Culture is what makes us who we are. It’s what influences our belief systems and our day to day life. I addition to traveling for enjoyment and observation, I’ve spoken about various aspects of African American belief and culture, and have had the privilege of meeting and even studying with some of the best elders, both here and abroad. Baba Wande Abimbola was appointed as Awise Agbaye, or “spokesperson to the world” for Ifa, by his elders. He is a PhD and former professor, speaking on the Theology, Cosmology, and Belief of the Ifa system of the Yoruba people.

In the US, there are elder scholars who also study culture, but more from the diasporal perspective. I was privileged and blessed to meet and delve into Princeton University Professor Albert J Raboteau’s phenomenal lecture, “Balm in Gilead: Memory, Mourning, and Healing in African American Autobiography” at Case Western Reserve University.

Travel helps me speak from a place of experience, even if that experience is as a visitor. Helps me to be better able to teach from a solid point of reference. Check out the pictures, then scroll down to the programming!

Let’s look at travel for a minute…

Whether facilitating a retreat, caring for patients taking a cruise, going to learn more about my culture, or just enjoying, travel is, in my humble opinion, necessary to really learn culture and how important it is to society!