WHAT IS EGBE IWA?
Egbe Iwa, formerly known as Egbe Iwa Odo’kunrin * Egbe Iwa Odo’binrin, is a year long rites of passage and cultural mentoring program, serving the community since 2002.
Our Yoruba name indicates we are a Society [of young people] of character. With over 100 alumni, and robust community support, Egbe Iwa is excited to welcome applicants for mentors and youth for our 2023-2024 session.
Egbe Iwa is a 501c3 registered non-profit organization.
*All donations are tax-deductible
Your generous donation is tax-deductible and will go towards tuition scholarships, expenses and various essential items that help provide the platform for continued community service. Egbe Iwa knows that you care about our youth as much as we do. We hope you will assist us in this cause. Thank you so much for your consideration!
WHO IS EGBE IWA?
EGBE INU (ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD)
Amma Oloriwaa! (FOunder/ DIrector)
Iya Amma Oloriwaa! is the daughter of Mr. Leon Bryan-Iba’ye and Elder Mrs. Mamie Buncamper. She hails from a long line of powerful women including her great grandmother Mamie “Mama” Warnock- Iba’ye a woman who defied the law teaching Black women how to read and write, and who inspires her to this day.
A Brooklyn, NY native, she is the founder and Alakoso (Director) of Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin * Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin Inc, the society of young men and young women of character, Rites Of Passage Program established in 2002 now affectionately known as Egbe Iwa.
Iya Oloriwaa! is a traditional singer of African music, a trained African dancer, and a designer of the clothing line Brooklyn SkaRunch Hats, LLC. She is a founding member of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc, and Ijo Orisa Yoruba Church,Inc., as well as a member of The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Africa’s esteemed Council of Elders, Inc.
An avid community activist and leader, she has received numerous awards for her tireless and selfless work. She formed Egbe Iwa for the benefit of her 3 children Amma, Kofi, and Oludare, all graduates of the program who are now mentors and workshop leaders. She is the doting and joy filled Gaga (grandmother) of Nnedi- Abena, Drew Moremi, and Amma Oshun Ayo.
Iya Oloriwaa!’s Rites of Passage initiative is the first of its kind and has brought a community of people together internationally and generationally. She is honored to be of service and offer opportunities to give youth tools to ensure a better chance of success in life. Egbe Iwa celebrates and honors their transition to a new life status and affirms their place in the world community at large.
Amma Whatt John
Amma Whatt John is the eldest graduate of Egbe Iwa. She is proud to serve on the board of directors, and contribute her experience as 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 all over the globe.
She was recently featured as 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.
Highlights in her career include guesting as a lead vocalist/co-composer for improvisational funk group, Vinx and the Groove Heroes, lead by genre-bending impresario, Vinx.
Now Amma continues to write, sing, vocal produce and tour, while raising two children with her husband. She is attune to the causes for social justice around the world, and as a board member for several Non-Profit Organizations, seeks to use her voice as a tool for advocacy and allyship around the world.
Laura Ayesha Soaries
Laura Ayesha Soaries is a Texas Born, Brooklyn raised resident of New York City. She is currently a retired Respiratory Therapist after almost 40 years of service. However Laura’s commitment to serving her community started back in High School , where she became an active member of the African Students Association.
This led to Laura’s early work with The East, a well known Brooklyn Cultural arts and Music center. Laura’s exposure to African Dance at The East Led to her becoming a principal dancer with the following African Dance companies: Izulu Dance Theater, Sabar Ak Ru Afrik, Calabash Dance Theater and Kowteff African Dance Company. This led to Laura performing on stages all across the USA and The Caribbean as well as teaching dance to students of Izulu Dance Theater. After retiring from Dance, Laura Ayeshah focused her attention on her Two Children Majida and Akinyele. It is through her desire to pass on
The legacy of community activism and cultural awareness to her children, that Laura became a Parent Board member of Ifetayo Cultural Arts Program where her daughter attended and performed.
This experience turned out to be a training ground for Laura’s eventual work as a mentor and mentor coordinator with Egbe Iwa Rites Of Passage Program and is currently an active Board Member of this program.
Laura Ayeshah is an initiated Iyalosha of Oshun for 31 years and serves as Secretary for Awo Osun the first group to form what is called an Egbe in the New York area. As part of her religious commitment to her community Laura Ayeshah was a founding member of a community prayer circle named The Adura Circle, Laura Ayeshah’s love for her people and hopes for a better world are what gives her the drive to continue to find ways to be of service.
