyin. She is a native Houstonian and graduated from Texas Southern University and has a Masters in Education Administration from Prairie View A&M University. She has 14 years of experience in the beauty industry. Currently she is the owner and Master Stylist of Flower Child's Studio Salon. She has been studying African Dance from both south and west Africa. She has been a member of several dance companies including Kuumba House and Wonlande African Dance and Drum Company. Although she no longer has the time for performance dance, she continues to study the art of African dance and has spearheaded an organization that raises awareness of African culture through dance and using dance and drum for physical and spiritual healing. She is also the founder of Operation Blossom, a project where she volunteers her time and salon services to school aged girls to provide a makeover, hair care tips, and most importantly a life lesson in self-love.

HIGHLIGHTS! Be sure to check out our vendors

Learn more at takpabio@sbcglobal.com

Ancestral T- Shirts with Iya Omitola

14

2014 OIDSI Speakers

Iya Omitola

Iya‟lorisha Omitola Ifayemisi Fayemi-Adesanya (Tanya A.U. Akpabio) Iya Omitola has been a formal practitioner of African Spirituality in the Orisa-Ifa tradition since 1996 and a student of Malidoma Somé and the indigenous practices of the Dagara of Burkina Faso since 2005. Her study and devotion in Orisa-Ifa led to her initiation as Orisa Yemoja in 2010 in Ode Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. The past 41/2 years as a priestess have been filled with her further study of odu, ritual practices, divinations and initiations, while integrating these aspects into her personal life. She is currently an apprentice to Malidoma Somé and the ritual healing technologies of the Dagara and is the incoming treasurer for the Ancestral Wisdom Bridge Foundation, East Coast Village. She is a certified Kemetic Yoga instructor and student of New Thought/Ancient Wisdom.

Baba Kayode, Closing Brunch Keynote Speaker

Baba Sango Kayode Ola Ifa (A. Todd Jackson) is a Houstonian, graduate of Texas Southern University and product of the Houston Independent School District. He holds a Bachelor‟s of Science degree in Biology with over 20 years working as an Environmentalist. As an ordained minister, Jackson has spoken at youth programs and conferences. His messages are often non-conventional, incorporating themes of liberation through biblical teachings and knowledge of self, history and culture. Jackson‟s deepest passion is to help people discover why they are here and what their purpose in life is. He recently co-authored a self-help book entitled, Intended Design: A Journey to Self Awareness.

Chief Osunlabake

Chief Iyanifa Ifakemi Osunlabake (Joy King), the Otun Yeye Maiyegun of OIDSI and the Otun Yeye of the Throne of the Nayeo Alade. The originator of OIDSI Virginia and Ohio Iles in 2011. A native of New York City who later followed her Ori when told to follow the Sea Gulls to Virginia Beach in 1986. She began to study and practice Metaphysical principles at the Edgar Cayce Institute focusing on the Breath better known as Prana for her own healing and spiritual development. In 1994 she attended a womens‟ seminar, “Tapping the Power Within,” facilitated by Iyanla Vanzant where she was introduced to African Spirituality. Her father told her that her Ancestors were from Dahomey so she focused her studies in Vodoun and Ifa Orisa Tradition.

Destiny was upon her to become a healer, but there was a very long road ahead of her to first Heal the Healer. 1995 completed Reiki training. In 1997 she graduated as a Breathwork Facilitator. (continued on

the top of next page.)

7

Agenda

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TIM

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EN

D

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Wed

nes

day

, Ju

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18

Esp

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3:00

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5:

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Wed

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18

Ballr

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5:30

pm

6:

30p

m

Wed

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day

, Ju

ne

18

Po

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6:30

pm

10

:30p

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Th

urs

day

, Ju

ne

19

Esp

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8:00

am

9:30

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9:

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Mo

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8:30

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9:30

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Th

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Mo

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9:30

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11:3

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8:00

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9:30

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12

Yèyé OlaOsun

Dr. OlaǪșun V. Lakesin, affectionately called Yèyé, has 40+ years experience in the Òrìșà‟Ifa religion. She has initiations to Òrìșà Ǫșun (1986 under the Epega Lineage), Ogboni, Egungun and Itefa. An educator, speaker, and therapist, Dr. Lakesin is an accomplished writer and author of the book entitled, “Ǫșun, Iya Mi Omi O”.

