Comments for Roots and Rooted

Comment on African and Caribbean Martial Arts List by wing chun training

wing chun training — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:28:07 +0000

Thank you very much for this post, Its great to see different martial arts across Africa. Its got me thinking that through so many years martial arts across the world have developed across similar lines.

Its amazing to see the cultural differences between the martial arts. However the common theme seems to be that there where an oppressed people who sought to defend themselves the best way they can.

Great martial arts and history lesson…

Comment on Santeria Lives on in the District by Baba Egunjobi

Baba Egunjobi — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:55:28 +0000

I am trying to find out where these kinds of workshops or activities are in the city. I don’t really know how to find this out, is there anyone that could point me to a site or a social networking group to allow me to join and possibly participate?

Comment on Interview with Awo Owolabi, Son of the Araba by mahamed

mahamed — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:32:41 +0000

l need talk to babalawo , l from brasil l need to look eyo owo . tank you . my ingles is bed sorry but l can espk

Comment on A Response to the Accord of the Oba Oriate by Egbin Leti

Egbin Leti — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:19:23 +0000

I reject this racist and stupid “Accord” with every fiber of my being!
It is a blasphemous insult to Eggun (at least to mine!), and their memory! To speak of the conditions currently existing in Nigeria, and the rest of Africa without having been there, or consideration of political realities is beyond assininity!!!! Christianity and Islam have gained many converts, as they have all over the world; in many cases at the point of a gun and/or sword, or through covert propaganda and insidiuos means!

All traditions that have roots in the motherland should acknowledge and respect Africa, not only as the birthplace of those traditions, but of humanity itself!!!! We should be moving to reconnect with those elders that have maintained this ancient wisdom in spite of Christian and Islamic unslaughts to demean and destroy it!

Comment on The Negative Impact Of Cursing by laila

laila — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:30:10 +0000

I too am going to cut it out.

Comment on Effectively Communicating with the Egun Part 2 by laila

laila — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:22:01 +0000

I grew up without extended family. I always felt alone and like there had to be much more in life. Reading about ancient Egypt during my childhood was interesting to me. Recently I have come to the wisdom of the Feminine energy and have begun communicating with my ancestors. I believe they are trying to reach me in many ways, sometimes using my first born child. I was advised to pour water, gen and something sweet into the ground when speaking to my ancesteors. Why is this, particularly the gin?

Comment on A Debt Paid In Full: Latin & African-American Relations within the Orisa Community by Egbin Leti

Egbin Leti — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:50:26 +0000

I am aware of African American brethren that were indeed excluded and disrespected! One case in particular, many many years ago was when some African Americans were asked to leave Pancho Mora’s residence because there were wearing “Traditional African” clothing! Which I felt was bizzare, as well as insulting! This same individual would also speak about so called “Puerto Ricans” like a full blooded racist white man, when he was overtly “MULATO”, mixed between black and white!

It is interesting that for a majority of white Cubans and their mixed bretheren, African Americans are too dark! However, I have experieneced some African Americans, as well as Black Cubans and Mulatos, that I am too light skinned to claim the tradition as an ancestral heritage Such are the adverse symptons of internalized racism. Thus, for some I am too dark, and for others not dark enough!
I am not a white boy who converted, but the descendent of Taino, Yoruba and Bakongo who celebrates my heritage bequethed to me by my Eggun!!!!

The mixing of enslaved Africans and Indigenious peoples was not an act of “CHARITY”, as the Taino and other indigenious were not lacking in spiritual/cultural tradions! In fact these traditions were/are very similar, and at war with a common enemy!!!!

Orunmila Iboyu, Iboya, Iboshishe!!!! Awo, Ogbe Ate, aka Ciba Jaguar>

Comment on A Debt Paid In Full: Latin & African-American Relations within the Orisa Community by Ni Bon

Ni Bon — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:19:34 +0000

Nsala Malongo/ Taino Ti

Very good article! You are bringing up very important points and I really appreciate the way that you bring up the EGUN that are working with these latino priests and the need to ensure that the EGUN that are working through the materials (human) are principled and grounded in evolution, progression and true spiritual development. It is vital for any of the African Caribbean traditions to honor, respect and welcome the Older Sister and Brother of the Traditions- AFRICA!

Brother, be aware that the Taino welcomed and embraced the African who came in chains and shared equally of their spiritual understandings and of their plant knowledge and so on.

In mentioning Boukman, we cannot overlook Hatuey! Hatuey was a Taino Casike (chief) who was an very early Resistor to both Spanish intrusion and to the catholic imposters proclaiming religion. Hatuey was burned to death by the Spanish marauders but he refused even in his dying moments to bow down to their false god.
So when we see Boukman, we recognize the same Spirit of Resistance and of Justice and Truth. I agree with you that there is no way that African – Caribbean Traditions can not be political as well as spiritual. Politics and Spirituality are interwoven in traditional society globally.

We see the same racism among Tainos who do not want to acknowledge their own African Egun (the ghosts in their blood) or the influence of Africa upon Caribbean Culture. We also see the christianization of what is being called “Taino Spiritual Practices”.

Thank you for your article.

Comment on ÀJË: The Energy and the Persona by Ayodele

Ayodele — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:17:49 +0000

Im familiar with the culture, thru my training to become initiated into Osun, the Mother of Mothers. I “stumbled” across this site searching for a literal translation of the word Aje for my Christian cousin, a soon to be grandmother. I wanted to provide her and her daughter a little insight to name the expectant parents have chosen for the baby girl due in mid-December. Via Facebook, an underderstanding of intonation is a little difficult to articulate. Understanding the difference between of Aje, the diety of prosperity, and Aje, the Iya mi im curious, and plan to ask her, what inspired her to choose that name. This could be an opportunity to share more about the culture, im going to share this link if she wants to know more, i have to keep in mind that some of our Christian family members ar unwilling or unable to see past many of the negative preconceived notions and perceptions about the culture. Modupe Ase.

Comment on Feeding the Ancestors by Jacquie

Jacquie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:48:05 +0000

Thank you for this insightful article. I have only one question. How does one dispose of the food that was left for the ancestors after the 4 days? Throwing it in the garbage doesnt feel right but I am unsure of how else to deal with it.