Laura’s motto is “Each Day My Eyes Open With The Gift Of Breath Is An Honor. I Serve With Gratitude.”
Cheryl DB Murphy
Iya Cheryl DB Murphy, is recognized as a Cultural Icon of New Jersey. Cheryl attended Elizabethtown College and Rutgers School of Social Work.
She established Jersey City's largest outdoor cultural Caribbean Carnival Parade Festival which was initiated in 1996. Cheryl established her own consulting business DB Gems and is known as an activist and philanthropist raising funds for various Islands in Caribbean and established the Cheryl DB Murphy Scholarship Fund.in 2002 for high school college bound students. Cheryl is an active member of board for NJPAC New Jersey Performing Arts Center since inception, CABA, Sidewalk University, Egbe Iwa, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, New Jersey Seeds to name a few. Cheryl has received numerous awards for her service and dedication. She is the proud mother of two sons, Christopher and G. Nesta, as well as a very proud Grand mommie of Javon Ali Aaliyah Denise and a host of God Children.
Mandisa Mchawi
Born into the Yoruba/Lucumi tradition and initiated in 1985 by Olusunmi, ibae (Lloyd Weaver) and Adeleti, Ibae (Wambui Mills) Mandisa Mchawi, Osun Moremi has been running Ocha kitchens for 30 plus years. Apprenticing with her ojubona since age 9, Mandisa contends that the kitchen is the heart and soul of the igbodu and has participated in thousands of initiations and ceremonies. Mandisa has worked in youth development for over 25 years and lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Andrea Cleveland
Dr. Dré Cleveland, Your Personal P.O.W.E.R. Coach, is a prolific speaker, author, life coach, and intuitive healer. With over 15 years in the field of personal and professional development, Dré has brought eye opening and intriguing programs and keynotes to various business, educational and social organizations, that tap into the core of who we are as human beings on our personal journeys to self-discovery, self-love, and manifesting our deepest desires. She has also been invited to speak on both national and international stages, sharing the platform with POWERhouse speakers like Bill Walsh, Gary Coxe, and Les Brown. Dré has been featured in the documentary, Head Ladies in Charge, and has participated in various radio shows, including The Jeff Foxx Radio Show, and several events including The New York Black Expo and The Sista 2 Sista Youth Summit featured on Essence.com.
Dré Cleveland
Your Personal P.O.W.E.R. Coach
Igbimo Agbalagba (Elder Council)
Iyalorisa Oseye Mchawi
Iyalorisa Oseye Mchawi was initiated into the Yoruba/Lukumi faith to the Yoruba deity Obatala, on July 24, 1976, by her godparents, Lloyd Weaver and Marjorie Baynes Quinones (Ibae- deceased).
Iya Oseye is intricately involved with several African traditional religious organizations. She is the present, executive director of Ile Ase, Inc., one of the largest African American spiritual families in the US; a founding member, and present executive director of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc. Additionally, she founded and is President of the Yoruba Society of Brooklyn, Inc.
Iya Oseye has worked diligently to raise the awareness of the plight of Yoruba traditionalists here in New York, in Africa, and, in throughout the Diaspora. As a spiritual leader and “godmother” to many, she has organized a disparate group of people from a myriad of backgrounds into a family unit.
Her travels have taken her to Africa several times, but her love of Bahia calls her there again and again. In 1987, Iya Oseye adopted the Candomble house in Salvador, Bahia, called, Ile Iya Nasso Ile Funfun (Casa Branca) as a Sister House, thus, beginning the cultural exchanges between the Yoruba Society of Brooklyn and Orisa traditionalists in Bahia. It also was the beginning of the Annual African Heritage tours to Brazil conduced by Ms. Mchawi.
Some of Iya Oseye’s speaking appearances include the Caribbean Culture Center; the Museum of Natural History; the Interfaith Institute of New York. Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn, NY and Oloshas United Atlanta.
Iyalorisa Oseye Mchawi, currently resides in Irvington, NJ. She is a mother, grandmother and, a great-grandmother. Her daughters and several of her granddaughters are also initiated.
