Annually, CCCADI hosts a panel of Lucumi priests (oluwos, oba oriates, and oloshas) for an evening of multi-generational dialogue on the cultural, social, and philosophical implications of the long-standing tradition La Letra del Año or Odu of the Year. All are welcome to participate in this virtual discussion, the first installment of our Sacred Traditions series in 2025!
La Letra del Año or Odu of the Year is a forecast offered to the community as a result of the Lucumi divination ceremony held by a council of babalawos in Cuba. Announced on January 1st, this “reading” provides a sacred blueprint and predictions for the year ahead.
In Yorubaland, the ceremony is usually conducted during the Odun Ifa Festival later in the Gregorian Calendar.
CCCADI’s Sacred Traditions: Letra del Año panel discussion centers the collective wisdom of the Lucumi community in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, in response to this annual tradition. This program is not a divination ceremony nor meant to replace the wisdom and guidance of Lucumí elders and practitioners across the globe who also divine on behalf of their countries, regions, and iles (religious houses and temples) and country-specific associations.
Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage in dialogue throughout the program. To receive the link to the virtual program, you must register in advance.
Este programa contará con un intérprete de español.
Moderator:
Marinieves Alba, Olo Obatala
Marinieves Alba is an organizational development and strategy consultant, cultural worker, and writer born and raised in New York City. She has worked in the international NGO and non-profit sector for over two decades, specializing in issues related to racial and cultural equity in the arts, education, and social justice more broadly. A seasoned trainer and facilitator, Marinieves is an advocate for holistic approaches to capacity building and leadership development and incorporates restorative and contemplative practices, somatics, and non-violent communication (NVC) into her work as an institution builder and coach. She was initiated as an Olo Obatala in February 2001.
Oba Oriate Frank Bell
Frank Bell has been a seasoned Oriate in the Cuban Lukumi tradition for over 26 years. He brings a wealth of comprehensive knowledge of the various song interpretations dedicated to the Orisha from the Afro-Cuban belief system. He is a traditional knowledge keeper through his mastery of the patakis and divination systems integral to the tradition. Mr. Bell is a Bata drummer and a performer of the dance traditions of the varied African based belief systems of Cuba. His expertise is well-known and respected throughout the Orisha community.
Guest Speakers:
Oluwo Joseph Caroll-Miranda
Dr. Joseph Carroll-Miranda is Awo Orunmila Oyekunbikalomi, Olo Oshun based out of Puerto Rico. For the past sixteen years he has collaborated with the Letra de Año of Puerto Rico hosted by the Templo Yoruba Omo Orisha de Puerto Rico founded by Roberto Boluffer Ogunda Lení. Currently he is working with Ancestral Knowledge Systems by establishing an Ancestral Research Network in ways that honor the bodies of knowledge from the Afro-Caribbean ancestors and experience.
Oluwo Raymond Crawford
Raymond Crawford is a NYC born babalawo initiated to Osha and Ifa in the year 1989. He has since received Olofin in the Cuban system and Odu from Ile-Ife, Nigeria ( the source ). He is one of the sixteen chiefs in the court of the Araba of Ile-Ife. He is Chief Bamigbodu Awo Agbaye.
Raymond Crawford is an Oluwo Ifa crowned to Obatala and inititated to Ifa in 1990 in the Bronx.
He has received Olofin in the Cuban tradition and Odu from the late Araba of Ile-Ife. He is titled Chief Bamigbodu Awo Agbaye.
Oba Oriate Danny Rodriguez
Obabi was initiated to Shango on July 12th 1986 from the hands of his Madrina Oloshunde and his Oyubona, Sholanigue. He comes from a family of initiates and his wife and four children are also initiated. He has worked as Oba/Oriate for the last 21 years. He has presided among many ceremonies here in the Tri-State area, all over the US, and abroad. Obabi also holds a Masters Degree in Education, and other certificates such as Latin American Studies and Secondary Ed; Spanish. He has given many lectures and presentations on this tradition at several universities across the United States, including but not limited to Harvard University, Boston University, and Duke University. He currently resides in New Jersey.
