Dear CIIS Community,
The Center for Black & Indigenous Praxis invites you to join us for an extraordinary end-of-semester event, the Shango Feast Day. Embracing the richness of cultural diversity, this interfaith and multicultural gathering celebrates the spiritual traditions of the African Diaspora.
Shango, the Orisha of Thunder and Lightning in the Yoruba tradition, is a powerful archeytpe known for his strength, courage, and justice. A symbol of resilience, Shango embodies the spirit of equity and decolonization, making this feast a unique exploration into reclaiming and revitalizing Africentric traditions.
Awo Ifadunsin, a dedicated priest of Shango, will guide us through the offering of libation and honors to Shango. In a thought-provoking discussion, Awo Ifadunsin will delve into the essential journey of decolonizing Orisha traditions and illuminating Shango's equity-focused qualities.
The event will feature Arenas Dance Company,Cuban Folkloric dance and music, a repository of cultural wisdom, expressing the vibrancy of the African Diaspora.Join us for an invigorating dance class, immersing yourself in the embodied wisdom of these traditions.
As the evening unfolds, indulge in delightful food and the warmth of community, fostering connections that transcend boundaries.
Come, let's Join together in the spirit of unity, celebrating the diverse tapestry of our community. Your presence will make the Shango Feast truly memorable.
Join us in-Person.
Date: Thursday December 7, 2023
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm PST
Location: Namaste Hall, 3rd Floor
1453 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
To Join Us via ZOOM RSVP Here https://shorturl.at/ejCTW
Date: Thursday December 7, 2023
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm PST
About our Guests Facilitators-
Lou Florez (Awo Ifadunsin) is a diviner and metaphysical reader who facilitates spiritual connectivity and transformational empowerment throughout his myriad roles as a Priest, lecturer, author, medicine maker, and activist.
As a Priest, spiritual adviser, and leader of an Orisha-centered community, Lou (Awo Ifadunsin) has served his temple, students, and clients with poignant care and profound generosity. Lou was initiated into Orisha priesthood (2007-2008) under his godmother Iyanifa Adeloye Ifalade Ta’Shia Asanti and received his Itefa (high priesthood) in Ile Ife, Nigeria (2016).
Lou is an author and creative who recently released his first book, The Modern Art of Brujería: A Beginner’s Guide to Spellcraft, Medicine Making, and Other Traditions of the Global South (2022, published by Ulysses Press and distributed by Simon and Schuster) and his essay “Craft of Witches,” has also been featured in the anthology Poetry as Spellcasting: Poems, Essays, and Prompts for Manifesting Liberation and Reclaiming Power (2023, North Atlantic Books).
Order Lou Florez’s new book now; The Modern Art of Brujeria
Book a reading; www.louflorez.com
Instagram @modernbrujo
_______________________________________________________________________________
Director of Arenas Dance Company
Susana Arenas Pedroso is an internationally recognized Cuban Folkloric and popular (i.e. social) dancer. Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Ms Pedroso began her career in dance at age twelve, studying at La Casa de Cultura de Matanzas and at Cojunto Folklorico Nacional in Havana. She danced professionally for seventeen years in Cuba with popular, folkloric and theatrical performing groups, including Tierra Virgen, Alafia Ire, Oche Olorun, Oriki, Clave y Guaguancó, Oba Wemilere, Rumberos de Cuba, and Raíces Profundas. Since her arrival in the United States in 1998, Ms Pedroso has performed and choreographed numerous pieces that have been exhibited throughout the United States, Mexico, Cuba and Hong Kong with companies such as Omo Ache, Omo Oddara, Ban Rarra, Ire Ile, Alayo Dance Company, Las Que Son Son and Obini Ashe.
A respected cultural bearer, Susana Arenas Pedroso teaches throughout the Bay Area and the country and is responsible for teaching thousands of students. Pedroso and her work has been awarded support from Hewlett 50 Arts Commission, Gerbode Choreography Award, Creative Work Fund, NEFA/NDP, NEA, California Arts Council, Zellerbach Family Foundation and CA$H.