IYALOSA TIMA BAKER
Iyalorisa Tima Baker, Iya Ibeji, Osunlari, Osunlade Amoke, Egbebamike, is an ordained Olorisa of Osun for 48 years. Iya Timais the Chief Olorisa and a founding member of the egbe, Awo Osun. Iyalosa Tima has been a pillar in the religious community, where she heads a large and prominent house of worshippers and shares her liturgical expertise with seasoned priests and new initiates. She is an experiened medium, spiritual advisor, spiritual aesthetician, mentor, and teacher.
In her professional life, Iya Tima’s career spans over twenty years of service to seniors and the intergenerational community. Currently she is working for the Office of the Bronx Borough President's Senior Services, working to improve the lives of the elderly in the borough; ensuring that they receive the support and resources needed to continue to lead productive and fulfilling lives marked by dignity and respect.As a steward of the arts, a preserver of culture and tradition, Iyalosa Tima is a member of the folkloric group Omiyesa, and is an original member of the International African American Ballet and a member of Dance Africa's Council Of Elders.
Nana Kofi Osei Nyo Ababio
Nana Kofi Osei Nyo Ababio is an Okomfo [Priest] to Nana Adade Kofi, dedicated at the Akonnedi Shrine in Kubease Larteh, Ghana. Nana Osei was born into the Akom tradition and trained under the tutelage of [TITLE] Nana Yaw Gyebi Opare I. His mother Nana Akosua Kodia Dunyo Ababio, Okomfohene [Priestess?] of the Banafo Bosumfie II was initiated in 1981. Nana Osei was formally initiated in the summer of 2002. During his training, Nana Osei studied the Abosum [Ancient Spirits] Nana Adade Kofi, Nana Akonnedi Abena, Nana Asuo Gyebi, and Nana Esi Ketewaa. Throughout this period of training, he learned how to prepare traditional medicines essential to healing and uplifting his community. After years of studying ancient indigenous herbalism and spiritual traditions, which included creating teas, herbs, all-natural remedies and spiritual baths, Nana Osei took his acquired knowledge and skills back to the United States. As an Okomfo, Nana Osei learned how to work and communicate with the Abosum. Now based in New York, Nana Osei's mission is to share the knowledge and wisdom of the ancestors and elders with people throughout the African Diaspora to enlighten and improve the world.
Nana Kofi Osei Ababio
Senior Okomfo (Priest)
68 Jay Street, Suite 201 Brooklyn, NY 11201
Info@adadekofi.com
A healthy mind and body are home to a healthy spirit.
IYA Isoke Titilayo Nia
Isoke comes to you as Human and Miracle - abandoned, fostered, shuffled, married (often), birthed and then loved by four new people (Ebony wearing the crown of Sango, Dwana wearing the crown of Yemonja, Sauda wearing the crown of Yemonja, and Ademola wearing the crown of Osun). She witnessed the birth of the only people related to her by blood and known to her that she did not birth (Imani Isoke, Sauda Fayola, Dakari Akil, Subira Tsehi, Dujaun Kaswayn, Taj Khari). You call them grandchildren. She walks in the world today trying to honor those ancesters that she can not name.
Isoke comes to you as an Afrikan* woman - renamed, re - minded, and affirmed by those members of the EAST Organization. It was here that she found the beauty and the confidence that lead her through a world that does not welcome her people -- even today. “It was hard being black. It is an honor to be Afrikan*.”
(* the spelling of this word adopted by above organization to distinguish those Africans [and African ideas] belonging to the continent, but born on lands other than the continent)
Isoke comes to you as Yoruba/Lucumi Priest, Omo Oya - welcomed, saved, crowned, loved and taught by Omo Obatala, Iyalorisa Orisiaye (Oseye Mchawi) and Omo Osun, Iyalorisa Adeleti, ibaye (Wambui Smith). She has been a proud member of this long line of Yoruba/Lucumi family for more years than her crown reveals.
Oya Niyi is Iyalosa to Dr. Tanya Mears (Omo Elegba), Dorothy Labatte (Omo Osun), Amethyst St. Thomas (Omo Oya) and Robert St. Thomas (Omo Elegba) Dr. Yaba Blay (Omo Oya), Ahnisti White-Ayers (Omo Obatala), Nicolas Robinson (Omo Ogun), Amyah Robinson (Omo Elegba), Joy Roberts (Omo Obatala), and Camille Ratteray (Omo Osun). She has also learned the gift of Ojubona and is proud to be Ojubona to Shani Dotts, Naiyah Yisrael, Lumumba Bandele, Whitney Battle-Baptiste, Sonia Ortiz, Kofi Bernard, Nicole Vaughn-Robinson, Zola Mashriki, and Ameenah Payne. She is blessed with several other godchildren who await their crowns.
