Our Presenters
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.
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.
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
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
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”
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.