Dr. Lakesin joined the Òrìșà‟Ifa movement in the early 1970‟s and has sat at the feet of esteemed elders Poncho Mora, Metahochi Zannu, Oba Adefunmi Oseirgeman, Afolabi Epega, and Mama Keke; legendary pioneers and cornerstones of Òrìșà worship for African Americans. With the encouragement and advisory mentorship of Metahochi Zannu, Dr. Lakesin successfully I ntroduced the worship of Òrìșà to the Nashville, Tennessee community earning the title of Yèyé. During those early days, a select few embraced the virtues of “Isese” (indigenous tradition) and apprenticed under Yèyé‟s tutelage into the deeper mysteries of Òrìșà‟Ifa. These protégés have since entered the Igbodu Itefa‟Orisa and continue commitments of service to the Òrìșà‟Ifa community.

Yèyé‟s philosophy predicates on five principles: moral fortitude, sincerity, consistency in practice, critical thinking and dedication to serious study. Yèyé‟s academic accolades include the BA in African American/West African History, MA (thesis) in Clinical Psychology, Fisk University, the EdS in Curriculum Instruction and the „earned‟ EdD in Educational Leadership. Having visited and studied in Yorubaland several occasions and because of her devotion to teaching the religion and commitment to community service, Elder Babalawos of the Ifa Ibudu Shrine at Isara‟Remo awarded Dr. Lakesin the chieftaincy title of Iyanifa of Isara‟Remo, Nigeria.

Unafraid of change for the better, Yèyé advocates that we “Judge others sparingly.” Viewing herself a collection of “Feminine Values Laced in the African American Experience” Yèyé‟s often says, “The more I come to know, the more I know I need to learn.” Dr. Lakesin heads the Assembly of African Spiritual Redemption an organization focused on traditional theology and ethics and is currently working a second edition of her Author‟s Preferred Edition of the Òrìșà Ǫșun book .

2014 OIDSI Speakers

9

Agenda

Sat

urd

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Jun

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T

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(continued) Over time, habitual patterns of restricted breathing begin to interfere with the sensitivity of the Innate Breath and its ability to respond to our ever-changing inner and outer environments. These restricted breathing patterns eventually block or impair the adaptability of the innate intelligence of the Breath. Although still present, it now exists in a quiescent state. It is through Conscious Connective Breathing we begin to dismantle restrictive breathing patterns caused by traumas, chronic stress and suppressed emotions.

2014 OIDSI Seminars

UNDERSTANDING ORI AND EGBE: THE KEYS TO PERFECT ALIGNMENT (Speaker: Chief Obafemi)We will take a deeper look into the meaning of proper alignment of self, balance of the head and heart mental, spiritual, and emotional equilibrium. Baba Femi has recently began a spiritual collaboration with Folson State Prison. He will discuss how the many letters he has already received from the Brothers denotes the Egbe is the spirit of connectivity within minor and major Egbes.

10

2014 OIDSI Seminars GENERAL SESSION: AFRICANS AND AFRICAN AMERICANS WITHIN IFA AND INDIGENIOUS SYSTEMS (Speaker: Chief Obafemi)We will go in depth into the diaspora‟s influence to

reinvent tradition, the psychological effects of the real June Teenth, the importance of indigenous spirituality from an African American perspective, and the protocol to expand. Understanding Ori and Egbe: The Keys to Perfect Alignment. We will take a deeper look into the meaning of proper alignment of self, balance of the head and heart mental, spiritual, and emotional equilibrium. Baba Femi has recently began a spiritual collaboration with Folson State Prison. He will discuss how the many letters he has already received from the Brothers denotes the Egbe is the spirit of connectivity within minor and major Egbes.

THE DAGARA, ANCESTRAL WISDOM & YOU (Speaker: Iya’lorisha Omitola )

At the center of the cosmology of the Dagara people of southern Burkina Faso are Ancestors. It is fire from whence they come and where they reside. Ancestors to the Dagara are an invisible community upon whom they rely for assistance, direction and are the precursors, the harbingers for the fulfillment of their destinies. We will explore the notion of Ancestors from a Dagara perspective: beyond candles, incense and fresh water.