Oya Niyi is also elated to be a member of Ile Ase (historically named on 4 October 2003). Isoke is also one of the founding members of the Egbe Omo Yansa. She works with our youth as a member of Egbe Inu (the core committee) of the Iwa Odo Kunrin, Iwa Odo Binrin Egbe.
Isoke comes to you as Educator and Writer – having competed her masters degree several years ago-- she has decided to return to school and should be expecting her doctoral degree in the near future. She has been an educator for over thirty years. The first nine of those years were spent in independent schools for children of African descent. Following the directions of Obatala, Isoke resigned her position as the Director of Research and Development at The Reading/Writing Project, Teachers College, Columbia University. In September of 2001 she birthed All Write Literacy Consultants. As the Founding, Director of this consulting organization she continues to travel throughout the United States and abroad, learning and sharing that learning with others who are caretakers and instructors in the world of Literacy.
Isoke is also a writer of poetry, prayer and short story. Along with a collection of her short stories, she has decided to finally begin the work on her memoir, entitled, Where’s Mother?
Isoke comes to you today as the life partner of Omowale Kierstedt. Together they care for each other and their home -- a sacred space for Love and Orisa worship. Her greatest dream is to one day hold in her hands the keys to the Ile Oya Sango Yoruba Temple and Museum and to later hand those keys to at least one of her children before her breathe is gone…
Moferefun Obatala Moferefun Yansa Moferefun Osun Moferefun Sango!
BABA BRUCE Spencer
Babalorisa Bruce E. Spencer, Solagbemi, was initiated by Alfred E. Davis,Omi Toki, (Ibae) and Ojugbona Reginald Brown, Oluyare in the Lucumi tradition. He is a native New Yorker and an active member of Ile Omi Toki.
Baba Bruce is an elder mentor for Egbe Iwa, Inc. He is also president emeritus of the Ijo Orisa Yoruba Church, Inc.Board of Directors, after serving two successive terms.
In 2001, he was registered as ordained clergy in the Yoruba Traditional Faith with the title of Babalorisa by the City of New York, office of the City Clerk. He conducts classes in the songs of Osain.
Baba Bruce is a graduate of the Columbia University School of Social Work, holds a Master’s degree and is licensed. He has worked servicing the homeless, mentally ill and chemically addicted population throughout New York city seeking treatment and transitional housing. Baba Bruce is currently a member in good standing of the National Association of Social Workers and a Notary Public with the State of New York.
Baba Bruce cherishes the support of Egun, Orisa, his family, friends and the Al’Aganju Egbe. He is enjoying being RETIRED.
Iya Melody Capote
Melody Capote was executive director of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute in 2018 following over 30 years of service with the organization. Instrumental in developing CCCADI into a vital institution dedicated to the preservation of African Diaspora culture she has ushered this next chapter with a renewed commitment to advancing racial and social justice for African descendants. Melody brings invaluable institutional memory and has taken on the task of leading CCCADI in new directions that remain rooted in its history as a trailblazer for cultural affirmation. During the pandemics of Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, she implemented the #ArtsGoBlack initiative challenging the arts and culture organizations of NYC, to address the racist practices of their organizations, boards, staff and programs. This campaign birthed the CCCADI Institute for Racial and Social Justice for Arts & Culture in 2020, intended to advocate for an arts and culture ecosystem that is grounded in racial and social justice and cultural equity. She is a Yoruba priestess crowned in 2015 as a daughter of Ochun at the hands of her godmother Marta Moreno Vega. Melody is the proud mother of Jovan and Kailani, bonus mom to Erienne and grandmother to Isabella and Julien.
Princess Iya Adedoyin Talabi Faniyi
(Nee Olayiwola-Olosun) was born into a traditional royal family on Iyadudu Royal Compound Osogbo-Osun State, Nigeria and adopted by Madam Susanne Wenger AKA Adunni-Olorisa over 40 years ago. Since then, she has been trained by different priests, priestesses and a number of new sacred artists to participate in an array of traditional activities including traditional textiles and paintings.
Apart from home training and inborn traditional practices, she received her primary school and secondary education in Osogbo from 1971-1982. She received a certificate in Yoruba Oral Literature from the Department of African Languages and Literature in Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. She then received her Bachelor of Arts (Yoruba) degree from the University of Ilorin in 2001 and a Masters of Arts in African Studies from the University of Ibadan in 2005.
