Culture is what makes us who we are. It’s what influences our belief systems, mindsets, and day to day life. In addition to traveling for enjoyment and observation, I’ve have had the privilege of meeting some of the best elders, both here and abroad. Baba Dr. Wande Abimbola was appointed as Awise Agbaye, or “spokesperson to the world” for Ifa, by his elders. He hosted my first trip to West Africa (specifically to Nigeria) in 1996 so I could receive some life-saving spiritual work. He holds a PhD and is a former professor, speaking on the Theology, Cosmology, and Belief of the Ifa system, one of the African Traditional Religions of the Yoruba people. As a result of my studies, I’ve spoken at conferences across the United States and Cuba, the first ones requested by him!
Baba Chief Dr. Ogunwande Abimbola, formerly University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Vice-Chancellor.
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.
Professor Dr. Albert J Raboteau II, African and African American Religious Scholar, Henry W. Putnam Professor of Religion, Princeton, University.
Let’s look at travel for a minute…
Travel helps me speak from a place of experience, even if that experience is as a visitor. 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!
Nigeria, and Ghana, West Africa!
Havana, Cuba!
Utuado, Puerto Rico!
Paris, France!
Alaska!