PERCEPTIONS, DELUSIONS, DENIALS, REALITY AFRICAN AMERICAN AB‟ORISA AND THE LEGACY OF HOODOO (Speaker: Yeye Dr. OlaOsun) My presentation will focus on the African American historical experience in Orisa‟Ifa, the relevance, importance and validity of rituals in reconnecting us to our African selves. How connected or disconnected are we really? Now that we can cross the Atlantic and renew the ways of our fore bearers, and embrace that “ole time religion,” what do we do with the stuff that „got us over’ when we “had to make a way out of no way”? We will dialogue candidly about how and to what extent the historical folkloric traditions as experienced by and of our ancestors affect our perceptions, our ego and pride. We will unearth the unmarked memories and examine the merits of Hoodoo and Conjuration. We will critique and captivate the usefulness and uselessness as a cultural value to disregard, an „embarrassment‟ for many, a joke for some, a source of shame to be hidden under the radar. We will examine dusty references and academic research, resurrect memories of our personal reflections of the conjurers within our own families, long forgotten and discuss the practicalities of resurrection or burial.

“LETS BREATHE” CONSCIOUS CONNECTIVE BREATHWORKThe Innate Intelligence of the Breath (Speaker: Chief Osunlabake) There is an innate wisdom, or intelligence within our Natural Breath. Our Innate Breath is a delicately sensitive barometer that monitors our physical, emotional, and mental environments. It not only reflects our physical and mental states, but also responds to them by adopting specific modes of breathing to meet the intricate needs of both the body and mind. (continued on the

top of next page.)11

2014 OIDSI Seminars

GIVE ME MY STUFF BACK; THE RESURRECTION OF TRADITIONAL FEMALE AUTHORITY and MATRIARCHAL ORDER (Speaker: H.E Aina Olomo) An activist is a healer of society, the spark that ignites social change; issues addressed by activists inform learning and improve our spiritual insight. American-born priestesses and devotees of traditional African religions are by construction and history activists. Every practitioner attempts to heal herself and her family from the social injustices of the past. History is the backdrop for the ubiquitous relationship between an activist and their cultural and spiritual restoration. As part of the people‟s mending process, new identities and archetypes must be resurrected and new ones designed.

This seminar will familiarize participants with female characters, duties and structures since every stage of a woman‟s life deserves celebration and recognition by her community. One fundamental principle guiding this journey is the retrieval of gender equality from examples of female rulers of the past. It is time for women to create “new” African mythologies. Our goal is to present examples of female-friendly contexts that will enhance the spiritual and cultural lives of women practicing an African Traditional Religion.

IFA, NARRATIVE, VOICE AND SPIRIT (Speaker: Dr. Wade Nobles) In this keynote address, Dr. Wade Nobles, Ifagbemi Sangodare, Kwaku Berko I, Bejana, Onebunne, will discuss Skh as an advancement in the “Science of the Spirit”, ergo Pan African Black Psychology. He will explore the critical need to rescue an African narrative and put forth the utilization of an African Voice in achieving the status of a living Spirit, Orisa. The importance of reclaiming the logic and language of traditional African spiritual systems, i.e., Ifa, Vodun, etc. will be evidenced as a method for “walking in the world” as Divine Beings with an African face.

THE SACRED GEOMETRICAL CONSTRUCT OF THE UNIVERSE AND HOW CONCIOUSNESS COMES INTO FORM (Speaker: Baba Ṣàngódaré Fágbèmí) The lecture will focus on the mystical/magical aspects of mathematics and how it expresses itself in nature, science, art, architecture, and religion.

LUNCHEON RECEPTION TOPIC: HERBS AND HEALING (Speaker: Iya Oyadele)

Will cover herbal and nutritional protocols to support a healthy nervous system, communing with herbs, and becoming “The Seer”. Actions, Energetics, and Contraindications with Botanicals. Association between diet, nutrition and mental illness. Alternative strategies to antidepressant and anxiolytic medications. MALE ORISA CLASS . FEMALE ORISA CLASS

(Speaker: Baba Obaniyi) . (Speaker: Priest Class OIDSI) In each class, learn about the science and ritual of tapping into you as YOU are the consecrated implement. Information about their attributes will be shared regarding how to work and live in harmony with the male/ female Orisa energy as it exist in our inner and outer worlds.