Princess Adedoyin Talabi Faniyi has participated in traditional, cultural and arts activities in Portugal, France, Germany, and Austria where she engaged in numerous art exhibitions with her mother, Mama Adunni Olorisa. She also took part in the cultural exchange program with the Manchester Educational Board in the United Kingdom for the Common Wealth Games in 2002.
She was conferred a chieftaincy title as Yeye Apesin Alabola, Masifa, Ejigbo in 2002. It is in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of traditional religion and culture in Nigeria and the Diaspora that she was honored with Merit Awards by Osogbo National Student Union, Osun State Polytechnic IREE in 2002; Olympia Youth Carnival and Olugun Chapel, Osogbo in 2003; Oyo State College of Education, Department of Yoruba Studies, Oyo in 2007. She also received the Award of Excellence by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Osogbo in 2008 as well as the Ajogbare African Cultural Troupe, the Oludare Cultural Troupe in 2010 and the Salako African Cultural Troupe in 2012.
BABA ANTONIO SANCHEZ
Antonio Sanchez is a veteran of the United States Army as well as the president of the New Jersey Yoruba cultural association. He is an Oba Eni Ori Ate and, as an Oba, has counseled and provided support services and/or rehabilitation services within diverse community settings. Lastly, has dedicated the last 30 years of his life to helping people whether it be religious or personal.
Baba Solomon Mgbejume Omojie
Baba Solomon Mgbejume Omojie (Osundara) is an Ika and Yoruba priest living and working in Lagos, Nigeria. He was born into a family that has been cultivating Olokun in the Edo tradition for the kings of Owa in the Delta state in Nigeria for 500 years. He was initiated to Olokun at 12 years old and is an Ohenren Olokun . Solomon is initiated to Osun and Yemoja with Olukunmi Egbelade, the Baale Yemoja of Ibadan and holds the title Amoja (sash holder) there. He has also initiated to the Orisa Olokun in the Yoruba tradition with Iya Aboshade in Idimu Lagos and later to Obatala, Orisa Oko, Obaluaye, and Oya. He is Baba Egbe having undergone Egbe initiation in both Ibadan and Ilaro. He is an egungun priest, onigelede (initiated in Ilaro by Olori Agberu Gelede) and an Apena of Ogboni and Asugbo. He holds the title of Idion in Osakpeka society of the Edo/Delta people.
He has over 100 students in the US and students in Nigeria as well, while teaching, he also continues to study and visit regularly with his elders.
Solomon brings a wealth of cross cultural knowledge and understanding to his role as a teacher, scholar and priest. He has extensively studied and practiced martial arts and Hindu tantra where he has taken vows. Solomon holds a postgraduate degree in Criminology from Obafemi Awolowo University and is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in the same field. He works in the field of public security for Nigeria and is the author of the chapbook, The Initiate.
iYA dENISE oLA dEJEAN
Denise "Ola" Dejean began her career at the Repertory Theater as a performer and choreographer with The Demi-Gods, under the direction of Joseph A. Walker. She performed with this company at numerous venues including the Negro Ensemble Company, Lincoln Center and Brooklyn Academy of Music. Ms. Dejean joined the Chuck Davis Company as a dancer and teacher. As a dancer, she traveled throughout the continental United States conducting workshops, giving lecture demonstrations, and teaching master classes. Through a National Endowment for the Arts artist funded schools program, she taught classes to senior citizens, the mentally and physically challenged youth, adults and children. Ola holds a Masters of Science Degree from Hunter College in Dance/Movement Therapy. In 1980, Ms. Dejean began singing in the Yoruba/Santeria vocal tradition. She has recorded with Heriberto Dalman, Milton Cardona and Amma Mcken. She has performed nationally, in Boston, California, Pennsylvania, Florida and internationally, in Panama, Cuba, Brazil, and at the Berlin, Germany Jazz Festival. Ms. Dejean was initiated into the priesthood of the Yoruba faith, to the deity Obatala, on December 18, 1982. She is one of the founding members of the Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc. She has been one of the rotating instructors at the Orisa Song and Dance Workshop, which is one of the most highly anticipated workshop events. She currently serves on the Brooklyn Academy of Music Dance Africa’s esteemed Council of Elders.